Handvo

Handvo - is as a spicy cake made with a flour mixture of  lentils and rice.I usually buy the pre-packaged handvo flour or sometimes use the instant mix too. With the instant mix i follow all the steps listed below except for the ferment part. I learnt this recipe from my grandmother.

ingredients
1 dhoodhi/lauki. you can also substitute with squash.
2 bowls of handvo flour
1 cup yogurt /dahi /curd.
roasted peanuts
mustard seeds,
red mirchi
ginger
green chillies
sesame seeds
salt
sugar
eno

Mix the handvo flour and curd and water to a not too thick consistency. the batter should not be too liquid. for the batter the more sour the curd the better. let it ferment overnight.
The next day mix half a teaspoon of eno to the batter. instead of eno you can use soda bicarbonate. i just prefer eno.
grate the doodhi. Take some oil in a pan and heat it. add the mustard seeds. after the splutter add asofoetida,chopped up green chillies and ginger, the grated doodhi, red mirchi, salt and sugar.
Tip: you can also add other vegetables. i sometimes add grated carrots and peas.
mix this with the batter. add some peanuts too.

Now the mixture is ready and you can either make it in the oven or on a stove top.

For the oven, put it on 350 degrees.
Grease a pan and put spread sesame seeds all over it. Pour the batter on top. again sprinkle some more sesame seeds on top.
put it in the oven for around 30-40 mins or till a toothpick comes out clean.
It should form a dark brown crust.

for the stove top version, take a flat pan.I use a non-stick pan. heat it and add some oil. Temper with sesame seeds. pour the batter in the pan and let it cook. cover the pan with a lid.
after about 15-20 mins the handvo should be done and a thick crust would have been formed on the bottom.
flip the handvo over so that the crust is formed on the other side too.

enjoy the handvo with chundo or red mirchi and salt mixed in olive oil. you can have it as it is. it is just plain yummy,