Gujarati Handvo Made Easy in a Pressure Cooker

Gujarati Handvo, a savoury lentil cake, is a traditional delicacy enjoyed for its unique texture—a crisp, golden crust enveloping a moist and spongy interior. Traditionally baked in an oven or tandoor, it’s now easy to replicate this classic dish with the Meyer Presta pressure cooker, making it accessible even in kitchens without an oven. With Meyer Presta’s exceptional heat distribution, wide base, and secure cooking environment, this wholesome snack becomes effortlessly achievable and consistently delicious.

Why Choose the Meyer Presta Pressure Cooker?

Crafted for both precision and safety, Meyer Presta offers features that elevate your cooking experience:

1. Triply base construction ensures even heat distribution, preventing undercooked spots or burnt crusts.
2. Wide base accommodates baking tins easily and evenly exposes them to heat.
3. Secure lid-locking mechanism ensures safe cooking while sealing in steam efficiently—essential for fluffy and moist Handvo.
4. Stay-cool handles offer a firm and safe grip, even during prolonged cooking.

In short, Meyer Presta transforms your everyday pressure cooker into a mini-oven—perfect for dishes like Handvo.

Ingredients

For the Batter:

• 1 cup rice

• ½ cup chana dal

• ¼ cup moong dal

• ¼ cup urad dal

• 1 cup slightly sour curd

• 1½ cups grated and squeezed bottle gourd (lauki)

• Salt to taste

• ½ teaspoon turmeric

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1 teaspoon ginger-green chilli paste

• 2 tablespoons oil

• 1 teaspoon ENO fruit salt (or ½ teaspoon baking soda)

For the Tempering:

• 2 tablespoons oil

• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds

• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

• A few curry leaves

• A pinch of hing (asafoetida)

Step-by-Step Method

1. Soak and Ferment

Start by washing and soaking rice and dals together for at least 6–8 hours. Grind them into a coarse batter with minimal water, then mix in the curd. Let it ferment overnight or for 8–10 hours. This fermentation imparts the characteristic tang and makes the Handvo light and airy.

2. Prepare the Batter

Add grated lauki (make sure to squeeze out excess moisture), salt, turmeric, sugar, ginger-chilli paste, and oil into the fermented batter. Just before pouring it into the tin, add ENO or baking soda and mix gently. This creates an instant rise, contributing to the cake’s fluffiness.

3. Preheat the Meyer Presta Cooker

Place a layer of salt in your Meyer Presta pressure cooker and position a metal ring or trivet inside. Preheat on low flame for 5–7 minutes. This step mimics oven conditions, allowing for an even, controlled bake.

4. Add the Tempering

Heat oil in a small pan and add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, sesame seeds, curry leaves, and hing. Let them splutter. Pour half of this tempering into the batter and use the rest to line the bottom of the greased baking tin.

5. Cook the Handvo

Pour the prepared batter into the tin. Gently place the tin into the Meyer Presta cooker, without the whistle or gasket. Cover with the lid and let it cook on low flame for 35–40 minutes. The triply base ensures slow, even cooking, giving you a golden crust and perfectly cooked interior.

6. Cool, Slice & Serve

Once done, let the Handvo cool slightly before removing it from the tin. Slice into wedges and serve warm with green chutney, pickle, or even plain curd.

Bonus Tips:

• Add a handful of grated carrots or zucchini for extra nutrition.

• Sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the batter before cooking for a decorative crunch.

• For a spicier version, add finely chopped green chillies or red chilli flakes.

Why You’ll Love It with Meyer Presta

Making Handvo in the Meyer Presta isn’t just a shortcut—it’s a smart, safe, and efficient alternative to oven baking. You get:

• Reliable results every time, thanks to even heating

• A fuss-free, space-saving solution—no need to switch appliances

• Safer cooking with smart features like the lid-lock mechanism and cool-touch handles




MEYER Presta Tri-ply with Outer Lid Pressure Cooker 3L

Conclusion:

With the Meyer Presta pressure cooker, crafting the beloved Gujarati Handvo becomes a seamless and rewarding experience—bringing traditional flavors and textures right into your modern kitchen. Its thoughtful design ensures every bake is evenly cooked, safe, and hassle-free, so you can enjoy this wholesome, savory treat anytime without the need for an oven. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, Meyer Presta transforms a classic recipe into an everyday delight, making Handvo not just a dish but a celebration of heritage and innovation combined.

Enjoy the crispy, golden perfection and moist, spongy goodness with ease—and let Meyer Presta be your trusted partner in creating authentic Indian flavors effortlessly.