Bajra Vegetable Handvo is a wholesome and flavorful savory cake made with bajra (pearl millet) and mixed vegetables. This traditional Indian dish is a delicious and nutritious alternative to regular savory cakes or bread, packed with the goodness of millet and vegetables. Perfect for breakfast, tea-time, or as a side dish, Bajra Vegetable Handvo is both satisfying and healthy. Here’s how to make it!

Ingredients:
For the Batter:
- 1 cup Bajra Flour (Pearl Millet Flour)
- 1/2 cup Rice Flour
- 1/2 cup Yogurt (curd)
- 1/2 cup Water (adjust as needed)
- 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
- 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1/2 tsp Red Chili Powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp Cumin Seeds
- 1/2 tsp Mustard Seeds
- 1/2 tsp Ajwain (Carom Seeds)
- Salt to taste
For the Vegetable Filling:
- 1 cup Mixed Vegetables (such as carrots, beans, bell peppers, and peas, finely chopped)
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
- 1-2 Green Chilies, finely chopped (adjust to spice preference)
- 1/2 tsp Ginger-Garlic Paste
- 1/2 tsp Garam Masala
- 1/2 tsp Coriander Powder
- 1/2 tsp Cumin Powder
- 1 tbsp Oil
- Salt to taste
For Tempering:
- 1 tbsp Oil
- 1/2 tsp Mustard Seeds
- 1/2 tsp Sesame Seeds
- A few Curry Leaves
Instructions:
- Prepare the Vegetable Filling:
- Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
- Stir in the green chilies and ginger-garlic paste. Cook for another minute.
- Add the mixed vegetables, garam masala, coriander powder, cumin powder, and salt. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine bajra flour, rice flour, yogurt, water, baking soda, baking powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, ajwain, and salt. Mix well to form a smooth batter. Adjust the water quantity if needed to achieve a thick but pourable consistency.
- Combine Batter and Vegetables:
- Gently fold the cooked vegetable filling into the batter until evenly distributed.
- Prepare the Handvo for Cooking:
- Grease a round cake pan or a baking dish with oil. You can also use a non-stick pan for stove-top cooking.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Tempering:
- Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a small pan. Add the mustard seeds, sesame seeds, and curry leaves. Sauté until the mustard seeds start to splutter and the curry leaves become crisp.
- Pour the tempering over the batter in the pan.
- Cook the Handvo:
- Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the handvo for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
- Stove-Top Method: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Place a heatproof stand or trivet in the pan and set the pan with the batter on top. Cover and cook on low heat for 30-35 minutes, or until the handvo is cooked through and the top is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the handvo to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature with green chutney, yogurt, or a side salad.
Tips and Variations:
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to use other vegetables like corn, mushrooms, or zucchini based on your preference and availability.
- Spice Level: Adjust the number of green chilies and red chili powder according to your taste preference.
- Additional Flavors: You can add grated cheese or herbs like coriander or mint for extra flavor.
Bajra Vegetable Handvo is a nutritious and flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any meal of the day. The combination of bajra with a medley of vegetables makes it a hearty and satisfying option.
Add comment