Farali Handwa - Fasting Savory Cake

Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients

Add 1 cup of Sama Rice and 1/2 cup of Sabudana to a bowl. Grind them into a fine powder.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

Transfer the ground powder to a mixing bowl. Add 3/4 cup of curd and mix well. Gradually add water until a pourable consistency is achieved.

Step 3: Ferment the Batter

Cover the bowl and leave it in a warm place for 5-6 hours to ferment. The batter should appear slightly risen and bubbly after fermentation.

Step 4: Add Seasonings and Vegetables

After fermentation, add salt to taste, red chilli powder, black pepper powder, 1 cup grated bottle gourd, and 1/2 cup grated raw potato. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined.

Step 5: Incorporate Aromatics and Oil

Add finely chopped ginger and green chillies to the batter. Pour 2 tablespoons of oil into the batter and mix everything well.

Step 6: Activate with Eno

Just before cooking, add 1 teaspoon of Eno fruit salt to the batter. Gently mix it in one direction until it becomes frothy and light. Do not overmix.

Step 7: Prepare the Tempering

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a non-stick pan over medium-low heat. Add 1 teaspoon cumin seeds, a few curry leaves, and 1 teaspoon sesame seeds. Let them splutter and become fragrant.

Step 8: Cook the Handwa (First Side)

Immediately pour the prepared Handwa batter over the tempering in the pan. Spread it evenly to form a thick disc. Cover the pan and cook on a low flame for 12-15 minutes, or until the top appears cooked and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Cook the Handwa (Second Side)

Carefully flip the Handwa onto a plate, then slide it back into the pan to cook the other side. Cook uncovered for another 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Step 10: Serve

Once cooked, transfer the Handwa to a serving plate. Drizzle with a little oil and sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for garnish (optional). Slice and serve hot with green chutney.

• Ensure the batter has a pourable consistency before fermentation.

• Ferment the batter in a warm place for optimal results.

• Gently mix the Eno fruit salt in one direction to maintain the airiness.

• Cook the handwa on a low flame to ensure it cooks through evenly without burning.

• You can add other fasting-friendly vegetables like grated carrots or finely chopped spinach to the batter.