Vegetable Handvo Recipe

Vegetable Handvo recipe is a tasty and hearty dish from Gujarat, India! It’s a spiced vegetable cake made from rice and lentil batter, packed with healthy veggies. The flavor is rich, and the texture is unique. You can add different veggies and spices, making it perfect for any occasion!

Jump to:

• What is Vegetable Handvo?
• Why Choose Vegetable Handvo?
• Health Benefits of Vegetable Handvo
• What You'll Need to Make This Vegetable Handvo Recipe?
• How to Make Vegetable Handvo Recipe
• Cooking Techniques for Handvo
• Serving Suggestions
• Flavor Variations and Customizations
• Storing Leftover Handvo
• Make-Ahead Tips
• Pairing Drinks to Pair with Handvo

What is Vegetable Handvo?

Vegetable Handvo recipe is a traditional Gujarati savory cake made from a fermented rice and lentil batter.

It's mixed with colorful vegetables and flavored with aromatic spices like cumin and mustard seeds.

This dish is super versatile! You can enjoy it as a snack, a breakfast treat, or even as part of a main meal.

Plus, the fermentation gives it a tangy flavor while helping with digestion.

Whether it's a festive occasion or a regular day, Handvo always makes for a satisfying and nutritious dish!

Why Choose Vegetable Handvo?

Vegetable Handvo is not only delicious recipe but also super healthy! Packed with fiber, protein, and essential vitamins, it makes for a wholesome meal.

Plus, it's naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for anyone with dietary restrictions.

Whether you're looking for a nutritious snack or a full meal, Handvo has got you covered!

It's tasty, filling, and good for you—what's not to love?

Health Benefits of Vegetable Handvo

• Packed with Vegetables: Handvo includes nutrient-rich veggies like bottle gourd (lauki), carrots, peas, and spinach, adding both flavor and moisture to the dish!
• Protein-Rich: Thanks to the combination of rice and lentils, Handvo is full of plant-based protein—perfect for vegetarians and vegans!
• Good for Digestion: The fermented batter contains probiotics, which help with digestion and keep your stomach happy.
• Low-Calorie Option: It's filling but low in calories, so it's a healthier alternative to fried snacks.
• High in Fiber: The lentils and veggies make Handvo high in fiber, promoting good digestion and keeping you full longer!

Hungry for more? Check out these lip-smacking recipes that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance!

Jeera Rice – Fragrant cumin rice, the perfect sidekick to any curry adventure!
Dal Tadka – A sizzling, spiced dal that warms your soul with every bite!
Paneer Tikka – Smoky, charred paneer that’ll leave you craving for more!
Pulao Recipe – Aromatic, flavorful rice to brighten up your plate!
Palak Paneer – Creamy spinach and soft paneer, comfort food at its finest!

What You'll Need to Make This Vegetable Handvo Recipe?

Key Ingredients -Vegetable Handvo Recipe

Ingredients Breakdown:

• Base Ingredients: The batter needs rice, yellow moong dal, and urad dal. Fermentation makes it soft and tangy, adding great texture and flavor. My mom always says it’s the secret to perfect Handvo!
• Vegetables: Common veggies like bottle gourd, carrots, peas, and spinach are used, but feel free to add your favorites! Once, I threw in sweet corn, and it was a hit!
• Spices: Mustard seeds, cumin, turmeric, ginger, and green chilies give Handvo its bold flavor. These spices are what make it so unique!
• Fermentation: Letting the batter ferment adds airiness and tang—just like magic!
• Tempering/Tadka: A tempering of mustard seeds and curry leaves gives Handvo a yummy, aromatic kick. It smells so good while it’s cooking!
• Optional Add-ins: Add coconut, jaggery, or cashews for extra flavor. Jaggery made it so sweet and savory—amazing!

How to Make Vegetable Handvo Recipe

Step by Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Batter

• First, drain the soaked rice, urad dal, and chana dal, then put them in a blender.

• Next, add a little water to make a coarse batter that’s thick but pourable.

• After that, transfer the batter to a large bowl and mix in yogurt, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt until well combined.

• Then, add grated carrots, chopped spinach, green beans, cabbage, green chilies, and grated ginger, stirring everything together evenly.

