Gujarati cuisine

Handvoh

Ingredients :
Dry grind together to fine semolina texture:
1 cup rice 1 /2 cup chana daal
1 cup     urad daal ½ cup toor daal

Others :
1 medium bottle gourd 1 tsp. each urad and channa dal
3 tbsp. coriander chopped 1/2 tsp. each cumin & mustard seeds
3-4 nos.  green chillies finely chopped 4-5 tbsp. oil
3 cups buttermilk salt to taste  
3/4 tsp. soda bicarb    

Preparation :
  • Take butter milk in a large vessel.
  • Add salt, soda and flour, mix well.
  • Keep aside for 6-7 hours.
  • Grate bottle gourd and coriander and green chili.
  • Heat oil in a pan, add urad & channa dals, and seeds.
  • Allow to splutter, pour half in the batter, mix thoroughly.
  • Put in a greased oven proof deep container.
  • Pour remaining seasoning on top.
  • Place in a preheated oven at 280C for 10 minutes.
  • Reduce to 200C or 180C for 40 minutes or till done.
  • Check by inserting a skewer which should come out clean.
  • Slice into wedges and serve hot with ‘kachcha’ oil or chutney.
Note : Handvoh is traditionally cooked in a wide earthen pot, over a slow coal fire, and some coals place above the mouth of the pot in an earthen lid. This slow cooking supplemented by the porous texture of earthenware, gives and excellent lightness to the dish. However, the oven is a modern day substitute, which will give good but not the same results.