What is handvo, and what are its origins in Gujarati cuisine? | હાંડવો શું છે અને ગુજરાતી ભોજનમાં તેનું મૂળ શું છે?

👉 Handvo is a traditional savory cake from Gujarat, India, made primarily from fermented rice and lentil batter. It often includes vegetables like bottle gourd and spices such as mustard seeds and sesame seeds, which give it a distinct flavor and texture.

The dish is typically baked, resulting in a crispy exterior and a soft interior. Handvo is not only a popular snack but also a festive dish often served during special occasions.

Its origins in Gujarati cuisine date back centuries, with influences from both rural and urban cooking traditions. Handvo is celebrated for its nutritional value, combining carbohydrates and proteins, making it a wholesome meal option.

How it is prepared?

Handvo is a savory Gujarati cake made primarily from rice and lentils. Here’s a basic method to prepare it:

Ingredients:

• For the batter:
• 1 cup rice
• ½ cup split urad dal (black gram)
• ½ cup chana dal (Bengal gram)
• 1 cup yogurt
• 1-2 green chilies (finely chopped)
• 1-inch ginger (grated)
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• Water as needed
• For the vegetables:
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (like bottle gourd, carrots, peas) grated or finely chopped
• For tempering:
• 2 tablespoons oil
• ½ teaspoon mustard seeds
• ½ teaspoon sesame seeds
• A few curry leaves

Instructions:

1. Soak the Grains:
• Rinse the rice and lentils together and soak them in water for about 6-8 hours or overnight.
2. Prepare the Batter:
• Drain the soaked grains and blend them with yogurt, green chilies, ginger, turmeric, and salt to form a smooth batter. Add water as needed to achieve a thick consistency.
3. Mix in Vegetables:
• Stir in the grated or chopped vegetables into the batter.
4. Fermentation (optional):
• Let the batter sit for a few hours at room temperature to ferment slightly.
5. Tempering:
• In a pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds. Once they splutter, add sesame seeds and curry leaves. Pour this tempering into the batter.
6. Bake or Cook:
• Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) or grease a pan and heat it on the stove.
• Pour the batter into a greased baking dish or the pan and spread it evenly.
• Bake for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. If cooking on the stove, cover and cook on low heat for about 30-35 minutes.
7. Serve:
• Allow it to cool slightly before cutting into pieces. Serve warm with chutney or yogurt.

Enjoy your homemade handvo!