Traditional Bihari Litti Chokha Recipe
About This Recipe
Litti Chokha is a beloved traditional dish from the heart of Bihar, India, known for its rustic, smoky flavors and hearty ingredients. The recipe combines Litti—a baked whole-wheat dough ball stuffed with seasoned roasted gram flour—and Chokha, a mashed mix of roasted eggplant, potatoes, and tomatoes. Litti Chokha is a quintessential Bihari meal, perfect for lunch or dinner when served with yogurt, pickled green chilies, and a side of Aloo Chokha or Baingan Bharta. This dish reflects the essence of regional Indian flavors, promising a unique culinary experience.
Ingredients
Litti Dough
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Wheat Flour | 3 ½ cups |
| Ghee | ¾ cup |
| Baking soda | ⅓ teaspoon |
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) | 2 tablespoons |
| Ajwain (Carom seeds) | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon, to taste |
| Lukewarm Water | As needed, to knead |
Litti Filling (Pitti)
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Roasted Gram Flour (Sattu) | 1 ½ cups |
| Ginger (grated) | 1 inch piece |
| Garlic (grated) | 2 cloves |
| Green Chilies (finely chopped) | 2 |
| Coriander Leaves (finely chopped) | Small bunch |
| Ajwain (Carom seeds) | ½ teaspoon |
| Kalonji (Onion Nigella Seeds) | ½ teaspoon |
| Fennel seeds (Saunf, pounded) | ½ teaspoon |
| Mustard Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Lemon juice | 1 teaspoon |
Preparation & Cooking Time
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45 minutes | 60 minutes | 105 minutes | 4 |
Instructions
Preparing the Dough
- Sieve the Flour: In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, baking soda, and salt. Sieve the mixture to remove any lumps.
- Add Ghee and Ajwain: Add ajwain seeds and ghee to the sieved flour mixture. Rub the ghee into the flour until it forms a crumbly texture.
- Knead the Dough: Gradually add lukewarm water to the mixture while kneading to form a smooth, firm dough.
- Rest the Dough: Cover the dough with a damp muslin cloth and allow it to rest for about 20 minutes.
Preparing the Filling (Pitti)
- Combine Ingredients: In a separate mixing bowl, add the roasted gram flour (sattu), grated ginger, grated garlic, finely chopped green chilies, chopped coriander leaves, ajwain, kalonji, fennel seeds, and mustard oil.
- Seasoning: Add salt and lemon juice to taste. Mix well to incorporate all ingredients, adjusting salt or spices as needed.
- Moistening the Filling: If the mixture feels too dry, add a small amount of water to create a lumpy, yet mostly dry consistency. Set aside.
Assembling the Litti
- Prepare Dough Balls: After the dough has rested, place it on a flat surface and knead for another 5 minutes.
- Shape the Litti: Divide the dough into small lemon-sized portions. Roll each piece into a small round (similar to a poori).
- Fill and Seal: Place a tablespoon of the prepared filling in the center of each rolled dough round. Gather the edges, sealing them at the top to form a smooth, round ball. Press gently to flatten each ball slightly.
Baking the Litti
- Prepare for Baking: Arrange the Litti balls on a greased baking sheet. Brush the tops lightly with ghee to ensure a golden, crisp crust.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the tray on the middle rack and bake for about 20-30 minutes, or until the Litti turns golden brown. Baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them as they cook.
- Remove and Cool: Once baked, remove the Litti from the oven and allow them to cool slightly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Litti hot with Aloo Chokha, Baingan (Eggplant) Bharta, Yogurt, and Pickled Green Chilies. This traditional Bihari dish pairs well with the flavors of smoked roasted vegetables and the tanginess of pickles, making for a truly delightful and flavorful meal. Enjoy your Traditional Bihari Litti Chokha!
