5 Delicious Handva Recipes You Must Try

Handva, a delightful Gujarati dish, is a staple that combines texture, flavor, and nutrition in one wholesome package. Whether you’re seeking a hearty breakfast, a unique tea time snack, or an innovative dinner option, these handva recipes will bring the richness of Gujarati cuisine right into your kitchen. From traditional methods to modern twists, each recipe will introduce you to the versatility and deliciousness of handva.

1. Classic Dhokla-Style Handva

The Classic Dhokla-Style Handva is a tribute to the traditional flavors with a unique steaming technique.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup rice
  • 1/2 cup chana dal
  • 1/4 cup urad dal
  • 1/4 cup tuvar dal
  • 1/4 cup moong dal
  • 1 cup yogurt
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tbsp Eno fruit salt
  • 1 tsp ginger paste
  • 1 tsp green chili paste
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tbsp sugar (optional)
• Method:
  1. Rinse and soak rice and dals overnight.
  2. Grind them together with yogurt into a smooth batter, adding water if necessary.
  3. Add salt, turmeric, ginger, and green chili paste. Mix well and let it ferment for 8-10 hours.
  4. Before cooking, add Eno fruit salt to the batter, stir gently.
  5. Pour the batter into a greased plate or thali. Steam for 20-25 minutes.
  6. For tempering, heat oil, add mustard seeds, sesame seeds, and curry leaves. Pour over the steamed handva.

💡 Note: For softer handva, add 1 tsp of sugar to the batter.

2. Baked Handva with Spinach

A modern twist on the classic, Baked Handva with Spinach brings in the goodness of greens and the ease of baking.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup rice
  • 1/2 cup chana dal
  • 1/2 cup tuvar dal
  • 1/2 cup urad dal
  • 1 cup chopped spinach
  • 1 cup yogurt
  • 1 tsp ginger paste
  • 1 tsp green chili paste
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 1 tbsp sugar (optional)
  • 2 tbsp oil for greasing and baking
• Method:
  1. Soak rice and dals for 5-6 hours, grind into a batter with yogurt.
  2. Add spinach, ginger paste, chili paste, turmeric, salt, and sugar. Mix well.
  3. Grease a baking dish, pour in the batter, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes.
  4. Top with sesame seeds before baking for the final 10 minutes for a crunchy finish.

3. Handva with Bottle Gourd

Handva with Bottle Gourd introduces a mild yet distinctive flavor into the mix, enhancing the dish’s texture and nutritional profile.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup rice
  • 1/2 cup chana dal
  • 1/2 cup tuvar dal
  • 1/2 cup urad dal
  • 1 cup grated bottle gourd
  • 1 cup yogurt
  • 1 tsp ginger paste
  • 1 tsp green chili paste
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1 tbsp sugar (optional)
  • 2 tbsp oil for cooking
• Method:
  1. Soak rice and dals, grind them with yogurt to form a batter.
  2. Add grated bottle gourd, ginger paste, chili paste, coriander powder, sugar, and salt. Mix thoroughly.
  3. Heat a skillet, pour the batter in batches, cook covered on medium heat until both sides are crispy and golden.

🍲 Note: Squeeze out excess water from the grated bottle gourd to avoid making the batter too watery.

4. Millet and Lentil Handva

For a healthier and equally delicious version, try Millet and Lentil Handva. This recipe caters to the growing trend of including millets in daily diets.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup mixed millets (foxtail, finger, pearl)
  • 1/2 cup chana dal
  • 1/2 cup tuvar dal
  • 1 cup yogurt
  • 1 tsp ginger paste
  • 1 tsp green chili paste
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tbsp oil
• Method:
  1. Soak millets and dals, grind to a thick batter with yogurt.
  2. Add ginger paste, chili paste, salt, and baking soda just before cooking.
  3. Cook in a preheated skillet, cover, and cook on medium-low heat until well-cooked.

🌾 Note: Millets are gluten-free and rich in fiber, perfect for health-conscious individuals.

5. Instant Handva with Semolina

For those looking for a quick preparation, Instant Handva with Semolina is the perfect solution, requiring minimal soaking and fermentation time.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup semolina
  • 1/2 cup yogurt
  • 1/4 cup grated carrots
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
  • 1 tsp ginger paste
  • 1 tsp green chili paste
  • 1/2 tsp fruit salt
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tbsp oil
• Method:
  1. Mix semolina with yogurt, let it sit for 15 minutes to allow the semolina to soak up the moisture.
  2. Add vegetables, ginger paste, chili paste, salt, and water to achieve a thick batter consistency.
  3. Add fruit salt, pour into a greased dish, and steam for 20 minutes.

In summing up, the journey through these Handva recipes showcases the rich culinary heritage of Gujarat with delightful variations that cater to every palate. Whether you opt for the traditional charm of Classic Dhokla-Style Handva or the health-conscious Baked Handva with Spinach, each recipe has its unique appeal. Remember, the key to a perfect handva lies in the fermentation process, the balance of flavors, and the right amount of tempering. Enjoy exploring these recipes and bring a taste of Gujarati comfort food into your home, adapting them to suit your taste or dietary preferences.

Can Handva be made without fermentation?

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Yes, you can make Handva without fermentation by using ingredients like Eno fruit salt or baking soda to help the batter rise, as seen in the Instant Handva recipe.

What are the health benefits of including millets in Handva?

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Millets are rich in fiber, which aids digestion, are gluten-free, and provide a good amount of essential nutrients like iron, magnesium, and phosphorus, making the dish healthier.

Is Handva suitable for diabetics?

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Handva can be adapted for diabetics by reducing or omitting sugar from the recipe and opting for versions that incorporate millets, which have a lower glycemic index.

How can I ensure my Handva is cooked properly?

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Ensure your Handva is cooked by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the Handva is cooked. Also, maintain steady heat to prevent the outside from overcooking before the inside is done.