Litti Chokha Recipe: A Rustic Bihari Favorite
Litti Chokha is a beloved dish from the Indian state of Bihar, known for its earthy flavors and rustic appeal. Litti is a wheat ball stuffed with spiced sattu (roasted gram flour) and roasted to perfection, while Chokha is a smoky mashed side made with roasted eggplants, tomatoes, and potatoes. This wholesome and satisfying dish is a must-try for those who enjoy authentic Indian flavors.
Why Litti Chokha?
Litti Chokha represents the culinary heritage of Bihar and is a complete meal in itself. It’s healthy, easy to prepare, and vegan-friendly. The smoky chokha perfectly complements the roasted litti, creating a unique blend of textures and flavors. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or enjoying it as comfort food, Litti Chokha is a dish that truly stands out.
Ingredients for Litti Chokha
For the Litti Dough
- Whole Wheat Flour: 2 cups
- Ghee: 2 tbsp (for kneading)
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Water: As needed
For the Sattu Stuffing
- Sattu (Roasted Gram Flour): 1 cup
- Mustard Oil: 2 tbsp
- Green Chilies: 2, finely chopped
- Ginger: 1-inch piece, grated
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Lemon Juice: 1 tbsp
- Nigella Seeds (Kalonji): 1/2 tsp
- Salt: To taste
For the Chokha
- Eggplant (Baingan): 1 large
- Tomatoes: 2 medium
- Potatoes: 2 medium (boiled and peeled)
- Mustard Oil: 2 tbsp
- Green Chilies: 2, finely chopped
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Lemon Juice: 1 tbsp
- Salt: To taste
- Fresh Coriander Leaves: For garnish
Step-by-Step Recipe for Litti Chokha
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a mixing bowl, combine wheat flour, salt, and ghee.
- Gradually add water and knead into a firm dough. Cover and let it rest for 20 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Sattu Stuffing
- In a bowl, mix sattu, mustard oil, green chilies, ginger, garlic, nigella seeds, lemon juice, and salt.
- Add a few teaspoons of water to make the stuffing slightly moist.
Step 3: Shape the Litti
- Divide the dough into equal-sized balls.
- Flatten each ball, place a spoonful of stuffing in the center, and seal the edges to form a ball.
- Repeat with the remaining dough and stuffing.
Step 4: Roast the Litti
- Preheat a tandoor, oven, or charcoal grill.
- Roast the litti until golden brown and evenly cooked, turning occasionally.
- Brush with ghee after roasting for added flavor.
Step 5: Prepare the Chokha
- Roast the eggplant and tomatoes over an open flame or grill until the skins are charred and the insides are soft.
- Peel the roasted vegetables and mash them in a bowl with the boiled potatoes.
- Add mustard oil, green chilies, garlic, onion, lemon juice, and salt. Mix well.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve the hot litti with the smoky chokha.
- Drizzle extra ghee over the litti for an authentic touch.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy Litti Chokha as a standalone meal with a side of chutney or pickles.
- Pair with a glass of chilled lassi or chaas for a refreshing accompaniment.
- Serve at festive gatherings to showcase traditional Bihari flavors.
Tips for Perfect Litti Chokha
- Use Mustard Oil: Authentic flavor comes from mustard oil, so don’t skip it in the stuffing and chokha.
- Roast Properly: Ensure the litti is evenly roasted for a crispy exterior and soft inside.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Add more or fewer green chilies to suit your spice tolerance.
- Smoky Flavor: For extra smokiness, roast the eggplant and tomatoes over an open flame.
Nutritional Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fats: 12g
- Protein: 8g
Litti Chokha
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Tandoor, Oven, or Charcoal Grill
- Open Flame for Roasting Vegetables
Ingredients
Ingredients for Litti Dough
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 2 tbsp ghee
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Water as needed
For Sattu Stuffing
- 1 cup sattu roasted gram flour
- 2 tbsp mustard oil
- 2 green chilies finely chopped
- 1- inch ginger grated
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp nigella seeds kalonji
- Salt to taste
For Chokha
- 1 large eggplant roasted
- 2 medium tomatoes roasted
- 2 medium potatoes boiled and peeled
- 2 tbsp mustard oil
- 2 green chilies finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare dough and stuffing, and shape littis with the sattu mixture.
- Roast littis until golden brown, brushing with ghee for flavor.
- Make chokha by mashing roasted vegetables with mustard oil and spices.
- Serve hot with litti and enjoy!
Notes
- Leftovers can be reheated in an oven for a fresh taste.
- Adjust the tanginess in chokha with more or less lemon juice.
- Sattu stuffing can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge.
Conclusion
Litti Chokha is a culinary gem that captures the essence of Bihari cuisine. With its hearty litti and smoky chokha, this dish offers a medley of flavors that’s both comforting and satisfying. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, Litti Chokha is a must-try for anyone who loves traditional Indian food. Try this recipe today and savor the taste of Bihar!
