Litti Chokha is a cuisine that originates from the Indian state of Bihar and is renowned for its powerful flavors and charmingly rustic appearance. It is made out of “Litti,” which are balls made of whole wheat flour and packed with spicy sattu, which is roasted gram flour, and “Chokha,” which is a smoky mixture of roasted vegetables such as eggplant, tomatoes, and garlic.
In addition to being a mainstay in Bihari households, this dish is also a popular street meal that is frequently consumed at celebrations and other joyous events.
Ingredients
For the Litti
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 2 tablespoons ghee (plus more for brushing)
- Water (as needed to make a dough)
For the Stuffing
- 1 ½ cups sattu flour
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
- 1 tablespoon powdered jaggery
- ½ teaspoon minced ginger
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons chopped coriander
- 3-4 tablespoons mustard oil
- Juice of 1 large lime
- Salt (to taste)
For the Chokha
- 2 large eggplants
- 2 ripe tomatoes
- 1 red bell pepper (optional)
- 1 red onion, diced
- 2 green chilies, minced
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon roasted cumin powder
- 3-4 tablespoons mustard oil
- Lime juice (to taste)
- Salt (to taste)
Also see :- Bhindi Masala Recipe
Instructions
Preparing the Litti
Make the Dough: Whole wheat flour, ghee, and salt should be mixed together in a bowl used for mixing. To create a dough that is malleable and soft, gradually add water. Cover and let it to rest for fifteen to twenty minutes.
Prepare the Stuffing: Another bowl should be used to combine the following ingredients: sattu flour, red chili powder, roasted cumin powder, jaggery, ginger, garlic, coriander, mustard oil, lime juice, and salt. Make sure that the ingredients are thoroughly mixed together, and make any necessary adjustments to the seasoning.
Shape the Litti: Create sections of the dough that are equal in size. Each part should be rolled into a ball, then flattened, and a spoonful of stuffing should be placed in the middle of each ball. Turn the stuffing into a ball and close it by folding the edges over the stuffing and then sealing it.
Cook the Litti: In the traditional method, littis are prepared by cooking them in a tandoor or over an open flame. Another option is to prepare an oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit) and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, rotating the food halfway during the cooking process, until it reaches a golden brown color.
Making the Chokha
Roast the Vegetables: In order to achieve a charred appearance, roast the eggplants, tomatoes, and bell peppers either over an open flame or in the oven. Wait till they have cooled down, and then peel off the skins.
Mash the Chokha: Prepare the roasted veggies by mashing them in a bowl and then incorporating the chopped onion, minced green chilies, garlic, cumin powder, mustard oil, lime juice, and salt into the mixture. Adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Serve: The Chokha should be served on the side, and the hot Littis should be served with a liberal dollop of ghee on top.
Nutrition
In addition to being high in carbohydrates and proteins, Litti Chokha is also an excellent source of dietary fiber. While sattu is an excellent source of protein and other critical elements, whole wheat flour is a source of complex carbs. Chokha is a nutritious cuisine since it contains vegetables, which increase the amount of vitamins and minerals in the dish.
FAQ
Q.1) What is Litti Chokha?
Litti Chokha is a typical Bihari meal that consists of baked wheat flour balls that are packed with spiced sattu and served with a smoky vegetable mash.
Q.2) Can I bake Litti instead of cooking it on a flame?
It is possible to bake Litti in an oven at a temperature of 180 degrees Celsius for around twenty to twenty-five minutes.
Q.3) Is Litti Chokha healthy?
Yes, it is regarded to be nutritious because it is made with whole wheat and sattu, which is high in protein, and it is prepared with a little amount of oil.
Q.4) How do I store leftovers?
Littis should be stored in an airtight container and should be reheated before being served. For up to two days, chokha can be stored in the refrigerator.
Litti Chokha is more than simply a meal; it symbolizes the culturally significant culinary history of Bihar, which makes it a pleasurable experience for anyone who has the opportunity to try it.