Gujarati Vegetable Handvo with Spiced Yogurt Dip
A savory baked lentil and rice cake studded with mixed vegetables, served with a cooling cumin-spiced yogurt dip. This indian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 55 minutes blends rice, chana dal (split chickpeas), yogurt into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup rice
- 1/2 cup chana dal (split chickpeas)
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 1/2 cup grated carrot
- 1/2 cup finely chopped cabbage
- 1 small green chili, finely chopped
- 1 tsp ginger paste
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp oil
- 2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- 1 cup plain yogurt for dip
- 1/2 tsp roasted cumin powder
- 1/4 tsp salt for dip
- 1 tsp lemon juice for dip
Instructions
- Step 1: Soak 1/2 cup rice and 1/2 cup chana dal separately in water for 4 hours. Drain well and blend together with 1/2 cup yogurt, 1 tsp ginger paste, and 1 small finely chopped green chili into a smooth batter. Transfer to a bowl, cover, and ferment in a warm place for 8 hours or overnight.
- Step 2: After fermentation, stir 1/4 tsp baking soda and 1 tsp salt into the batter. Add 1/2 cup grated carrot, 1/2 cup finely chopped cabbage, and 2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves. Mix gently.
- Step 3: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Heat 2 tbsp oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add 1 tsp mustard seeds and wait for them to pop. Add 1 tbsp sesame seeds and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour this tempering into the batter and mix well.
- Step 4: Grease a 9-inch round baking dish with oil and pour the batter evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Step 5: Meanwhile, prepare the yogurt dip by combining 1 cup plain yogurt with 1/2 tsp roasted cumin powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1 tsp lemon juice. Mix well and chill.
- Step 6: Let the handvo cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with the spiced yogurt dip on the side.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Gujarati Vegetable Handvo with Spiced Yogurt Dip take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Gujarati Vegetable Handvo with Spiced Yogurt Dip?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Gujarati Vegetable Handvo with Spiced Yogurt Dip?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Gujarati Vegetable Handvo with Spiced Yogurt Dip for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Gujarati Vegetable Handvo with Spiced Yogurt Dip?
Indian vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
