How to make Delicious Handva

Handvo is a traditional Gujarati savory cake made from a mixture of rice, lentils, and vegetables. Here’s a basic recipe to make handvo:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup rice
  • 1/4 cup chana dal (split chickpeas)
  • 1/4 cup toor dal (pigeon peas)
  • 1/4 cup urad dal (split black gram)
  • 1/2 cup grated bottle gourd (dudhi/lauki)
  • 1/2 cup grated carrot
  • 1/2 cup grated zucchini
  • 1/2 cup chopped spinach
  • 2 tablespoons grated ginger
  • 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 cup yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • Lemon juice (optional)
  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Wash and soak the rice and dals (chana dal, toor dal, and urad dal) together in water for about 6-8 hours or overnight.
  2. After soaking, drain the water and grind them together into a coarse paste using very little water. The consistency should be similar to dosa batter.
  3. Transfer the batter to a large mixing bowl and add grated bottle gourd, carrot, zucchini, chopped spinach, grated ginger, green chilies, yogurt, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix everything well.
  4. Heat oil in a small pan, add cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and asafoetida. Let them splutter.
  5. Pour this tempering over the batter and mix well.
  6. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  7. Grease a baking dish or cake tin with some oil.
  8. Add baking soda to the batter and mix well. The batter will become a little frothy.
  9. Pour the batter into the greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
  10. Optionally, sprinkle some sesame seeds and a few drops of lemon juice on top.
  11. Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes or until the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  12. Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
  13. Cut the handvo into squares or wedges and serve hot with green chutney or ketchup.
  14. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Gujarati handvo!

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