Traditional Moong Dal Handvo Recipe: A Healthy and Savory Indian Snack

Moong Dal Handvo is a traditional Indian savory cake, popular in Gujarati cuisine. It's a nutritious and delicious snack made with a mixture of lentils and rice, seasoned with spices and fresh vegetables. This recipe is perfect for a healthy breakfast, tea-time snack, or even a light dinner. Let's dive into this flavorful and wholesome recipe!

Ingredients:

• For the Batter:

  • 1 cup moong dal (split yellow lentils)

  • 1/2 cup rice

  • 1/4 cup chana dal (split chickpeas)

  • 1/4 cup toor dal (split pigeon peas)

  • 1/4 cup urad dal (split black gram)

  • 1 cup grated bottle gourd (doodhi/lauki)

  • 1/4 cup grated carrot (optional)

  • 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped

  • 1 teaspoon ginger paste

  • 1 teaspoon garlic paste

  • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder

  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder

  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds

  • A pinch of asafoetida (hing)

  • Salt to taste

  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

  • 2 tablespoons oil

• For the Tempering:

  • 2 tablespoons oil

  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds

  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

  • A pinch of asafoetida (hing)

  • 10-12 curry leaves

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Batter:

   • Rinse the moong dal, rice, chana dal, toor dal, and urad dal together. Soak them in water for at least 4-5 hours or overnight.

   • Drain the soaked dals and rice, and blend them into a coarse paste using a little water. The batter should be thick and of dropping consistency.

   • Transfer the batter to a large mixing bowl. Add the grated bottle gourd, grated carrot (if using), chopped green chilies, ginger paste, garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well.

2. Fermentation:

   • Cover the batter and let it ferment in a warm place for 8-10 hours or overnight. The batter should rise and become slightly airy.

3. Prepare for Baking:

   • Once the batter is fermented, add baking soda and mix gently.

   • Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a baking dish or a handvo pan with oil.

4. Tempering:

   • In a small pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds. Once they splutter, add cumin seeds, asafoetida, and curry leaves. Sauté for a few seconds.

   • Pour this tempering over the batter and mix well.

5. Bake the Handvo:

   • Pour the batter into the greased baking dish. Spread it evenly.

   • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

   • Let it cool slightly before cutting it into pieces.

6. Serve:

   • Serve the Moong Dal Handvo hot with green chutney, tomato ketchup, or yogurt.

Tips for Perfect Moong Dal Handvo:

• Consistency of the Batter: Ensure the batter is thick and coarse for a perfect texture.

• Fermentation: Proper fermentation is key to a soft and fluffy handvo. If the weather is cold, place the batter in a warm oven to help it ferment.

• Vegetables: You can add other vegetables like peas, corn, or spinach to enhance the nutrition and flavor.

Moong Dal Handvo is a wholesome and savory delight that brings together the goodness of lentils and vegetables. It's a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy snack that's both filling and flavorful. Try this recipe and savor the traditional taste of Gujarati cuisine!

I hope you enjoy making and savoring this nutritious snack. If you need more recipes or any other assistance, just let me know! 😊🍲✨

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