Chow Chow Bhath Recipe – Karnataka’s Beloved Breakfast Duo

Chow Chow Bhath is a traditional South Indian breakfast from Karnataka, featuring a harmonious blend of spicy Khara Bhath and sweet Kesari Bhath. This combination offers a delightful contrast of flavors and textures, making it a favorite in many households and eateries across the region.

What is Chow Chow Bhath?

Chow Chow Bhath is a beloved Karnataka breakfast dish combining savory Khara Bhath and sweet Kesari Bhath, often served with coconut chutney. This South Indian delicacy is popular in Bangalore and beyond.

Ingredients for Khara Bhath:

• ½ cup rava (semolina)
• 2 tablespoons ghee
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon urad dal
• 1 teaspoon chana dal
• 10 cashew nuts, halved
• A few curry leaves
• ½ onion, finely chopped
• 1 inch ginger, finely chopped
• 1 green chili, slit
• 1 tomato, chopped
• ¼ cup chopped capsicum
• 3 beans, chopped
• ½ carrot, chopped
• 2 tablespoons peas
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon vangi bhath masala powder
• 1½ cups water
• 2 tablespoons grated coconut
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped coriander
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Ingredients for Kesari Bhath:

• 2 tablespoons ghee
• 7 cashew nuts, halved
• 2 tablespoons raisins
• ½ cup rava (semolina)
• 1½ cups water
• ½ cup sugar
• ¼ cup ghee
• 3 drops yellow food color
• ½ teaspoon cardamom powder

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Instructions for Preparing Khara Bhath:

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee in a pan.
2. Add mustard seeds, urad dal, chana dal, and cashew nuts. Sauté until the dals turn golden.
3. Add curry leaves, chopped onion, ginger, and green chili. Sauté until onions turn translucent.
4. Add chopped tomato, capsicum, beans, carrot, and peas. Cook for a few minutes.
5. Add salt, turmeric powder, and vangi bhath masala powder. Mix well.
6. Pour in 1½ cups of water. Bring it to a boil.
7. Slowly add the rava, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
8. Cover and cook on low heat until the rava absorbs all the water and is cooked.
9. Add grated coconut, chopped coriander, and lemon juice. Mix well and set aside.

Preparing Kesari Bhath:

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee in a separate pan.
2. Fry cashew nuts until golden, then add raisins and sauté until they puff up. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add rava and roast until it emits a pleasant aroma.
4. Boil 1½ cups of water in a separate vessel. Add the boiling water to the roasted rava, stirring continuously.
5. Add sugar, food color, and cardamom powder. Mix well.
6. Add ¼ cup of ghee gradually, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and leaves the sides of the pan.
7. Garnish with the fried cashew nuts and raisins.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve both Khara Bhath and Kesari Bhath side by side on a plate, accompanied by coconut chutney and a cup of filter coffee for an authentic Karnataka breakfast experience.

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Tips for Perfect Chow Chow Bhath

• Rava Quality: Use fine semolina for a smoother texture in both dishes.
• Roasting Rava: Properly roast the rava to enhance flavor and prevent stickiness.
• Vegetable Choices: Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or corn to Khara Bhath for variation.
• Sweetness Level: Adjust the sugar in Kesari Bhath according to your preference.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: Approximately 300 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Proteins: 5g
• Fats: 10g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.