Litti Chokha Recipe Tips

Litti Chokha Recipe : A Traditional Bihari Delicacy

Litti Chokha is a rustic, wholesome dish from the Indian State of Bihar, celebrated for its earthy flavors and simplicity. The dish consists of two components:Litti, a baked or roasted wheat ball stuffed with spiced sattu, and chokha, a mashed vegetable side dish prepared with roasted eggplant, tomato and potato. Here's a step by step guide to preparing this delightful dish.

Ingredients:

For Litti,

. Whole wheat flour - 2 cups

. Ghee or oil - 3 tablespoons

. Carom seeds (ajwain) - 1/2 tbsp

. Salt to taste

. Water as required

For the stuffing:

. Sattu 1 cup

. Mustard oil 2 tbsp

. Pickle masala 1 tbsp

. Ginger 1 tbsp

. Green chilis (finely chopped)

. Lemon juice 2 tbsp

. Fresh coriander leaves (chopped) 2 tbsp

. Salt to taste

For Chokha:

. 1 Eggplant (large)

. 2 Tomato

. 2 Potato (boiled and peeled)

. Mustard oil 2 tbsp

. 2 Green chili (finely chopped)

. Garlic (chopped) 1 tbsp

. Onion (finely chopped)

. Lemon juice 1 tbsp

. Fresh coriander leaves (chopped) 2 tbsp

. Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine whole wheat flour, carom seeds, salt and ghee or oil2. Gradually add water and knead into a soft dough. Cover and let it rest for 20 minutes

Preparing the Sattu Stuffing

1. In a bowl, mix sattu with mustard oil, grated ginger, garlic, green chilis, pickle masala, lemon juice, coriander leaves and salt

2. Ensure the mixture is crumbly yet binds slightly when pressed. Adjust oil or lemon juice if needed

Shaping and Cooking the Litti

1. Divide the dough into equal portions and roll each into a ball. Flatten it slightly and place a spoonful of the stuffing in the center

2. Bring the edges together, seal and shape into a smooth ball, Repeat for all

3. Roast the littis on grill, in a tandoor, or in preheated oven at 200*c (390*F) until golden brown. Turn occasionally for even cooking. Alternatively, cook them over a gas flame using a wire mesh or bake in an air fryer

Preparing the chokha

1. Roast the eggplant and tomatos oven an open flame or in an oven until their skins char and soften. Peel off the skins and mash the pilp

2. Mash the boiled potatos and combine them with the mashed eggplant and tomatos

3. Add mustard oil, chopped garlic, green chillies, onion lemon juice, coriander leaves and salt, Mix well

Serving:

1. Drizzle melted ghee over the hot littis before serving for an authentic taste

2. Serve with chokha on the side, accompanied by extra ghee or chutney for added flavor

Tips for the Perfect Litti Chokha

. Use smoked mustard oil in the stuffing and chokha for a distinct flavor

. Adjust spices in the chokha according to your heat preference

. Litti can also be fried instead of baked for a richer taste

Litti Chokha is more than just food, it's an experience of Bihar culture. Whether served at festivals, weddings or family meals, this dish never fails to impress with its hearty and rustic charm!