Recipe for Litti Chokha: A Traditional Taste of Bihar
Litti Chokha is one of Bihar’s most loved traditional dishes that beautifully represents the rustic flavors of Indian cuisine. This wholesome combination of roasted wheat balls stuffed with spiced gram flour (litti) and mashed, smoky vegetables (chokha) is not only delicious but also highly nutritious. Let’s take a look at how you can make this authentic delicacy at home.
Ingredients
For the Litti Dough
● 2 cups whole wheat flour
● 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
● A pinch of salt
● Water, as required to knead the dough
For the Litti Filling (Sattu Mixture)
● 1 cup sattu (roasted gram flour)
● 1 small onion, finely chopped
● 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
● 1 green chili, finely chopped
● 1 teaspoon ajwain (carom seeds)
● 1 tablespoon mustard oil
● 1 tablespoon lemon juice
● Salt to taste
● Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
For the Chokha
● 2 medium-sized eggplants (baingan)
● 3–4 tomatoes
● 3–4 boiled potatoes
● 2–3 green chilies, chopped
● 1 onion, finely chopped
● 3–4 garlic cloves, crushed
● Salt to taste
● 1 tablespoon mustard oil
● Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, add wheat flour, ghee, and a pinch of salt. Mix well with your fingers until it becomes crumbly. Gradually add water and knead into a soft, smooth dough. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest for 15–20 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In another bowl, mix sattu with chopped onions, green chilies, garlic, ajwain, mustard oil, lemon juice, salt, and coriander leaves. Combine everything well. The filling should be moist but not watery. Add a few drops of water if it feels too dry.
Step 3: Prepare the Litti Balls
Take a small portion of dough and roll it into a ball. Flatten it slightly and create a small pocket in the center. Add a spoonful of the sattu mixture and seal the edges carefully. Shape it back into a round ball. Repeat the process for the remaining dough.
Step 4: Cook the Litti
Traditionally, littis are roasted over a cow-dung fire or charcoal for a smoky flavor. At home, you can bake them in an oven or cook them on a gas stove:
● Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 200°C. Place the littis on a greased tray and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping them halfway until they turn golden brown.
● Stovetop Method: Heat a heavy tawa (griddle) and cook the littis on low flame. Rotate them regularly to ensure even cooking on all sides.
Once cooked, dip or brush the littis generously with ghee for that authentic flavor.
Step 5: Prepare the Chokha
Roast the eggplants and tomatoes directly on the flame or in the oven until the skin chars and they become soft. Peel off the skin and mash them in a bowl along with boiled potatoes. Add chopped onions, garlic, green chilies, coriander leaves, salt, and mustard oil. Mix well to form a smooth, smoky mash.
Step 6: Serve Hot
Serve the hot, ghee-soaked littis with a generous portion of chokha on the side. You can also add a small bowl of homemade ghee or curd to complement the meal.
Final Thoughts
Litti Chokha is not just a dish—it’s a taste of tradition, simplicity, and comfort. The combination of roasted, smoky flavors and earthy spices makes it a perfect weekend meal or festive delight. Try this recipe at home, and enjoy the authentic essence of Bihar with every bite.
TAGS : recipe for litti chokha: a traditional taste of bihar, litti chokha, litti chokha recipe
