Traditional Bihari Litti Chokha Recipe
Explore the authentic taste of Bihar with this classic dish – Litti Chokha! A delicious blend of whole wheat flour and roasted gram flour stuffed with spiced goodness, fried to perfection, or baked in ghee to give you a delightful treat.
Cuisine: Bihari
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients for Litti
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Wheat Flour | 3-1/2 cups |
| Ghee | 3/4 cup |
| Baking Soda | 1/3 teaspoon |
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) | 2 tablespoons |
| Ajwain (Carom Seeds) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Lukewarm Water | To knead the dough |
Ingredients for Filling (Pitti)
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Roasted Gram Flour (Sattu Ka Atta) | 1-1/2 cups |
| Ginger (Grated) | 1 inch piece |
| Garlic (Grated) | 2 cloves |
| Green Chillies (Chopped) | 2 |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves (Chopped) | Small bunch |
| Ajwain (Carom Seeds) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Kalonji (Nigella Seeds) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Fennel Seeds (Saunf, Pounded) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Mustard Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Lemon Juice | 1 teaspoon |
Preparation Time: 45 minutes
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Yield: Serves 4-5
Instructions
-
Prepare the Dough:
Begin by preparing the dough for the Litti. In a large mixing bowl, sieve the whole wheat flour, salt, and baking soda. Add the ajwain (carom seeds), ghee, and mix well until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add lukewarm water, little by little, kneading as you go, to form a smooth and firm dough. Cover the dough with a wet muslin cloth and let it rest for 20 minutes. -
Prepare the Pitti (Filling):
While the dough is resting, prepare the filling. In another large mixing bowl, combine the roasted gram flour (sattu), grated ginger, garlic, chopped green chilies, chopped coriander leaves, ajwain, kalonji, fennel seeds, mustard oil, salt, and lemon juice. Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly mixed. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the mixture feels too dry, add a little water to achieve a lumpy yet dry consistency (not too wet). Set this pitti mixture aside. -
Shape the Litti:
Once the dough has rested, knead it again for 5 minutes on a flat surface. Divide the dough into small portions, roughly the size of a lemon, and roll each into a ball. Roll each ball into a small, round shape, similar to a poori. Place a generous tablespoon of the prepared sattu pitti filling in the center of each poori. Gently gather the edges of the dough around the filling, pinch them together to seal, and form a smooth ball. Lightly flatten the filled balls with your palm. Repeat this process for the remaining dough and filling, arranging the stuffed Litti on a greased baking tray. -
Bake the Litti:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Once the oven is preheated, brush each Litti ball with ghee to help them crisp up during baking. Place the tray with the Littis on the middle rack and bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. Baking times may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them as they bake. Once golden, remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. -
Serve the Litti Chokha:
Serve the freshly baked Litti with traditional Bihari Chokha. You can serve it with Aloo Chokha (mashed spiced potatoes) and Baingan (eggplant) Bharta (roasted eggplant mash). For a more authentic experience, accompany the Litti Chokha with a side of yogurt and pickled green chilies.
Pro Tips for Perfect Litti:
- You can also deep fry the Littis if you prefer a crispy texture instead of baking them. Fry them in ghee for an even more authentic flavor.
- For a softer Litti, ensure the dough is well-kneaded and rested before shaping it.
- The pitti mixture should be a little dry but not too crumbly. It should hold together when pressed but not be wet.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~270-300 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | ~30g |
| Protein | ~8g |
| Fat | ~15g |
| Fiber | ~6g |
| Sodium | ~200 mg |
| Sugar | ~2g |
Indulge in this hearty Bihari delicacy for a fulfilling lunch or dinner experience that combines traditional flavors with a satisfying crunch. Whether you bake or fry, this Litti Chokha will bring the essence of Bihar to your table.
