Gujarati · serves 2

Handvo

A savoury baked lentil cake. Completely unlike anything else on this list.

60 min A proper cook Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 1 cup rice
  • 1/2 cup chana dal
  • 1/4 cup toor dal
  • 1 cup grated lauki
  • 1/2 cup curd
  • 1 tbsp ginger-chilli paste
  • 1 tsp eno
  • 2 tsp sesame seeds
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 4 tbsp oil

Method

  1. Soak rice and dals together 4 hours, then grind coarse with curd. Ferment 6 hours or overnight.
  2. Squeeze the water out of the grated lauki and fold it in with ginger-chilli, turmeric, salt and sugar.
  3. Tadka of mustard and sesame seeds in oil; pour half into the batter, keep half.
  4. Add eno, stir once, pour into a greased tin. Scatter the remaining tadka on top.
  5. Bake at 180°C for 40 minutes, or cook covered on a low flame 25 minutes a side.
  6. A skewer comes out clean when done. Cut into squares, eat with chutney.

Questions people ask about Handvo

How long does Handvo take?

About 60 minutes from starting to sitting down, and it is a proper cook. A good part of that is unattended, so you can get on with something else once it is going.

What can I use instead of rice in Handvo?

Use any long-grain rice. Basmati needs less water than most, so check the packet before following the ratio here.

Can I make Handvo ahead of time?

You can prepare it a few hours ahead and reheat gently. It keeps two days in the fridge, though it is best on the day.

Is Handvo vegetarian?

Yes, it is vegetarian. It is not vegan as written because it contains dairy; swap the dairy for a plant alternative and the rest of the method is unchanged.

What do you serve with Handvo?

Cut into squares, eat with chutney. It serves two as written. Double everything to feed four, but use a wider pan so the food still browns rather than steams.

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