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Traditional Bihari Litti Chokha

When it comes to authentic Indian cuisine, Traditional Bihari Litti Chokha stands out as a flavorful and nutritious dish. Originating from the rural kitchens of Bihar, this meal brings together roasted wheat flour balls (litti) stuffed with sattu and a smoky vegetable mash called chokha. What makes Traditional Bihari Litti Chokha special is its rich history and its wholesome, earthy flavors.

This dish is now enjoyed by people all over the world, thanks to its simplicity and health benefits. Whether you’re looking to explore regional Indian cooking or find a vegan-friendly meal, Traditional Bihari Litti Chokha offers a perfect balance of taste and nutrition. Whether baked or traditionally roasted over coals, Traditional Bihari Litti Chokha is a must-try for anyone seeking authentic Indian flavors.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

To make Litti Dough:

  • 2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 2 tablespoons ghee (for dough)
  • 1/4 teaspoon carom seeds (ajwain)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Water, as needed (for kneading the dough)

For the Sattu Filling:

  • 1 cup sattu (roasted gram flour)
  • 2 tablespoons mustard oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, grated
  • 2 green chilies, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon pickle masala (optional, adds tanginess)
  • 1/2 teaspoon carom seeds (ajwain)
  • 1/2 teaspoon nigella seeds (kalonji)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Water, as needed (to bind the filling)

For the Chokha (Roasted Vegetables Mash):

  • 2 large eggplants (baingan)
  • 2 medium tomatoes
  • 4-5 cloves garlic
  • 2-3 green chilies, chopped
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon mustard oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions:

1: Preparing the Dough for Litti

  1. In a large mixing bowl, add the whole wheat flour, ghee, carom seeds, and salt. Mix well so that the ghee is incorporated evenly.
  2. Gradually add water and knead the dough until it becomes smooth and soft. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 20-30 minutes.

2: Making the Sattu Filling

  1. In another bowl, add the sattu, mustard oil, finely chopped onions, garlic, ginger, green chilies, and coriander leaves. Mix everything thoroughly.
  2. Add pickle masala (if using), carom seeds, nigella seeds, lemon juice, and salt. Mix well.
  3. Gradually add water, a little at a time, to make a coarse, crumbly mixture that can be shaped easily into balls.
  4. Taste and adjust salt or other seasonings as needed.

3: Preparing the Litti Balls

  1. Divide the dough into equal portions (about the size of a golf ball).
  2. Roll out each portion into a small circle (about 3-4 inches in diameter).
  3. Place a spoonful of the sattu filling in the center of each dough circle.
  4. Carefully bring the edges together to seal the filling inside and shape into a smooth ball. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.

4: Baking or Roasting the Litti

  1. Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Arrange the stuffed litti balls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, turning them halfway, until they turn golden brown and crisp. Brush them with ghee for added flavor.
  2. Traditional Roasting Method: Heat a charcoal or wood fire (if available). Place the littis on a grill or a wire rack over the fire and roast them, turning frequently, until they develop an even, charred exterior.
  3. Tawa Method: If you don’t have an oven or open flame, you can roast the littis on a tawa (griddle) on low flame. Keep rotating them to cook evenly on all sides.

5: Preparing the Chokha

  1. Roasting the Vegetables: Roast the eggplants and tomatoes directly over an open flame until their skins char and the flesh becomes soft. Alternatively, you can roast them in an oven.
  2. Once roasted, peel off the charred skins of the eggplants and tomatoes.
  3. In a bowl, mash the roasted eggplants and tomatoes together. Add chopped garlic, green chilies, and onions.
  4. Drizzle mustard oil over the mashed mixture and mix well.
  5. Add chopped coriander leaves, lemon juice, and salt. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

Step 6: Serving Litti Chokha

  1. Serve the hot, crispy littis with a generous helping of chokha on the side.
  2. Traditionally, litti is served with a bowl of melted ghee. Dip the littis in the ghee before eating for the authentic flavor.
  3. Garnish the chokha with extra coriander leaves and a drizzle of mustard oil for a sharp, rustic flavor.

Flavor-Enhancing Tips:

1. Use Mustard Oil for Authentic Flavor: Mustard oil adds a sharp, pungent flavor to both the sattu filling and the chokha. Its distinct taste is what makes Litti Chokha so authentic. If you’re unfamiliar with mustard oil, make sure to heat it until it reaches its smoking point to reduce its bitterness.

2. Roasting Over Charcoal for Smokiness: Traditionally, littis are roasted over an open fire, which gives them a unique smoky flavor. If you can’t do this, using a barbecue or grill is the next best option. This smoky touch really enhances the overall taste of the dish.

3. Fresh Sattu Makes a Difference: If possible, try to use freshly made sattu or get it from a trusted source. Fresh sattu will be more flavorful and less dry, which enhances the filling of the litti.

4. Add Pickle Masala for a Tangy Twist: Adding a bit of pickle masala to the sattu filling gives it a tangy punch that complements the earthy flavors of the litti. This is an optional ingredient but highly recommended if you enjoy bold flavors.

5. Chokha Variations: Chokha can be made with other vegetables too, such as boiled potatoes or roasted capsicum, depending on your preference. You can also make a tomato-only chokha if you prefer a tangier side.

Why Litti Chokha Works for Your Diet:

1. Whole Wheat and Sattu: A Nutrient Powerhouse Litti is made from whole wheat flour and filled with sattu (roasted gram flour), which is rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. This makes it a filling, nutritious meal that provides sustained energy. Sattu, especially, is considered a cooling agent in the body and is a great plant-based protein source for those on vegetarian or vegan diets.

2. Low Oil Cooking: Unlike fried foods, litti is baked or roasted, making it a healthier alternative. The use of minimal ghee in the dough or after baking ensures that the dish is lighter yet flavorful.

3. Gluten-Free Option: If you’re following a gluten-free diet, you can easily substitute the whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make gluten-free littis without sacrificing the flavor or texture.

4. Vegan-Friendly: Litti Chokha is naturally vegan. While ghee is traditionally served with the dish, it can easily be replaced with a plant-based oil for brushing or dipping. The chokha is a simple, plant-based mash of roasted vegetables, packed with vitamins and minerals.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: 350

Protein: 10g

Carbohydrates: 45g

Fat: 12g

Fiber: 10g

Sodium: 500mg

Iron: 15% DV

Calcium: 10% DV

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