Crispy Handvo Bites: A Nutritious and Delicious Gujarati Snack
Looking for a crunchy, healthy snack that’s perfect for tea-time, tiffin, or even a light dinner? Crispy Handvo Bites are just what you need. This bite-sized version of the traditional Gujarati handvo is loaded with protein-rich lentils, fresh vegetables, and warming spices. Made in an appe pan, these mini handvos are golden and crispy on the outside and soft inside, offering the perfect balance of texture and taste.
Why Handvo Bites are Worth Trying
Handvo is a popular savory cake from Gujarat, traditionally made with fermented rice and lentil batter, along with vegetables and spices. This version turns it into small, crispy bites that are easier to make and perfect for portion control. What makes them even better is the use of minimal oil, making them a healthier alternative to fried snacks.
Unlike deep-fried fritters, these handvo bites are pan-cooked in just a few drops of oil, making them light on the stomach and full of nutrition. Plus, with ingredients like chana dal, urad dal, and rice, you get a great mix of carbohydrates and plant-based protein. The added vegetables bring in fiber and essential nutrients, making this a complete snack option.
The Power of Ingredients in Every Bite
Each element in this recipe has something to offer. Chana dal and urad dal are both rich in protein and aid in muscle repair and sustained energy. Rice gives a soft base and helps balance the texture. Curd in the batter aids digestion and gives a mild tanginess, while vegetables like bottle gourd, carrot, and onions pack in fiber, vitamins, and a fresh crunch.
The addition of sweetcorn and jaggery adds a touch of natural sweetness that balances the spices beautifully. Lemon juice adds a burst of citrusy freshness, while spices like turmeric, coriander powder, and red chili powder boost the flavour profile. The tempering of white sesame seeds and curry leaves gives the final touch of crispness and aroma, turning each bite into a flavour bomb.
Step-by-Step Process to Make Crispy Handvo Bites
To start, soak chana dal, urad dal, and rice for a few hours. Blend them with a little water to create a thick batter. You can add curd while grinding or after transferring it to a mixing bowl. This batter can also be fermented overnight if you’re preparing it in advance for breakfast.
To this batter, add salt, chopped green chillies, garlic, asafoetida, turmeric, red chilli powder, coriander powder, jaggery, and lemon juice. Mix it well and then stir in grated vegetables like bottle gourd and carrot, along with finely chopped onion, coriander leaves, and sweetcorn if using. Finally, just before cooking, mix in fruit salt (Eno) to help the batter rise and become fluffy.
Heat an appe pan, and in each cavity, drizzle some oil. Add white sesame seeds and curry leaves before pouring in the batter. Cover and let them cook for 5-7 minutes on medium heat until the bottom is golden and crispy. Flip and cook the other side until done. Serve warm with green chutney or a tangy tomato dip.
Perfect for Every Occasion
Crispy Handvo Bites are a versatile dish. You can serve them as party starters, use them for kids’ tiffin boxes, or even make them a part of a healthy lunch plate. They taste great both warm and at room temperature, making them ideal for travel snacks too. Since they don’t use onion or garlic in excess, they also suit those looking for lighter, sattvic meals.
Final Thoughts
These little bites are rich in protein, fiber, and complex carbs, making them excellent for people looking to manage weight or maintain energy throughout the day. Since they’re made with natural ingredients and minimal oil, they fit well into a clean eating lifestyle. Pair them with mint chutney or tamarind dip, and you’ve got yourself a delightful treat without any guilt.
Let your next snack time be guilt-free, nourishing, and utterly delicious with these crispy handvo bites. Once you try them, they’ll be on your weekly repeat list!
