#handvo

The latest offerings from my kitchen. Clockwise from the top left-

Gujarati Handvo served with Mint Chutney, Chili Garlic Chutney, and Masala Chhaas (spiced buttermilk). Handvo is a very healthy savory cake made with split mung beans, whole mung beans, Split Bengal Lentils, Tuvar Lentils, Rice, Bottle Gourd, Carrots, and a slew of whole spices including but not limited to green chilies, cilantro, curry leaves, cumin, turmeric, and sesame.

Basil Cheese Toast on Whole Wheat Herb Bread

Finnish Pulla Bread with Cardamom and Saffron Syrup, topped with Watermelon Seeds

Chhole Bhature with Picked Potato and Ginger, Mint Raita, and Fresh Onion Salad. Chhole Bhature is an iconic Punjabi dish of sinfully spicy and ghee-laden chickpea curry served with puffed up fenugreek and caraway flatbreads.

Jewish Challah Bread for Roshanah

Jerusalem Bagels served with Za'atar-infused extra virgin olive oil.

Jain Vegetable Handva is a delightful and nutritious dish.

 Ingredients:

For the Batter:

2 cups rice flour

1 cup yogurt (curd)

1/2 cup Green peas

1/2 cup grated bottle gourd (dudhi/lauki)

1/2 cup green capsicum chopped

1 cup cabbage chopped

1/2 cup chopped tomatoes

1/4 cup chopped cilantro (coriander leaves)

2 tablespoons green chili paste

1 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 teaspoon red chili powder

1 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)

1 teaspoon garam masala

2 tablespoons oil

Salt to taste

For Tempering:

2 tablespoons oil

1 teaspoon mustard seeds

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

1 teaspoon sesame seeds

1/2 teaspoon hing

How to make vegetable handva?

Prepare the Batter:

In a large mixing bowl, combine rice flour, yogurt, grated bottle gourd, chopped

Mix well to form a thick batter. Add water if needed to achieve the desired consistency.

Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds ,sesame seed and hing for tempering.

Add boiled green peas, crushed peanuts, sugar, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt.

Mix well until the filling is well combined. Set aside.

Assemble the Handva:

Grease a handva pan or any round cake pan with oil.

Pour a layer of the prepared batter into the pan.

Add the filling evenly over the batter.

Cover the filling with the remaining batter, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Steam the Handva:

Heat water in a steamer.

Place the handva pan in the steamer and steam for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Serve:

Once done, let it cool for a few minutes.

Handvo.