Handvo Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice flour
- 1/2 cup besan (gram flour)
- 1/2 cup semolina
- 1 cup yogurt
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
- 1/4 tsp asafoetida
- 1/2 cup grated bottle gourd
- 1/4 cup grated carrot
- 1/4 cup chopped spinach
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped green chilies
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine rice flour, besan, semolina, yogurt, and water.
- Add salt, turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, and asafoetida.
- Mix well and let rest for 3-4 hours.
- Add grated bottle gourd, carrot, and spinach to the batter.
- Heat oil in a large skillet and add mustard seeds and cumin seeds.
- When seeds start to pop, add cilantro and green chilies.
- Add this tempering to the batter and mix well.
- Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a baking dish.
- Pour batter into the dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and set.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before cutting into squares.
- Serve warm with chutney or pickle.
Special Notes
Handvo is a traditional Gujarati savory cake that's perfect for breakfast, lunch, or as a snack. The combination of rice flour, besan, and semolina creates a unique texture that's both soft and slightly crispy. The vegetables add nutrition and flavor, while the tempering adds aromatic depth. This dish is naturally gluten-free and can be made vegan by using plant-based yogurt. The long resting time allows the flours to absorb the liquid and develop flavor. Handvo is perfect for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days. Serve with mint chutney or tamarind chutney for the best experience.