Wholesome Gujarati Tawa Handvo: Healthy Pan-Fried Lentil Cake Delight

Gujarati Tawa Handvo Recipe – Healthy Pan Fried Lentil Cake

Embrace the vibrant flavors of Gujarat with this wholesome Tawa Handvo, a nutritious pan-fried lentil cake that’s not only delicious but also an excellent choice for breakfast or a delightful weeknight dinner. This recipe is an enticing blend of lentils and vegetables, making it a high-protein vegetarian option that is perfect for those seeking a healthy twist in their meals.

Ingredients

Nutritional Information

Preparation Steps

1. Soaking the Ingredients
   Start your journey by washing and soaking the rice and all the lentils together in approximately 3 cups of water for 4 to 5 hours. This step is crucial as it softens the ingredients and prepares them for blending.

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2. Blending into Batter
   Once soaked, drain the water and combine the rice, lentils, green chillies, ginger, and a pinch of salt along with the yogurt in a blender. Blend these ingredients until you achieve a thick, slightly coarse batter—aim for a consistency similar to fine semolina. The batter should pour from a ladle in dollops, indicating it’s ready for fermentation.

3. Fermentation
   Stir in a bit of salt to enhance the flavor, then cover the batter and allow it to ferment at room temperature for about 8 hours. You’ll notice that the batter has risen and has a light, airy texture once fermentation is complete.

4. Incorporating Vegetables
   After fermentation, gently mix in a tablespoon of oil. If your batter hasn’t risen adequately, incorporate 2 teaspoons of Enos fruit salt to reactivate the fermentation, creating lovely air bubbles in the batter. Now, stir in the grated bottle gourd and turmeric, along with any additional chopped vegetables you desire.

5. Cooking the Handvo
   Heat one tablespoon of sunflower oil in a nonstick skillet (approximately 8 inches in diameter) over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the mustard seeds, sesame seeds, and curry leaves, allowing them to crackle and release their flavors. Then, lower the heat and add red chilli powder and asafoetida to the oil, stirring briefly.

6. Creating the Cake
   Pour two ladles of the prepared batter into the pan, spreading it evenly. As you do this, the seasoning will naturally disperse, providing a delightful crunch to the edges of the Handvo. Lower the heat, drizzle a teaspoon of oil around the edges, and cover the pan. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the top appears cooked and no raw batter is visible.

7. Flipping and Browning
   Once the top is set, gently flip the Handvo using a broad spatula, increasing the heat to medium-high. Allow the other side to cook until it turns a golden brown and becomes crisp. After achieving the desired crispiness, flip it again to ensure both sides are perfectly cooked.

8. Serving Suggestions
   Continue the process with the remaining batter, ensuring each cake is golden and crisp. Serve the Tawa Handvo warm, accompanied by traditional Gor Keri pickle or a combination of Gor (jaggery) and homemade butter for a delightful breakfast or a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Conclusion

This Gujarati Tawa Handvo not only offers a burst of flavors but also packs in nutrition with its blend of lentils and vegetables. Each bite is a celebration of Gujarati cuisine, perfectly suited for those who appreciate healthy and wholesome meals. Enjoy making this delicious dish and share it with family and friends!