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Handvo-Ondhvo-Tapelu – Spicy Rice and Lentils Cake


 

Courtesy of OLX.in

In India method of making handvo was little different for us, they make Handvo in special ‘Handvo Pot’ which recently I saw in one of the Indian Shops. Also many Gujju still make Handvo in a pan which is why Handvo (aka) Tapelu too. recently my FB friend Shital who is from same city as I am , posted few pictures of making handvo..I was so thrilled to see those pics because she cooked handvo traditional way on the Sagdi made me nostalgic,  I asked her if I can use her picture to show my readers. Thank you Shital !

Handvo-Ondhvo or Tapelu, classic Gujarat dish, made with rice, various lentils and vegetables. You can add any vegetables but grated doodhi ( bottle gourd ) makes a huge difference to this dish and imparts the required softness to the handvo. Crispy brown upper layer, soft and spongy but dense inside handvo is very nutritious and flavoursome dish which is very close to each and every Gujju’s heart. It tastes heavenly delicious that you cannot forget in hurry, little spicy. little sweet and little sour. Handvo can be served as a snack, breakfast, lunch or light supper as it can be a meal it self. Many serves with chutney, buttermilk ( chaas ) but I absolutely enjoy with hot chai.

Shital also suggested that if you are making handvo on the sagdi, please put some piping hot coal on the lid ( thali ) this method will make upper layer of the Handvo nice and crispy. ( see pics )

Pic courtesy – Shital

If you are lucky enough you can buy ‘Handvo Flour’ from your local Indian Grocery shop, If you are in India, mix rice and various lentils and take it to your nearest ‘Chakkiwala’ and ask them that you want ‘Hnadvo flour’ or If you are like me who can fetch ‘Handvo Flour’ from the shop, but insists to make Hnadvo with more work, join in the gang. I soak rice and lentils , then grind in my grinder. One of the reason for me to prepare handvo mix at home because shop bought flour is not made with Basmati rice.

Check out our Instant Pot Handvo/Ondhvo Batter

Handvo is popular Gujarati item in my family , which mainly I prepare over the weekend, when every member of the family is together and we all take our time to wake up, Also for me it’s time to relax as most of the preparation is done previous day, so while Handvo bakes in the oven , I get more time to chill out with the family.  Handvo tastes so delicious while hot, but if it goes cold not to worry it will be still taste awesome, just heat in M/W for few seconds. Handvo also great for a picnic or lunch box.

Weekend is not far away, If you think freshly baked bread aroma is favourite of yours, or you want to enjoy healthy and tasty dish, try this Handvo recipe asap..Maybe my picture quality won’t blow you away, but surely my recipe will ..you’ll be so glad !

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You will need :- Handvo flour mix

  • 1 cup rice ( I use Basmati )
  • 1 cup various daal ( Toor, Chana, Green Moong and Urad white )
  • 1/8 cup jowar-Juvar
  • 1 cup very sour yogurt
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tsp. turmeric
You will need ;- Spices and vegetables
  • 1 cup grated dudhi
  • 1 tbsp. fresh methi ( optional )
  • 1 tsp. methi achar masala
  • 1 tbsp. red chilli powder
  • 1 tbsp. ginger and green chillies crushed
  • 2 tbsp. lemon juice
  • 2-3 tbsp. sugar
  • 3 tbsp. fresh coriander leaves
  • Pinch soda bi carb or Eno
You will need :- vaghar ( tempering )
  • 3 tbsp. oil
  • 1 tsp. mustard seeds
  • 1 tsp. cumin seeds
  • Pinch hing
  • 3-4 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 1 sprig curry leaves
Method :- Handvo flour mix
Clean, wash and soak rice and all the lentils and soak for 6-8 hours.
Once soaked discard all the water and grind both in a grinder until you get not very smooth but little coarse mixture. ( Like semolina )
Transfer handvo mixture into big pan, add sour yogurt, salt and turmeric.
Mix very well and leave to ferment. ( mixture should get double in size )
Method :- Handvo
Once you are ready to prepare handvo, pre heat oven to gas mark 5 .
Mix all the spices, masala, fresh methi and grated dudhi except Methi achar masala.
If the batter is too thick add few tablespoon of water.
Once well mixed add methi masala and don’t mix.
Now prepare vaghar by heating oil in a small pan.
Add seeds and hing, once crackle add curry leaves.
Pour 1 tsp. vaghar on the methi achar powder and mix the handvo mix. ( oh boy , the aroma of this step makes me mad )
Now pour handvo mixture ( batter ) in a baking tray and pour remaining vaghar on top of it.
Generously sprinkle sesame seeds and bake handvo for 45-50 minutes in the pre heated oven or screwer comes out clean.
Once done wait 2-3 minutes and then cut into pieces.
Enjoy !

Thank you for stopping by and reading this post !
We hope to see you again soon 🙂

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Wednesday 2nd of March 2022

[…] Handvo […]

Dp6897

Saturday 13th of March 2021

Hi

Your mums recipe reminds of my Baa’s recipe. Thanks so so much for it! I use it every time i make handvo in her memory.Thanks again Divya xx

jcookingodyssey

Saturday 9th of March 2019

Hello Trupti, thanks for stoping by. No any rice will do for this recipe. If Handvo lot is available in your area then soak the lot in yogurt and let it ferment 8-10 hours. In India we used to use lot and always achieved good results. Hope this helps. Jagruti

Unknown

Saturday 9th of March 2019

Love your write-up...One query...is basmati rice only required...or any rice will do.And soaking dal n rice and fermentation is good or using Handvo daro and fermentation is good method to achieve soft n crispy Handvo...?

Unknown

Saturday 7th of July 2018

Looks very yummy