Healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring, and Pearl Millet Veg Handvo proves exactly that. If you love Gujarati food or enjoy trying nutritious millet-based recipes, this savoury baked dish will quickly become a favourite in your kitchen. Traditionally made with rice and lentils, Handvo is known for its crispy top, soft interior, and aromatic tempering. But when made with Pearl Millet (Bajra), it transforms into a protein-rich, fibre-loaded, mineral-packed superfood meal that is perfect for breakfast, dinner, or tiffin.
Pearl millet, known as bajra, has been a staple in Indian diets for centuries. It is loaded with iron, magnesium, potassium, and plant protein. When mixed with vegetables 🥕🌽🥒, spices 🌶️ and lentils, and baked or steamed to perfection, you get a balanced Millet Handvo that is not just tasty but also incredibly healthy.
Let’s dive into this wholesome, delicious, and effortless millet-based version of Gujarat’s classic Handvo.
🌾 Why Choose Pearl Millet?
Pearl Millet offers so many benefits that it deserves a permanent spot in your diet. Here’s what makes it special:
✨ High in Iron & Minerals – Great for energy and stamina
✨ Rich in Fibre – Keeps digestion smooth & reduces acidity
✨ Protein-Dense – Perfect for vegetarians and fitness lovers
✨ Low Glycemic Index – Suitable for diabetics
✨ Gluten-Free Grain – Easy for the stomach to digest
✨ Cooling for the Body – Traditionally eaten in Indian summers
✨ Keeps You Full Longer – Helps in weight management
Using bajra in Handvo adds earthiness, flavour depth, and impressive nutrition.
🥗 Ingredients You Need
🌾 For Batter
- 1 cup Pearl Millet Flour (Bajra Atta)
- ½ cup Gram Flour (Besan)
- ¼ cup Semolina (Rava/Sooji) (optional)
- ½ cup Curd
- ½ cup Water (adjust as needed)
- 1 tsp Ginger-Green Chilli Paste
- Salt to taste
🥕 Vegetables
- ½ cup Grated Bottle Gourd (Lauki)
- ¼ cup Grated Carrot 🥕
- ¼ cup Finely Chopped Cabbage 🥬
- ¼ cup Sweet Corn 🌽
- 2 tbsp Coriander Leaves 🌿
🌶️ Spice Mix
- ½ tsp Turmeric
- 1 tsp Red Chilli Powder
- 1 tsp Coriander Powder
- ½ tsp Cumin Powder
- 1 tsp Sesame Seeds
🌿 For Tempering
- 1 tbsp Oil
- 1 tsp Mustard Seeds
- 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
- 1 tbsp Sesame Seeds
- 6–8 Curry Leaves
👩🍳 How to Make Pearl Millet Veg Handvo – Step-by-Step
🥣 Step 1: Prepare the Batter
In a mixing bowl, add bajra flour, besan, rava, curd, and water. Mix well until smooth. The batter should be slightly thick—not watery. Let it rest for 15–20 minutes so millet absorbs moisture.
🥕 Step 2: Add Veggies
Add grated lauki, carrot, cabbage, corn, coriander leaves, ginger-chilli paste, turmeric, chilli powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, salt, and sesame seeds. Mix everything well.
Vegetables not only enhance flavour but also keep the Handvo moist and soft from inside.
🍋 Step 3: Add Rising Agent
Just before cooking, add 1 tsp fruit salt (ENO) or ½ tsp baking soda and gently mix. The batter will lighten and aerate, giving a fluffy texture.
🍳 Step 4: Prepare the Tempering
Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, sesame seeds, and curry leaves. Let them splutter.
Pour half the tempering into the batter and save the rest for topping.
🔥 Step 5: Cook on Stove OR Bake
Option 1 – Stove Method (Traditional):
Heat a thick-bottomed pan. Grease it lightly with oil. Pour batter, spread evenly, drizzle remaining tempering on top, cover, and cook on low flame for 20–25 minutes.
Flip carefully and cook the other side for 10 minutes for crispiness.
Option 2 – Oven Method (Easier & Cleaner):
Preheat oven to 180°C.
Pour batter into a greased baking dish.
Scatter remaining tempering on top.
Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown.
✨ Step 6: Cool & Slice
Let the Handvo cool for 5 minutes. Cut into squares or slices. The crispy edges and soft centre make it irresistible!
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve your Pearl Millet Veg Handvo with:
- 🌶️ Green Chutney
- 🍅 Tomato Garlic Chutney
- 🥣 Curd
- 🧈 A spoon of ghee (optional)
It’s perfect for:
✔ Breakfast
✔ Evening snacks
✔ Light dinner
✔ Tiffin box
✔ Kids’ lunch
💚 Why This Millet Handvo is Special
- Perfect blend of crunchy, soft, and spiced
- High in protein + fibre
- Gluten-free & gut-friendly
- Keeps you full for long
- Great for diabetics
- A creative way to include millets daily
This is one of the easiest, tastiest, and most nutritious millet dishes you can prepare anytime.
🌱 Variations You Must Try
- Spinach Handvo – add chopped spinach
- Methi Handvo – add fresh fenugreek leaves
- Cheese Handvo – kids LOVE it
- No-onion version – perfect for fasting days
- Tawa Handvo – quicker & crispier
❤️ Conclusion
Pearl Millet Veg Handvo is the perfect example of how traditional dishes become healthier and more exciting with a millet twist. Nutritious, comforting, and bursting with flavours, this dish is ideal for anyone who wants wholesome meals without spending hours in the kitchen. With bajra’s earthy taste, vegetables’ freshness, and spices’ aroma, this Handvo is guaranteed to win hearts at your table.