Handvo Recipe – A Traditional Gujarati Savory Cake

Introduction: What is Handvo?

If you love exploring traditional Indian recipes, then Handvo is a dish you cannot miss! Popular in Gujarati households, Handvo is a savory baked or steamed cake made with rice, lentils, yogurt, and fresh vegetables.

It has a soft and fluffy texture inside, while the outside gets a crispy golden crust. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, evening snack, or even as a light dinner, Handvo is always comforting.

Fun fact: Handvo is often compared to a “desi version of cake,” but instead of sugar, it’s filled with flavors of curry leaves, green chilies, sesame seeds, and a wholesome mix of dals.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Handvo

Here’s a simple ingredient list for making Gujarati Handvo recipe at home:

For the Batter:

• 1 cup rice

• ½ cup chana dal (split Bengal gram)

• ¼ cup toor dal (pigeon pea lentils)

• 2 tbsp urad dal (black gram)

• ½ cup sour yogurt (curd)

• 1 cup grated bottle gourd (lauki/doodhi)

• 1-2 green chilies (finely chopped)

• 1 inch ginger (grated)

• ¼ tsp turmeric powder

• 1 tsp red chili powder

• 1 tsp coriander powder

• 1 tsp sugar (optional, balances flavors)

• Salt to taste

• ½ tsp baking soda or Eno fruit salt

For Tempering (Tadka):

• 2 tbsp oil

• 1 tsp mustard seeds

• 1 tsp sesame seeds (til)

• Few curry leaves

• A pinch of hing (asafoetida)

Step-by-Step Handvo Recipe

Step 1: Soak the Rice and Lentils

• Wash and soak rice, chana dal, toor dal, and urad dal for about 6 hours or overnight.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

• Drain the water and grind the mixture into a coarse paste using little water.

• Add yogurt, grated bottle gourd, green chilies, and ginger.

• Mix in turmeric, chili powder, coriander powder, salt, and sugar.

• Leave the batter to ferment for 6-8 hours (overnight for best results).

Step 3: Add Baking Soda/Eno

• Just before cooking, add baking soda (or Eno fruit salt).

• Mix gently; the batter will become light and airy.

Step 4: Tempering

• Heat oil in a pan.

• Add mustard seeds, sesame seeds, curry leaves, and hing.

• Pour this tempering into the batter and mix lightly.

Step 5: Cook the Handvo

You can make Handvo in two ways:

1. On Stove (Traditional Method):

   • Grease a thick-bottomed pan with oil.

   • Pour in the batter and cover with a lid.

   • Cook on low flame until the base turns golden brown and crispy.

   • Flip carefully and cook the other side too.

2. In Oven (Modern Method):

   • Preheat oven at 180°C (350°F).

   • Pour the batter into a greased baking tin.

   • Bake for 30–40 minutes or until golden brown on top.

Serving Suggestions

1. Serve hot Handvo with green chutney or tomato ketchup.

2. Pair it with a hot cup of masala chai for the perfect Gujarati breakfast.

3. You can also pack it in tiffin boxes as a healthy snack.

Tips for Perfect Handvo

1. Don’t skip fermentation — it makes the Handvo fluffy and flavorful.

2. Add bottle gourd for softness, but you can also use zucchini or carrots.

3. Adjust green chilies and ginger as per your spice preference.

4. Always cut Handvo into square or triangle pieces before serving for that authentic touch.

Why You’ll Love This Handvo Recipe

1. It’s healthy & protein-rich (thanks to rice and lentils).

2. Crispy outside, soft inside – the texture is irresistible!

3. A perfect dish for breakfast, snack, or light dinner.

4. Authentic Gujarati flavors that bring homely comfort.

Final Thoughts

Handvo is not just a recipe — it’s a slice of Gujarati culture that brings health, taste, and tradition together. Next time you crave something savory yet healthy, skip the fried snacks and try this easy Handvo recipe at home.

 Crispy, soft, and absolutely wholesome — once you taste it, Handvo will definitely win your heart!