Delicious Gujarati Handvo

Ingredients:

For Batter:

• 1 cup rice
• 1/2 cup split yellow lentils (chana dal)
• 1/4 cup split green gram (moong dal)
• 1/4 cup split black gram (urad dal)
• 1/2 cup yogurt (preferably sour)
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon green chili, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For Tempering:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds
• A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
• Curry leaves

For Vegetables:

• 1 cup bottle gourd (lauki/doodhi), grated
• 1/2 cup carrot, grated
• 1/4 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1/4 cup bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped

Preparation:

Step 1: Soak Rice and Lentils Wash rice and lentils thoroughly. Soak them together in water for at least 4-6 hours or overnight.

Step 2: Grind Batter Drain the soaked rice and lentils and grind them into a smooth batter, similar to pancake batter consistency.

Step 3: Ferment Batter Transfer the batter to a bowl, add yogurt, grated ginger, chopped green chili, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well and let it ferment for 6-8 hours or until the batter rises.

Step 4: Add Vegetables Once fermented, add grated bottle gourd, grated carrot, peas, chopped bell pepper, and cilantro to the batter. Mix well.

Step 5: Add Baking Soda Add baking soda to the batter and mix thoroughly. Adjust the consistency with a little water if needed.

Step 6: Prepare Tempering In a small pan, heat oil for tempering. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, sesame seeds, a pinch of asafoetida, and curry leaves. Let them splutter.

Step 7: Combine Tempering with Batter Pour the tempering into the batter and mix well.

Step 8: Bake or Cook You can either bake the Handvo in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 40-45 minutes or cook it on a stovetop in a covered pan over low-medium heat until the edges turn golden brown.

Step 9: Check for Doneness To check if it's done, insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.

Step 10: Cool and Slice Allow the Handvo to cool for a while, then slice it into wedges or squares.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy Serve Gujarati Handvo warm with chutney or yogurt, and enjoy the authentic flavors of Gujarati cuisine.

Savor the delicious and wholesome flavors of Gujarati Handvo, a savory cake that's a perfect blend of lentils, rice, and vegetables.