Mastering the Art of Gujarati Handvo Recipe: A Savory Delight

Introduction to Gujarati Handvo Recipe

Gujarati handvo is a beloved traditional dish from the state of Gujarat in India. Known for its savory and spicy flavor, handvo is a type of steamed cake made from a mixture of rice, lentils, and vegetables. It’s often enjoyed as a snack or breakfast item, paired with yogurt or chutney. In this guide, we’ll explore the traditional Gujarati handvo recipe and how you can make this delightful dish at home.

Ingredients for Gujarati Handvo Recipe

To prepare an authentic Gujarati handvo, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup rice – Wash and soak for 4-6 hours.
• 1/4 cup chana dal (split chickpeas) – Soak for 2-3 hours.
• 1/4 cup urad dal (split black gram) – Soak for 2-3 hours.
• 1/2 cup bottle gourd (lauki), grated – Squeeze out excess water.
• 1/2 cup carrots, grated – Squeeze out excess water.
• 1/2 cup curd (yogurt)
• 1 tablespoon ginger-green chili paste
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon oil
• Salt to taste
• Chopped coriander leaves for garnish

Preparing the Gujarati Handvo Mixture

1. Grind the Dal and Rice: Drain the soaked rice, chana dal, and urad dal. Using a blender, grind them into a coarse batter, adding a little water if necessary. The consistency should be slightly thick, similar to a pancake batter.
2. Mix in Vegetables and Spices: In a large bowl, combine the ground batter with grated bottle gourd, carrots, curd, ginger-green chili paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well to ensure that all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Prepare the Tempering: Heat oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds, and let them splutter. Once they start popping, pour the tempering into the batter mixture. Stir well to incorporate the spices into the batter.
4. Add Baking Soda: Just before steaming, add baking soda to the batter and mix well. This will help the handvo rise and become fluffy.

Cooking the Gujarati Handvo

1. Prepare the Steaming Setup: Grease a round or square cake tin or a steaming dish. Pour the batter into the prepared tin, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
2. Steam the Handvo: Place the tin in a preheated steamer or a large pot with a steaming rack. Cover and steam on medium heat for about 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The handvo should have a golden-brown crust on top.
3. Check and Cool: Once cooked, remove the tin from the steamer and let the handvo cool for a few minutes. Then, carefully remove it from the tin and cut into pieces.

Serving the Gujarati Handvo

Gujarati handvo is best enjoyed warm. Serve it with a side of yogurt, green chutney, or pickle for an authentic experience. This savory snack can be a perfect breakfast item or a delightful tea-time treat.

Tips for Perfect Gujarati Handvo Recipe

• Consistency of Batter: Ensure that the batter is not too runny. A thick batter will result in a denser handvo, which is ideal for this recipe.
• Vegetable Variations: You can experiment with other vegetables like spinach or beans to add variety to your handvo.
• Tempering Options: For extra flavor, consider adding sesame seeds or curry leaves to the tempering.

Conclusion

The Gujarati handvo recipe is a wonderful representation of traditional Indian cooking. With its blend of spices, vegetables, and legumes, this dish is both nutritious and delicious. By following the steps outlined above, you can bring a taste of Gujarat into your kitchen and enjoy this savory treat anytime. Whether for breakfast or as a snack, handvo is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Feel free to customize the recipe and add your personal touch to make it even more special. Enjoy the process and the delectable results of your homemade Gujarati handvo!