Handvo
A savory Gujarati baked cake of rice-and-dal batter with grated bottle gourd, tempered with mustard and sesame seeds — sliceable, hearty, low-spice.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 35 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Soak the rice, urad dal, and chana dal in water for 4 hours
- b.Grind the soaked mixture with yogurt into a thick, slightly coarse batter
- c.Cover the bowl and allow it to ferment in a warm place for 6 hours
TIPUse slightly sour yogurt to speed up the fermentation process and enhance the traditional tangy flavor. - 2
Step 2
- 3
Step 3
- a.Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)
- b.Grease a 9-inch round or square baking dish with 1 teaspoon of oil
- c.Pour the vegetable-batter mixture into the dish and level the top
- 4
Step 4
- 5
Step 5
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Proper fermentation is crucial for a soft and fluffy handvo. Make sure to keep the batter in a warm place.
- 2Squeezing out excess water from the grated lauki will prevent the batter from becoming too runny.
- 3Add the eno or baking soda just before baking to ensure maximum fluffiness.
- 4For a pan-cooked version, use a deep, heavy-bottomed pan. Follow the same tempering process and cook covered on low heat for 20-25 minutes, then flip and cook for another 10-15 minutes.
- 5Handvo stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave before serving.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Replace the dairy curd with a plant-based yogurt like cashew or coconut yogurt to help with fermentation and tanginess.
healthyHealthy
Increase the fiber by adding other grated vegetables like carrots, cabbage, or finely chopped spinach to the batter.
jainJain
Omit the ginger from the recipe. You can add a pinch more hing for flavor.
quickQuick
Use a store-bought handvo flour mix. Simply add water, curd, and vegetables as per the package directions, skipping the soaking and grinding steps.
gluten freeGluten free
To make this gluten-free, omit the suji (semolina). The texture will be slightly denser but still delicious.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Complete Plant-Based Protein
The combination of rice and lentils provides all essential amino acids.
Supports Digestive Health
Natural fermentation creates probiotics that aid in gut microbiome balance.
Heart-Healthy Fiber
Zucchini and carrots provide soluble fiber to help manage cholesterol levels.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is a balanced meal featuring fermented grains, protein-rich lentils, and fiber-dense vegetables with minimal oil.