Step-by-Step Guide to Perfecting Handvo Batter at Home

Gujarati cuisine is renowned for its diverse flavors, and Handvo stands out as a cherished dish. The secret to making a delectable Handvo lies in the batter. A well-prepared batter ensures a soft, fluffy interior and a crunchy golden crust. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to Gujarati cooking, this step-by-step guide will help you create the perfect Handvo batter at home.

Why Handvo Batter Matters

The batter serves as the foundation for Handvo, influencing its texture, flavor, and fermentation quality. Using the right proportions of lentils, rice, and spices ensures the perfect blend of taste and nutrition.

Ingredients for Handvo Batter

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup rice
  • 1/2 cup chana dal (split chickpeas)
  • 1/2 cup urad dal (split black gram)
  • 1/4 cup toor dal (pigeon peas)
  • 1/4 cup moong dal (green gram)
  • 1/2 cup yogurt (curd)
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped
  • 1-inch ginger, grated
  • 1 cup grated bottle gourd (lauki)
  • Salt to taste

Tempering Ingredients:

  • 1 tsp mustard seeds
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1/4 tsp asafoetida (hing)
  • Curry leaves
  • 2 tbsp oil

Step-by-Step Instructions to Perfect Handvo Batter

Soak the Grains and Lentils:

  • Wash and soak rice and all the dals together in water for 4-5 hours. This softens the grains, making them easier to grind.

Grind to a Coarse Paste:

  • Drain the soaked mixture and grind it into a coarse paste. Use minimal water to achieve a thick, pourable consistency.

Ferment the Batter:

  • In a large bowl, mix the ground paste with yogurt. Cover the bowl with a cloth and let it ferment overnight or for at least 8 hours in a warm place.

Add Vegetables and Spices:

  • After fermentation, add grated bottle gourd, turmeric powder, chopped green chilies, grated ginger, and salt. Mix well to combine all ingredients.

Prepare the Tempering:

  • Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds, sesame seeds, cumin seeds, asafoetida, and curry leaves. Once they splutter, pour the tempering into the batter and mix thoroughly.

Check Consistency:

  • The batter should be thick but pourable. If needed, adjust with a little water.

Tips for Perfect Handvo Batter

  • Fermentation: For colder climates, place the batter near a warm source or in an oven with the light on to aid fermentation.
  • Vegetables: Lauki is traditional, but you can experiment with carrots, spinach, or peas.
  • Consistency Check: Avoid overly watery batter, as it won’t hold its shape during cooking.

Using the Batter for Handvo

  • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  • Grease a baking dish and pour the batter into it.
  • Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for extra crunch.
  • Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.