Instant Handvo is a quick and easy version of popular Gujarati snack. This is a no-bake recipe that is made on the stove top. It is crispy on the outside and soft inside.
Handvo is a popular Gujarati snack. It is traditionally made with a batter made with soaked rice, 3 kinds of lentils and veggies. This batter is set aside for 6~8 hours to ferment. Then the batter is baked just like a cake until crispy on the outside and soft inside.
But today I have a much quicker version of this traditional dish. The batter comes together fast and it is cooked in a heavy bottom skillet instead of baking. Also there is no fermentation required.
Ingredients:
This instant handvo uses sooji and besan instead of using rice and lentils. Here are the other ingredients needed for the recipe:
- Flavorings: Green chilies, ginger
- Spices: Ground coriander, cumin, turmeric
- Veggies: Grated veggies of choice. Grated bottle gourd or lauki is generally added to the handvo batter. I didn’t have it on hand, so I used store bought coleslaw mix which is nothing but a mixture finely shredded green & red cabbage and carrot. Using the store bought shortcut made making this dish even easier and quicker.
- Leaving Agents: Yogurt and Baking Soda
Instructions:
- Combine sooji, besan, ground cumin & coriander, ginger, green chilies and salt.
- Add shredded vegetables, oil, yogurt and mix well. If the mixture seems too thick, add water little at a time to make a thick pourable batter. Set aside for 30 minutes.
- When ready to make the handvo, stir in the baking soda into the batter and mix well.
- Heat oil in a cast iron or other heavy base pan on medium heat. Add the mustard seeds, sesame seeds and curry leaves.
- Once the seeds start to splutter, pour the prepared batter into the hot pan.
- Cover and cook on low flame until the bottom is crispy and golden brown, will take about 10~12 minutes. Top of the handvo should be slightly firm at this point.
- Carefully flip over and cook till the other side is crispy and golden.
- Serve hot with green chutney.
Instant Handvo
Ingredients
For Handvo Batter:
- 1 cup Sooji/ Semolina flour
- ¼ cup Besan (chickpea flour)
- 2 ~ 3 Green Chilies, finely chopped
- 1" Ginger piece, finely grated
- 1 cup Veggies of choice, grated (I used shredded cabbage and carrot)
- ½ tsp Ground Cumin
- ½ tsp Ground Coriander
- ¼ tsp Turmeric
- To taste Salt
- 2 tbsp Oil
- 1 ~ 1½ cups Yogurt
- ¼ tsp Baking Soda
For Tempering:
- 1 tbsp Oil
- 1 tsp Mustard Seeds
- 1 tbsp Sesame Seeds
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine sooji, besan, ground cumin & coriander, ginger, green chilies and salt.
- Mix well. Add shredded vegetables, oil, yogurt and mix well. If the mixture seems too thick, add water little at a time to make a thick pourable batter. Set aside for 30 minutes.
- When ready to make the handvo, stir in the baking soda into the batter and mix well.
- Heat oil in a cast iron or other heavy base pan on medium heat. Add the mustard seeds, sesame seeds and curry leaves.
- Once the seeds start to splutter, pour the prepared batter into the hot pan.
- Cover and cook on low flame until the bottom is crispy and golden brown, will take about 10~12 minutes. Top of the handvo should be slightly firm at this point.
- Carefully flip over and cook till the other side is crispy and golden.
- Serve hot with green chutney.
Notes
- Traditionally bottle gourd or lauki is used in this dish. Peel, grate and use instead of the mixed veggies in the recipe.
- Leftover handvo can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Microwave until warm before serving.
To Serve:
Handvo is usually served as a snack, but I found it to be too filling for a snack. I think it can be served as a light meal, but it’s up to personal choice.
Other Gujarati Recipes:
Here are a few Gujarati dishes that you might like:
Linking to Valli’s BM# 110 and don’t forget to check out what my fellow marathoners have cooked up today.
Srivalli
Wonderful dish Pavani..I am still yet to make handvo and here you are making quick versions of that…btw I would have loved Qesar Shrikhand and let me assure you that its not weird at all..lol..
Usha Rao
This is been on my to try list as well. Quick version looks lot easier. Q was a challenging letter to come up with a regional dish.
Kalyani
perfect pick for Q, Pavani… Handvo has been on my to-do list .. bookmarking ur quick version too :))
Srividhya Gopalakrishnan
interesting version. Yet to try handvo.. Will give a try. Good pick for Q
Gayathri's Cook Spot
I have made the authentic version of handvo and this seems like a really quick version. It looks awesome..
Suma Gandlur
I have made the baked version a couple of times but this instant version is reminding me our dibba rotte. Going to try it later. Your quick version handvo sounds delicious.
Amara Annapaneni
Handvo has been on my to do list, love your quick version. Bookmarked the recipe:)
Priya Suresh
Thats a lovely pick for Q, handvo looks simply fabulous and you nailed this quick version prefectly.
Harini-Jaya Rupanagudi
As Suma pointed out, it definitely reminds me of dibba rotte. A very handy recipe for a quick meal.
vaishali sabnani
Pavani excellent twist to the original handvo . The taste naturally will be very different , but you must try the original one , its delicious . And i amBookmarking this for variation 😀
Smruti Shah
Handvo is a common dinner option at our place. I loved the way you made a quick version of it. Stunning clicks too!
Sapana Behl
Handvo looks so nutritious and filling.Love how beautifully you captured it.
Global Tastes & Travels Inc.
I’ve made the traditional version and it is time consuming but your instant version looks just as delicious
Global Tastes & Travels Inc.
I’ve made the traditional version and it is time consuming but your instant version looks just as delicious
Rafeeda - The Big Sweet Tooth
Love your version of instant handvos. This looks perfect for those chai time snack when nothing seems to register, yet you want something flavorful in less time. Beautiful clicks as usual…
Harini Rupanagudi
Loving this instant version of the handvo. Shall try it out soon.
Srivalli Jetti
The new step by step pictures look awesome Pavani and I really like your new layout of writing recipes..very informative.