Learn how to make the authentic Gujarati Handvo Recipe, a crispy and spongy savory lentil cake made with rice, lentils, and vegetables. This traditional Gujarati snack is protein-rich, healthy, and perfect for breakfast or evening tea.

🥧 Gujarati Handvo Recipe – Crispy & Spongy Savory Lentil Cake

Gujarati Handvo Recipe is a classic from the heart of Gujarat — a wholesome, savory lentil cake that’s crispy outside and soft inside. Made with rice, lentils, curd, and grated vegetables, this traditional dish combines taste and nutrition beautifully.

Perfect for breakfast, lunchbox, or evening snack, Gujarati Handvo is rich in protein, fiber, and probiotics, making it one of India’s most loved vegetarian recipes.

🪴 What Is Gujarati Handvo?

Gujarati Handvo is a fermented savory cake made from rice and mixed lentils (dal). The batter is fermented overnight, then mixed with grated vegetables such as bottle gourd, carrot, and cabbage. It’s then cooked or baked with a tempering of sesame and mustard seeds that gives it a golden, crunchy crust.

This dish is traditionally cooked in a handvo cooker but can also be baked in an oven. It’s a must-have in Gujarati households and is usually served with Coriander Chutney or Sweet Tamarind Chutney.

🥘 Ingredients for Gujarati Handvo Recipe

🌾 Base Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice

• ½ cup chana dal

• ¼ cup urad dal

• ¼ cup toor dal

🥕 Vegetables:

• 1 cup grated bottle gourd (lauki)

• ½ cup grated carrot

• ¼ cup chopped coriander

• 2 tbsp green chili-ginger paste

🧂 Spices & Add-ins:

• ½ tsp turmeric powder

• 1 tsp red chili powder

• 1 tsp roasted cumin powder

• Salt as required

• 1 cup curd

• ½ tsp baking soda (before cooking)

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

🔥 Tempering for Gujarati Handvo Recipe

• 2 tbsp oil

• 1 tsp mustard seeds

• 1 tsp sesame seeds

• A pinch of asafoetida (hing)

• Few curry leaves

🧄 Step-by-Step Gujarati Handvo Recipe

Step 1: Soak and Ferment

1. Wash and soak the rice and dals together for 6 hours.

2. Grind with curd into a coarse, thick batter.

3. Let the batter ferment overnight (8–10 hours).

Step 2: Add Vegetables and Spices

1. Add grated lauki, carrot, coriander, and chili-ginger paste.

2. Mix turmeric, chili powder, cumin, and salt.

3. Just before cooking, add lemon juice and baking soda.

Step 3: Temper and Cook

1. Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or handvo cooker.

2. Add mustard, sesame, hing, and curry leaves.

3. Pour batter, cover, and cook on low flame until golden and crispy (20 mins).

4. Flip and cook the other side (or bake at 180°C for 35–40 mins).

Step 4: Serve Hot

Serve the Gujarati Handvo hot with Mint Chutney or Sweet Mango Pickle.

🍴 Serving & Plating Tips

• Cut into diamond or square pieces and serve with green chutney.

• Sprinkle roasted sesame seeds before serving for a traditional touch.

• Serve with a side of Masala Chai for an authentic Gujarati breakfast experience.

🧊 Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Store for up to 3–4 days in an airtight box.

• Freezer: Batter can be frozen for up to a month.

• Reheat: Use a tawa with a few drops of oil for crispness.

🌿 Health Benefits of Gujarati Handvo

• High in protein and fiber.

• Fermented, hence rich in probiotics.

• Low in fat and ideal for diabetic or weight-watch diets.

• Packed with vitamins from bottle gourd and carrots.

For more on lentil-based vegetarian protein sources, check this Healthline article (DoFollow).

💡 Expert Cooking Tips

1. Add semolina for extra crispness.

2. Do not overmix after adding baking soda.

3. Use a cast-iron skillet for authentic texture.

4. To make instant Handvo, use ready-mix Handvo flour and eno salt.

📊 Quick Facts

📚 UseFull Links

• Khaman Dhokla Recipe

• Patra Recipe (Alu Vadi)

• Thepla Recipe

• Learn about Handvo variations on NDTV Food

• Nutritional profile of lentils from Healthline

❓ FAQs – Gujarati Handvo Recipe

Q1: Can I make Gujarati Handvo Recipe without fermentation?
Yes! Use eno fruit salt before cooking for instant fermentation.

Q2: What vegetables can be added to Handvo?
Bottle gourd, carrot, zucchini, spinach, and cabbage all work well.

Q3: Can I bake Handvo instead of pan-cooking?
Yes, bake at 180°C for 35–40 minutes until golden and crisp.

Q4: How do I make Handvo crispy?
Use a cast-iron skillet, less water, and medium flame for perfect crust.

Q5: Is Gujarati Handvo Recipe healthy for weight loss?
Yes, it’s rich in fiber, low in fat, and keeps you full longer.

🧭 Conclusion

The Gujarati Handvo Recipe is a gem from India’s western kitchens — wholesome, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. Whether baked or cooked traditionally, this lentil cake delivers a perfect balance of crunch and softness.

Author: Bhima’s Cook (Verified)
About Author: Bhima’s Cook is an award-winning vegetarian food creator specializing in traditional and modern Indian recipes. With deep roots in Gujarati and South Indian culinary traditions, Bhima brings authentic flavors to global kitchens while maintaining health and sustainability values.