Skip to content

Handvo – Savory Gujarati Lentil Cake

Handvo is a traditional Gujarati savory cake made with a fermented batter of rice, lentils, and vegetables like bottle gourd. Baked or cooked in a pan, Handvo has a crispy crust with a soft, spongy inside, making it a wholesome meal or snack.

🥗 Health Benefits

  • ✅ High in protein from lentils.
  • ✅ Fermented batter supports gut health.
  • ✅ Nutritious and filling snack or meal.

Handvo – Savory Gujarati Lentil Cake

Handvo is a traditional Gujarati savory cake made with a fermented batter of rice, lentils, and vegetables like bottle gourd. Baked or cooked in a pan, Handvo has a crispy crust with a soft, spongy inside, making it a wholesome meal or snack.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Gujrati food, Indian
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 cup rice
  • ½ cup chana dal
  • ¼ cup toor dal
  • ¼ cup urad dal
  • 2 cups bottle gourd grated
  • ½ cup yogurt
  • 1 tsp ginger-green chili paste
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp red chili powder
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1 tsp eno fruit salt or baking soda
  • Salt to taste
For Tempering:
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds
  • 6 –8 curry leaves

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Soak rice and dals for 6 hours, grind into a coarse paste.
  2. Ferment overnight with yogurt.
  3. Add grated bottle gourd, spices, and eno. Mix well.
  4. Heat oil in a baking dish/pan, add tempering. Pour batter.
  5. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 35–40 mins or cook on low flame until crispy outside.

Notes

🍽️ Serving Suggestions
  • Serve hot with green chutney or pickle.
  • Enjoy as breakfast, tea-time snack, or light dinner.
 
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I skip bottle gourd?
A: Yes, substitute with zucchini, carrots, or cabbage.
Q: Can I make Handvo without oven?
A: Yes, it can be cooked on stovetop in a heavy pan with lid.
Q: Why is my Handvo dense?
A: Ensure proper fermentation and add eno just before cooking.