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Handvo is a traditional Gujarati dish that is a delightful combination of savory flavors and a perfect balance of textures. It is essentially a spiced vegetable cake made from rice and lentils, with an irresistibly crunchy top and a soft, spongy interior. A popular dish in Indian households, Handvo is often served as a snack or a main dish, especially during festivals or family gatherings. Its tangy taste and savory spices make it a perfect accompaniment to chutneys or yogurt.
Ingredients
For the Batter:
1 cup rice
1/2 cup chana dal (split chickpeas)
1/4 cup moong dal (yellow split lentils)
1/4 cup urad dal (split black gram)
1/2 cup grated bottle gourd (lauki)
1/2 cup grated carrots
1/4 cup yogurt
1-2 green chilies (finely chopped)
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
Salt to taste
Water as needed
For Tempering (Tadka):
1 tablespoon oil
1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds (til)
1/4 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
A few curry leaves (optional)
1-2 dried red chilies (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Lentil and Rice Mixture:
Soak rice, chana dal, moong dal, and urad dal in water for about 6 hours or overnight.
Drain the water and grind the soaked mixture into a coarse batter using a little water (similar to the consistency of idli or dosa batter). Add a pinch of salt to the batter and let it ferment for 8-12 hours, depending on the weather conditions. If you're in a hurry, you can skip the fermentation step, but fermenting the batter enhances the flavor and texture of the Handvo.
Add Vegetables and Spices:
Once the batter has fermented, add the grated bottle gourd, grated carrots, green chilies, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and sugar (if using). Mix everything thoroughly to form a smooth batter. Adjust the consistency by adding a little water if the batter is too thick.
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a round or square baking dish with some oil or ghee. You can also use a pressure cooker or an appe pan to cook Handvo if you prefer a stovetop method.
Prepare the Tempering (Tadka):
Heat oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds, sesame seeds, asafoetida, curry leaves, and dried red chilies. Once the mustard seeds start spluttering, remove the pan from heat.
Bake the Handvo:
Pour the prepared batter into the greased baking dish. Pour the tempering (tadka) over the top of the batter, making sure it is evenly spread. You can also sprinkle some sesame seeds or cumin seeds on top for added flavor and crunch.
Bake the Handvo for about 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden and slightly crisp. If using a pressure cooker, place the batter-filled dish inside the cooker, cover with a lid (without the weight), and cook on low heat for about 25-30 minutes.
Serve:
Once the Handvo is cooked, remove it from the oven or pressure cooker and let it cool for a few minutes. Cut it into slices or wedges and serve hot with green chutney, tamarind chutney, or a dollop of yogurt.
Tips for the Perfect Handvo:
Fermentation: The fermentation process is key to achieving the soft and spongy texture of Handvo. If you live in a cold climate, place the batter in a warm area or use an oven with the light on to help it ferment.
Vegetable Variations: You can experiment by adding other vegetables like spinach, fenugreek leaves (methi), or peas to make the Handvo more colorful and nutritious.
Spice Level: Adjust the level of heat by varying the amount of green chilies or red chili powder to suit your taste.
Vegan Option: You can skip the yogurt or use a dairy-free yogurt substitute to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
Conclusion:
Handvo is an iconic Gujarati dish that is a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Its crunchy exterior and soft, spongy interior, along with the tempered spices, make it a unique and satisfying meal. Whether you are preparing it for a special occasion or a simple family meal, Handvo is sure to be loved by all. Pair it with a side of chutney or yogurt, and enjoy a bite of traditional Indian goodness!
Source - OhWomen
