Litti Chokha

Litti Chokha

🌍 Origin & Significance

Litti Chokha is an iconic dish from Bihar and parts of Jharkhand and Eastern Uttar Pradesh. This rustic dish, loved for its smoky and earthy flavors, consists of litti—a roasted wheat flour dumpling stuffed with a spiced sattu (roasted gram flour) filling—and chokha, a mashed preparation of roasted eggplant, tomatoes, and potatoes. Traditionally cooked over a cow-dung fire, Litti Chokha is now made using tandoors, ovens, or open flames. It is not just a dish but a representation of Bihari heritage, offering both nutrition and taste.

đŸ„˜ Ingredients (Serves 4)

For Litti (Wheat Dumplings):

  • 2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 2 tablespoons ghee (for kneading)
  • Âœ teaspoon carom seeds (ajwain)
  • Âœ teaspoon salt
  • Water (as required, to knead the dough)

For Sattu Stuffing:

  • 1 cup sattu (roasted gram flour)
  • 4 cloves garlic (finely minced)
  • 1-inch ginger (grated)
  • 2 green chilies (finely chopped)
  • 1 small onion (finely chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon mustard oil
  • Âœ teaspoon carom seeds (ajwain)
  • Âœ teaspoon cumin seeds
  • Âœ teaspoon nigella seeds (kalonji)
  • 2 tablespoons coriander leaves (chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon pickle masala (optional, for extra tang)
  • Âœ teaspoon lemon juice
  • Salt to taste
  • Water (as needed to moisten the stuffing)

For Chokha (Mashed Vegetables):

Roasted Eggplant Chokha:

  • 1 large eggplant (baingan)
  • 1 small onion (finely chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
  • 1 green chili (chopped)
  • Âœ teaspoon mustard oil
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tablespoon coriander leaves (chopped)

Roasted Tomato Chokha:

  • 2 large tomatoes
  • 1 green chili (chopped)
  • Âœ teaspoon mustard oil
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon coriander leaves (chopped)

Potato Chokha (Optional):

  • 2 boiled potatoes (mashed)
  • 1 green chili (chopped)
  • Âœ teaspoon mustard oil
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 small onion (finely chopped)

For Serving:

  • 4 tablespoons ghee (for brushing the littis)
  • Green chutney or pickle (optional)

👹‍🍳 Step-by-Step Preparation

📌 Step 1: Prepare the Dough for Litti

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine wheat flour, carom seeds, salt, and ghee.
  2. Add water gradually and knead into a firm yet pliable dough.
  3. Cover and let it rest for 20-30 minutes.

📌 Step 2: Prepare the Sattu Stuffing

  1. In a bowl, mix sattu, garlic, ginger, green chilies, onion, mustard oil, ajwain, cumin seeds, kalonji, coriander leaves, lemon juice, pickle masala, and salt.
  2. Add a little water to bind the mixture, ensuring it's crumbly yet moist.

📌 Step 3: Shape and Stuff the Litti

  1. Divide the dough into equal-sized balls.
  2. Flatten each ball and place 2 tablespoons of stuffing in the center.
  3. Seal the edges and roll into a smooth ball.

📌 Step 4: Cook the Litti

đŸ”„ Traditional Method (Over Charcoal or Open Flame):

  1. Place the stuffed littis on a hot coal grill or open flame.
  2. Cook evenly, rotating them occasionally, until they develop a crispy, golden-brown crust.

đŸ”„ Oven Method:

  1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F).
  2. Arrange littis on a baking tray and bake for 25-30 minutes, turning them occasionally.

đŸ”„ Tandoor or Air Fryer Method:

  1. Place the littis in a tandoor or air-fryer at 180°C (356°F) for 15-20 minutes.

📌 Once cooked, dip or brush them generously with ghee for added flavor.

📌 Step 5: Prepare the Chokha

đŸ”„ For Eggplant Chokha:

  1. Roast the eggplant over an open flame until the skin is charred and the flesh turns soft.
  2. Let it cool, peel the skin, and mash the flesh.
  3. Mix in chopped onion, garlic, green chili, mustard oil, salt, and coriander leaves.

đŸ”„ For Tomato Chokha:

  1. Roast tomatoes over an open flame until soft and charred.
  2. Mash the roasted tomatoes and mix with green chili, mustard oil, salt, lemon juice, and coriander leaves.

đŸ„” For Potato Chokha (Optional):

  1. Mash boiled potatoes and mix with chopped onion, green chili, mustard oil, and salt.

📌 Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

  • Serve hot Litti with Eggplant Chokha, Tomato Chokha, and Potato Chokha.
  • Drizzle extra ghee over the littis for authentic flavor.
  • Pair with pickle, green chutney, or curd for a complete meal.

🌿 Health Benefits of Key Ingredients

đŸ„Ł Sattu (Roasted Gram Flour)

  • High in protein and fiber, aiding digestion.
  • Cooling properties make it ideal for summer.

🍆 Eggplant (Baingan)

  • Rich in antioxidants and supports heart health.

🍅 Tomatoes

  • Loaded with vitamin C and lycopene, boosting immunity.

🌿 Mustard Oil

  • Packed with monounsaturated fats, promoting heart health.

💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Litti Chokha

✅ Use coarse wheat flour for a more authentic taste and texture.
✅ Roast litti over charcoal for the best smoky flavor.
✅ Add pickle masala to the sattu filling for an extra tangy taste.
✅ Use homemade ghee to enhance the aroma and richness.

🌏 Experience the Authentic Flavors of Bihar!

Try making this traditional Litti Chokha at home using premium-quality Indian ingredients from SwadesCart.com!

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