Authentic Gujarati Handvo Recipe

Make Handvo: Nutrition and Flavour Packed in a Dish

Are you bored of having the usual upma and poha for breakfast? Then you should switch it up with this flavour-packed Gujarati delicacy! Handvo, a savoury cake made with fermented lentils and rice batter, is one of the most nutritious dishes. It is high in protein and healthy carbohydrates and makes a well-balanced meal. In addition, the crispy golden crust and the soft crumb inside will make you go crazy for its incredible, unique texture. And you know the major highlight of this cherishable meal? You can customise it according to the ingredients you have in your hand! Also, handvo can be made on a stove like a pancake or can be baked in an oven. Seems easy, right? Then, learn how to make Gujarati handvo by following this simple recipe!

Try Out the Delectable Gujarati Handvo Recipe

Many people tend to avoid making handvo at home thinking it is a troublesome job. But that’s not true! Once you have everything prepared, making this hearty dish for your kids and family won't take much of your time. This recipe is ideal for school lunch; you can even pack it for your office.

Ingredients Required

With the following measurements, you can make Gujarati handvo for 4-5 people. If we exclude the soaking and fermentation time, it will take only 10 minutes of prep time. Go through this list of what you need to make this scrumptious meal.

Following are the ingredients that you will have to soak for a few hours:
• ½ cup chana dal
• ¼ cup toor dal
• ¼ cup urad dal
• ¼ teaspoon fenugreek seeds
• ⅓ cup curd

For preparing the batter:
• ½ cup grated carrot
• ½ cup grated bottle gourd
• Roughly chopped coriander
• 1 teaspoon ginger garlic paste
• 3 chopped green chillies
• ½ teaspoon asafoetida
• Salt as per taste
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
• ½ teaspoon chilli powder
• 1 packet of Eno (in case you do not ferment the batter)

Here are the ingredients for tempering:
• 1-2 tablespoon oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
• Few curry leaves

Steps to Follow:

Have you gathered all the ingredients? Now it's time to learn how to make handvo at home. Follow these steps to create a protein-rich, flavorful meal.

Step 1: Soak the Lentils and Rice

Take a bowl and add rice and all the lentils, including chana, tuar, and urad dal. Rinse them well until the added water becomes clear. If you are unable to find toor dal in your area, you can substitute it with masoor dal. Now, add fenugreek seeds to the same bowl with all the other ingredients and let them soak overnight or at least 4-5 hours. 

Step 2: Grind and Ferment the Batter

Once soaked, drain the water and add the lentils and rice into a mixer grinder along with curd and water to form a smooth paste. Transfer the batter to a bowl and whisk it for a few minutes. Cover the mixture with a plate or a cloth and place it in a cool, dry place for 6-8 hours.

Step 3: Add all the Veggies and Spices

After the fermentation is complete, add carrot, bottle gourd, and all the remaining batter ingredients, such as chopped coriander, ginger garlic paste, and green chillies. Now, it's the turn of spices. Add salt, pepper, turmeric, and Asafoetida and give it a good mix. Pour in some water to adjust the consistency; it shouldn't be too thick or too thin. 

Optional step: At this point, you can add eno or fruit salt if you do not wish to ferment the batter. Remember to give it a good stir.

Step 4: Time to Cook

On a Stove: To make handvo on a stove gas, heat oil in a kadai or non-stick pan. Add all the tempering ingredients, like cumin seeds, mustard seeds, curry leaves and stir for a few seconds. Once you hear a crackling sound, pour in some batter, cover the utensil, and cook it over low flame for approximately 6-8 minutes. Flip the handvo when the top layer becomes dry and bubbles start forming. Then, cook the other side too for some time.

In Oven: If you want to make a handvo Gujarati recipe in an oven, pre-heat it to 350 degrees. Take a baking pan and grease the sides and bottom with butter or oil. Pour the batter into the pan and top it with the tempering made from the mentioned ingredients. Bake it for 35 minutes, and be sure to check if it is completely cooked by inserting a toothpick in the centre. If it comes out clean, your handvo is ready to be served!

Step 5: Serve & Relish the Dish

Once ready, cut the handvo into pieces and garnish with coriander leaves. Serve it hot with spicy coriander chutney and a tangy tamarind sauce. Enjoy your dish with a cup of piping hot chai. 

Conclusion

Gujarati recipes are popular for their rich flavours and high nutritional value. Handvo is one such wholesome dish that can be easily enjoyed as a breakfast or snack. You can serve it hot or at room temperature whenever you like, as it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. So, do not think much and go to the kitchen and make the Gujarati handvo right away!

FAQs

Can I substitute bottle gourd with other vegetables?

Yes, you can! Handvo is a versatile dish. You can add any vegetables of your choice, such as capsicum, cucumber, corn, or zucchini.

Should I buy a mould specially for baking handvo in the oven?

There is no need to buy a new mould for handvo. You can use any cake tin or even muffin moulds to make this dish.

Is it necessary to top the handvo with tempering?

While it is not necessary, tempering adds a lot of flavour to the dish and makes it authentic and traditional. It adds to the texture of handvo and also enhances its taste.