Neena Gupta, the veteran actress known for her love of cooking, has shared a delicious and nutritious recipe perfect for the summer months: Lauki Handvo Cheela. This high-protein and hydrating dish is a complete meal that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
What Makes Lauki Handvo Cheela Special?
Lauki, also known as bottle gourd, is a summer vegetable with high water content, making it incredibly hydrating. Combined with gram flour (besan) and spices, it transforms into a protein-packed cheela (savory pancake) that is both light and filling. Neena Gupta's version incorporates handvo, a Gujarati savory cake, into a cheela format for a quick and easy preparation.
Ingredients
- 1 cup grated lauki (bottle gourd)
- 1/2 cup gram flour (besan)
- 1/4 cup rice flour (optional, for crispiness)
- 1 green chili, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- Water as needed
- Oil for cooking
Preparation Method
- In a bowl, mix grated lauki, gram flour, rice flour, green chili, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, and salt.
- Add water gradually to form a batter of pouring consistency.
- Heat a non-stick pan and grease with oil.
- Pour a ladleful of batter and spread it evenly.
- Cook on medium heat until golden brown on both sides.
- Serve hot with chutney or yogurt.
Health Benefits
This cheela is not only tasty but also offers numerous health benefits. Lauki aids digestion and keeps the body cool, while gram flour provides protein and fiber. It is gluten-free (if rice flour is omitted) and low in calories, making it an ideal choice for weight management. Neena Gupta's recipe is a perfect example of how traditional ingredients can be used to create a modern, healthy meal.
Try this Lauki Handvo Cheela for a wholesome summer meal that keeps you energized and hydrated. It is a must-try for anyone looking to eat healthily without compromising on taste.
