Handvo – The Healthy Gujarati Lentil Cake

Handvo is a delicious, nutritious, and slightly spicy savory cake made with lentils and rice. Traditionally baked or cooked in a pan, it’s a favorite among health-conscious Gujaratis. Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, it’s perfect for breakfast or dinner!

Ingredients:

For Batter:

• 1 cup rice
  
• 1/2 cup chana dal (split Bengal gram)
  
• 1/4 cup toor dal (pigeon peas)
  
• 1/4 cup moong dal (yellow lentils)
  
• 1/4 cup urad dal (split black gram)
  
• 1 cup grated bottle gourd (lauki / dudhi)
  
• 1/2 cup curd
  
• 1 tsp ginger-green chili paste
  
• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
  
• 1 tsp red chili powder
  
• Salt to taste
  
• 1/2 tsp baking soda or Eno fruit salt
  

For Tempering:

• 2 tbsp oil
  
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
  
• 1 tsp sesame seeds
  
• 1/4 tsp hing
  
• Curry leaves
  

‍ Method:

1. Wash and soak all rice and dals together for 6 hours or overnight.
   
2. Drain and grind into a coarse paste using minimal water. Let it ferment overnight or for at least 6 hours.
   
3. Add curd, grated lauki, ginger-chili paste, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt.
   
4. Just before cooking, add Eno or baking soda and mix gently.
   
5. Heat oil in a non-stick pan or baking dish. Add mustard seeds, sesame seeds, hing, and curry leaves for tempering.
   
6. Pour the batter over the tempering and spread evenly.
   
7. Cover and cook on low flame for 20–25 minutes (or bake at 180°C for 25–30 mins) until golden brown.
   
8. Flip or grill the top if needed for extra crispiness.
   

Tips:

• You can add grated carrot or cabbage for variety.
  
• Don’t skip lauki—it keeps the handvo moist.
  
• Use a non-stick pan for best results if not baking.