Have you ever tasted a dish that embodies the spirit of a region? Litti Chokha does just that for Bihar, India. This rustic, earthy dish captures the soul of Bihari cuisine. Litti, the dough ball filled with spicy sattu (roasted gram flour), and Chokha, the relish made from roasted vegetables, together create a culinary experience that’s hearty and satisfying.
Litti Chokha Recipe
Litti Chokha is a traditional and beloved dish from the Indian state of Bihar. It is a rustic, flavorful, and wholesome meal that consists of round wheat flour balls called "litti" served with a spicy and tangy mashed vegetable preparation known as "chokha." Litti is roasted over an open flame or in a tandoor, giving it a smoky flavor, while chokha is made by mashing roasted or boiled vegetables. This combination of Litti and Chokha is not only delicious but also a staple of Bihari cuisine.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling Pin
- Baking tray or traditional coal
- Tongs
- Oven or coal-fired grill (for an authentic taste)
- Food processor (optional for Chokha)
Ingredients
Ingredients for Litti:
- 2 cups Whole wheat flour
- 1 cup Sattu (roasted gram flour)
- 1 teaspoon Ajwain (carom seeds)
- 1 teaspoon Kalonji (nigella seeds)
- 1 inch Ginger grated
- 4 cloves Garlic minced
- 2 Green chilies finely chopped
- a handful Fresh coriander leaves chopped
- Lime juice from 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons Mustard oil
- to taste Salt
- Water for dough
- Ghee for brushing
Ingredients for Chokha:
- 2 medium Eggplants
- 2 medium Tomatoes
- 2 medium Boiled potatoes
- 2 Green chilies finely chopped
- a handful Fresh coriander leaves chopped
- 1 tablespoon Mustard oil
- to taste Salt
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a bowl, mix whole wheat flour, ajwain, kalonji, and salt. Add water gradually to make a firm dough. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest.
- Prepare the Filling: In another bowl, combine sattu, ginger, garlic, green chilies, coriander leaves, lime juice, mustard oil, and salt. Mix it well. If it feels dry, add a splash of water to bind the mixture.
- Shape the Litti: Divide the dough into equal portions. Roll each into a ball, then flatten it. Place a portion of the sattu filling in the center, bring the edges together, and seal it. Shape it back into a ball.
- Bake the Litti: Place the littis on a baking tray and bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (390°F) for about 10 minutes. Then flip them and bake for another 20-30 minutes until they are brown and cooked through. For an authentic smoky flavor, you can cook them over coal.
- Roast for Chokha: Roast the eggplants and tomatoes until the skins are charred. You can do this in an oven or over an open flame. Peel the roasted vegetables, mash them along with boiled potatoes, and mix with chopped green chilies, coriander leaves, mustard oil, and salt.
- Serve with Ghee: Brush the hot littis with ghee and serve with the flavorful chokha on the side.
Tips and Information
Tips and Tricks:
- The secret to perfect litti is to ensure the filling is moist, which keeps the inside of the litti soft while the outside gets a crispy texture.
- Don’t hold back on the mustard oil in the chokha; it’s the flavor game-changer.
FAQs
Can I use any other flour for Litti?
Whole wheat flour is traditional, but you can experiment with multigrain flour for a different take.
How can I store leftover Litti Chokha?
Store in the refrigerator and reheat in an oven or on a pan for best results.
Is there a quicker way to make Chokha?
Yes, you can chop the vegetables finely and sauté them with spices for a quick version.
Can I make Litti Chokha vegan?
Absolutely, just skip the ghee and use any plant-based oil.
What can I serve with Litti Chokha?
A bowl of fresh yogurt or raita complements it well.