Handvo Recipe – How to Make Traditional Gujarati Handvo

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• For Handvo Batter:

  • 1 cup rice

  • 1/2 cup chana dal (split Bengal gram)

  • 1/4 cup urad dal (split black gram)

  • 1/4 cup toor dal (split pigeon pea)

  • 1/2 cup grated bottle gourd (lauki)

  • 1/2 cup yogurt

  • 2-3 green chilies (finely chopped)

  • 1 teaspoon ginger paste

  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder

  • Salt to taste

  • 1 teaspoon sugar

  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

• For Tempering:

  • 2 tablespoons oil

  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds

  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

  • A pinch of asafoetida (hing)

  • Few curry leaves

  • 1 dry red chili

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Handvo Batter

1. Rinse the rice and all dals (chana dal, urad dal, and toor dal) thoroughly. Soak them in water for 6-8 hours or overnight.

2. Drain the water and grind the soaked mixture into a smooth batter using a blender. Add yogurt and let the batter ferment for 6-8 hours.

3. Once fermented, add grated bottle gourd, green chilies, ginger paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, salt, and sugar. Mix well.

4. Just before cooking, add baking soda and stir gently.

Step 2: Tempering the Batter

1. Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds. Once they splutter, add sesame seeds, asafoetida, curry leaves, and dry red chili. Stir for a few seconds.

2. Pour half of this tempering into the Handvo batter and mix well.

Step 3: Cooking the Handvo

1. Preheat a pan or an oven at 180°C (350°F). If using a pan, grease it with oil.

2. Pour the prepared Handvo batter into the greased pan or oven tray. Spread it evenly.

3. Add the remaining tempering on top of the batter.

4. Cover the pan with a lid and cook on low heat for 30-35 minutes, or until the Handvo turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

   • For oven: Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top becomes crispy.

Step 4: Serve Handvo
Let it cool slightly, then cut into pieces. Serve warm with green chutney or ketchup for an authentic Gujarati experience.

Tips for Perfect Handvo:

• You can also add vegetables like carrots or cabbage for extra flavor and nutrition.

• Adjust the spiciness by adding or reducing the number of green chilies.

• Handvo can be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days and reheated before serving.

Conclusion:

Handvo is a delicious, nutritious, and traditional Gujarati savory cake that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dinner. This protein-packed dish is filled with the goodness of dals and veggies, making it a healthy and filling option. Try this Handvo recipe at home, and let us know your experience in the comments below!