• Finally, gently stir in baking powder and baking soda, making the batter a bit airy.

2. Prepare the Tempering

• Meanwhile, heat oil in a small pan over medium heat.

• Once hot, add mustard seeds and let them splutter.

• Then, add sesame seeds, asafoetida, and curry leaves, frying for a few seconds until fragrant.

• After that, pour this tempering over the batter and mix well.

3. Cook the Handvo

• Now, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) or preheat a stovetop pressure cooker without the weight. Grease an ovenproof baking dish or round cake tin with oil.

• Next, pour the batter into the prepared dish and smooth the top with a spatula. If you’re using an oven, bake for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

• Alternatively, for the stovetop cooker, place a trivet or an inverted bowl inside, set the dish on top, cover with the lid (without the weight), and cook on low heat for 40-50 minutes.

4. Serve

• Finally, let the Handvo cool for a few minutes before slicing.

• Serve vegetable handvo recipe warm with yogurt or chutney for a delicious treat!

Cooking Techniques for Handvo

Oven Method

• First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it nice and hot.
• Next, grease an ovenproof dish with oil to prevent sticking.
• Then, pour your prepared batter into the dish and smooth the top with a spatula for an even bake.
• After that, bake for 40-50 minutes until it’s golden and cooked through.
• Finally, insert a toothpick in the center to check if it comes out clean—if it does, your Handvo is ready to enjoy!

Stovetop Method

• If you prefer stovetop cooking, start by preheating your pressure cooker, but don’t put the weight on.
• Next, place a trivet or an inverted bowl inside to lift the dish.
• Then, set your batter-filled dish on top, cover with the lid, and cook on low heat for about 40-50 minutes.
• Finally, check for doneness, and once it’s perfectly cooked, enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

• With Chutneys: Serve your Handvo with mint, coconut, or tamarind chutney for an extra burst of flavor. These chutneys add a tangy kick that perfectly complements the savory Handvo!
• Pair with Tea or Coffee: Handvo goes amazing with a warm cup of chai or coffee! It's a cozy snack for tea-time, perfect for sharing with family or friends.
• As a Meal: Since Handvo is hearty, serve it as a full meal with a side of yogurt or a fresh salad. It’s filling and delicious!
• For Special Occasions: Handvo is a star at festivals and parties! Make it in large batches to share with everyone at your next celebration!

Flavor Variations and Customizations

• Vegetable Variations: Add peas, corn, or spinach for extra flavor! Each veggie brings its own unique texture—spinach adds a nice green bite, while peas make it sweeter.

• Spicy Handvo: Craving heat? Toss in extra green chilies or chili powder for a fiery kick! Sweet Handvo: Want a twist? Add a bit of jaggery for a sweet and spicy combo that’ll surprise your taste buds!

• Herb Variations: Fresh mint or coriander leaves give the Handvo a cool, refreshing flavor—perfect for hot days!

• Vegan & Dairy-Free: Make it vegan by swapping yogurt with lemon juice or plant-based yogurt.

Storing Leftover Handvo

• Freezing Leftovers: Want to keep Handvo for later? Simply slice it up and freeze the pieces! When you're ready, just pop them in the oven or on a pan to reheat for a quick snack!
• Refrigerating Handvo: If you're storing it in the fridge, cover the Handvo with a clean cloth or plastic wrap. This keeps it fresh for up to 2-3 days, so you can enjoy it again soon!

Make-Ahead Tips

Prepare the Batter the Night Before: Want to save time? Simply prepare the Handvo batter the night before and store it in the fridge! The next day, it’s all ready to bake or steam—no hassle! This is a game-changer when you're short on time!

Pairing Drinks to Pair with Handvo

• Masala Chai : First up, a hot cup of masala chai! The spices in the tea match the savory flavor of Handvo perfectly, making it a cozy combo.
• Fresh Fruit Juices : Want something sweet? Fresh orange or mango juice gives a zesty twist, balancing the savory dish.
• Buttermilk or Yogurt Drinks: For a cool and creamy drink, try buttermilk or yogurt drinks—they’ll refresh you while complementing the Handvo’s flavors.

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