Bisibelabath

This is a one pot meal that is wholesome and can be made with any number of veggies on hand. it is quite delicious served with some papads and pickle. It is comfort food to many South Indians! I have tried several variations of this rice and each time it is a hit at my place. here is my favorite version of Bisibelabath! The ingredients list may seem too long, but it is so easy to prepare. The spice powder can be made ahead in bulk and stored for future use..

Ingredients
Rice - 2 cups
Toor dhal- 1 cup
Vegetables - peas, carrot, beans, potatoes, brinjal, drumstick - a total of two cups chopped (can be replaced with any veggies of choice)
Turmeric powder- ¼ teaspoon
Asafoetida- ¼ teaspoon
Shallots/Onions - ½ cup
Tomatoes - 2 diced
Garlic - 6 cloves (optional)
Green chillies- 3
Sambar powder- 1 teaspoon (optional)
Tamarind extract - 1 teaspoon or juice from tamarind of lemon size
Ghee - 2 spoons
Coriander leaves - 2 tablespoons chopped finely
Oil - 1 tablespoon
Salt to taste

For tempering

Mustard seeds - 1 teaspoon
Urad dhal - 1 teaspoon
Curry leaves - 1 sprig
Ghee/Oil - 1 teaspoon

For the spice powder :
Roast and grind the following -
Toor dhal - 1 teaspoon
Channa dhal - 2 teaspoons
Urad dhal- 1 teaspoon
Coriander seeds/Dhania - 1 tablespoon
Jeera / Cumin seeds - 1 ½ teaspoon
Cinnamon - 2 one inch pieces
Cloves - 5
Peppercorns - ½ teaspoon
Fenugreek seeds - ½ teaspoon
Saunf/Aniseeds - ½ teaspoon
Curry leaves - 1 sprig
Red chillies - 4 or more according to your choice of spice level
Dried Coconut - 2 spoons (optional) can also be replaced with fresh grated coconut

In a saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil and add all the above ingredients and roast it until everything gets toasted. take care not to burn the spices. Allow it to cool and coarse grind the spices in a mixie / spice grinder.

Directions
Cook the rice along with salt and water. Rice:water= 1:2
Cook the toor dhal along with water, tomatoes, asafoetida and turmeric powder. Dhal:water = 1:3
In a large saucepan or in a pressure cooker, heat some oil and saute the shallots or onions. Once they turn translucent, add the green chillies and garlic and saute for a while.
Add all the chopped vegetables and required amount of salt and saute for 3 to 4 minutes. Add the tamarind mixture and a little water. Cover and cook until the vegetables get tender. Add the ground spice mixture and saute for 2 more minutes until a nice aroma is released.
Now add the cooked rice and dhal to this mixture and mix well. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes or pressure cook for 3 whistles.
Meanwhile, do the tempering with ghee/oil, mustard seeds, urad dhal and curry leaves. Pour this seasoning over the rice and garnish with chopped coriander leaves.

Serve hot with some papads or pickle.