Handvoh (aka Bhakroh)

Handvoh is one of my Gujarati favorites. It is basically just one big spicy cake and can be made with several different ingredients, including but not limited to: shredded bottle gourd (dudhi), shredded zucchini, chopped methi leaves, peas and/or carrots. I opted to make a plain and simple handvoh as I was not sure how it would turn out. Since it was a success, I will surely try some of these variations. Here is how I made our handvoh ..

3/4 cup idhra flour (khatta dhokla mix)
1/4 cup wheat flour
1/4 cup yogurt
1 tsp ginger paste
1/2 tsp garlic paste
1 tsp green chili paste
1 tsp red chili powder
1 tbsp coriander powder
1/2 tsp cumin powder
1 onion (half grated and other half diced)
1 lemon, juiced
1/2 tsp ENO fruit salt
Pinch of asafoetida powder
1 tsp mustard seeds
Salt to taste
1/2 tsp sugar
Sesame seeds to garnish
Chopped cilantro

1. Mix the flour with the yogurt. Add a little water but be sure that batter is of a thick consistency. Allow batter to ferment overnight. I put the batter in the refrigerator.
2. Before ready to bake, add the spices to the batter including: salt, sugar, red chili powder, coriander powder, asafoetida powder, turmeric powder, ginger paste, garlic paste, green chili paste, onions, handful of sesame seeds, cumin powder and chopped cilantro.
3. Make tadka seasoning by heating oil in small pan. Add the mustard seeds and allow to full splutter. Keep aside.
4. Heat 2 tsp of oil in pan. Pour the seasoned batter into the pan. Add the ENO fruit salt followed by the lemon juice and quickly mix into batter. Season with mor sesame seeds.
5. Next, pour the tadka seasoning on top and close the lid.
6. Cook on low heat for about 15 minutes.
7. Flip the handvoh over to cook the other side for another 15 minutes.
8. Chop up in pieces and enjoy your handvoh "cake" with a side of spiced yogurt and masala chai.

We do not have an oven so I cooked this on the stovetop. Handvoh can also be baked in the oven for about 30 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Hope you enjoy as much as I did!