Litti Chokha – A Rustic Delicacy Delight That Defines Bihar

By Khushi Tiwari Dec 23, 20240

A Dish That Fully Represents Bihar and Its Austerity…

Litti Chokha — it’s a lot more than just the food; it is Bihar’s identity and spirit. This tasty recipe hails from the land of Mithilanchal and Magadh, so you can taste the history of the country through food. A roasted ball made from wheat called Litti which contains sattu inside makes a perfect combination with a delicious mashed item called Chokha which can be made from brinjal, potato, or tomato.

It is enriched with proteins, fiber, and antioxidants; this dish is perfect for winter convenience. Biharis do not just eat Litti Chokha; it has become a symbol of such aspects of life as far as taste, culture, and relation that people share over this food item that has an earthy taste due to the smokiness involved in it.

Ingredients (Serves: 4-5):

For Litti Dough:

2 cups whole wheat flour
2 tablespoons ghee
1/2 teaspoon carom seeds (ajwain)
1/4 teaspoon salt
Water (for kneading)

For Litti Filling:

1 cup sattu (roasted gram flour)
2 tablespoons mustard oil
1 tablespoon pickle masala (optional)
1/4 teaspoon ajwain
1/4 teaspoon kalonji (nigella seeds)
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1 tablespoon chopped green chilies
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon chopped coriander leaves
Juice of 1 lemon

Litti Chokha – A Rustic Delicacy That Defines Bihar

For Chokha:

1 large brinjal (eggplant)
2 medium tomatoes
2 medium boiled potatoes
1 small onion (finely chopped)
2-3 green chilies (chopped)
2 tablespoons mustard oil
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon chopped coriander leaves

Preparation Time:

Litti: Twenty minutes preparation + twenty-five minutes roasting
Chokha: 15 minutes

Step-by-Step Recipe to Prepare Mouth Watering and Yummy Authentic Litti Chokha:

STEP 1. Preparing the dough of Litti :

In a bowl put whole wheat flour with a pinch of salt, mix water and make a soft dough; cover with a cloth for 15-20 minutes.

STEP 2: Sattu Filling Preparation

In the second bowl mix sattu, mustard oil, ajwain, kalonji, and salt; add some water to this mixture to make it crumble but it should still be stiff enough to go into the dough of litti

STEP 3: Baking and Filling the Litti

Roll out a small portion of the dough and place the sattu mixture in the center of the flattened dough. Ensure that it is closed tightly and forms a ball.

STEP 4: Roasting the Litti

Conventionally, littis are cooked on a charcoal flame for a more natural taste that is associated with the product.

It can also be baked in a preheated oven at a temperature of 180°C for 25 minutes or can be cooked on a tawa. Drizzle with ghee to impart a smoky undertone.

STEP 5: Making the Chokha

Grill the brinjals, tomatoes, and potatoes directly over charcoal or in an open oven until their surfaces blacken and they look well cooked.

Scrape off the blackened skin and blend the vegetables until paste-like.

Next, mix chopped onions, green chilies, dhania, mustard oil, and salt. Stir well to complement the preparation of a rustic Chokha.

STEP 6: Serving the Dish

Present the delicious Litti cooked in hot ghee with a side of extra Chokha.

This meal should ideally be served hot and is great with sour chutneys or plain yogurt.

Tips for Perfect Litti Chokha:

Add mustard oil to the chokha for an authentic taste.
Use charcoal for roasting to get the smoky flavor.
Serve with jaggery and pickles for a complete meal.

Facts About Litti Chokha:

Litti Chokha was very energetic and used to feel fresh for longer durations. They thus found it to be very useful when taken as their food.
Litti Chokha is made by adding natural and other creative means as Bihar has unity with nature.