Pan Fried Mixed Lentil Handvo

 

           Handvo is a traditional Gujarati snack that can be had as an appetizer, tea-time snack or for breakfast. It can be cooked through various methods - by baking, steaming or pan frying. It is generally cooked with a rice-lentil combo with various grated veggies added to it. However, I skipped rice and made with mixed lentils along with some cabbage and cucumber. So it is diabetic friendly.

          In this recipe, the Handvo is first steamed and then pan fried with little oil. So if you are craving for some healthy and nutritious snack, go ahead and dish out this simple delicacy. 

• 1/2 cup mixed lentils
• 1/2 cup grated cucumber
• 1/2 cup finely sliced cabbage
• 2-3 tbsp. coriander leaves, chopped
• 1-2 green chilies, chopped
• 1 tsp. ginger, grated
• 2-3 tbsp. fresh grated coconut 
• salt to taste
• 1/4 tsp. turmeric powder
• 1 tsp. roasted coriander-cumin powder
• juice of 1/2 lime

Tempering - 

• 2 tbsp. oil
• 1/2 tsp. mustard seeds 
• 1/2 tsp. cumin seeds
• 1/4 tsp. asafoetida

           Soak the the lentils overnight. Grind to a slightly coarse paste. Add rest of the ingredients and mix well. 

          Heat 1 tbsp. oil in a pan and temper with mustard seeds, cumin seeds and asafoetida. Saute for a few seconds. Pour this tempering over the batter and mix well.

          Transfer the batter to a greased container and steam for 20 minutes. When cool, cut as desired and keep aside. 

          Heat remaining oil in a pan and fry them till light brown. Drain on a kitchen towel and serve as an appetizer with green chutney. 

          They can also be relished as a tea time snack, after-school snack or as a lunch box meal.