Bihari style litti chokha Recipe


Bihari style litti chokha Recipe



20min
3-4 servings
15 mins




Introduction

 

I still remember the first time I tried Bihari-style Litti Chokha. It was during a visit to Patna, and the flavors were a revelation. The smoky, roasted brinjal in the Chokha and the crisp, ghee-laden Litti were unlike anything I'd tasted before. It wasn’t just a meal; it was an experience that transported me straight to the heart of Bihar.

 

The Litti Chokha experience is deeply rooted in the cultural and culinary traditions of Bihar. I vividly recall the aroma of fresh mustard oil and the earthy fragrance of sattu stuffing. Every bite of that Litti was a delightful surprise, filled with a burst of flavors and a satisfying crunch. Now, I bring that same authentic taste to my kitchen and want to share it with you.

 

 

 

Recipe of Bihari Style Litti Chokha

 

Ingredients For Litti:

 

For Dough:

  • 2 cups Wheat Flour
  • 2 tsp Ghee
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • Water (as needed)

 

For Filling (Sattu Mixture):

  • 1 cup Sattu (roasted gram flour)
  • 1/2 cup Chopped Onion
  • 1 tbsp Chopped Ginger
  • 1 tbsp Chopped Garlic
  • 2 tbsp Chopped Green Chilli
  • 2 tbsp Chopped Coriander
  • 1/2 tsp Ajwain (carom seeds)
  • 1/2 tsp Kalonji (nigella seeds)
  • 1/2 tsp Mustard Oil
  • 1/2 tsp Amchoor Powder (dry mango powder)
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tsp Pickle Masala

 

 

Ingredients For Chokha:

 

  • 1 large Brinjal (eggplant)

  • 2 medium Tomatoes
  • 3 Garlic Cloves
  • 1 tbsp Chopped Green Chilli
  • 1/2 tbsp Chopped Ginger
  • 1 tbsp Chopped Garlic
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tbsp Mustard Oil
  • 2 tbsp Chopped Coriander

 

 

Ingredients For Green Chutney:

 

  • 1/4 cup Coriander Leaves

  • 1/4 cup Mint Leaves
  • 1 medium Tomato
  • 2 Green Chillies
  • 1 inch Ginger
  • 4 Garlic Cloves
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tsp Lemon Juice

 

 

Instructions For Chokha

 

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

  • Insert Garlic into Brinjal: Make small insertions on the brinjal and insert the garlic cloves into these slits.
  • Roast Vegetables: Roast the brinjal, green chillies, and tomatoes directly on an open flame until the skins are charred.

Brinjal, green chillies, and tomatoes being roasted on an open flame for Chokha.

 

Step 2: Peel and Mash

  • Peel the Vegetables: Transfer the roasted brinjal, chillies, and tomatoes to a bowl of water and peel off their charred skins.
  • Mash Together: In a mixing bowl, mash the peeled vegetables together until they are well combined.

Roasted brinjal, tomatoes, and chillies with charred skin being peeled and mashed in a bowl.

 

Step 3: Season and Mix

  • Add Seasonings: Add the chopped onion, salt, mustard oil, chopped ginger, and garlic to the mashed mixture.
  • Mix Well: Combine everything thoroughly to make a smooth and flavorful Chokha. Set aside.

Chopped onion, salt, mustard oil, chopped ginger, and garlic being mixed into the mashed Chokha mixture.

 

 

Instructions For Stuffing

 

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

  • Mix Sattu Mixture: In a bowl, combine sattu, chopped onion, chopped ginger, chopped garlic, chopped green chilli, chopped coriander, ajwain, kalonji, mustard oil, amchur powder, salt, and pickle masala.

Sattu flour mixture with chopped onions, garlic, ginger, green chillies, and coriander being mixed in a bowl.

 

Step 2: Blend Well

  • Blend Together: Mix all the ingredients thoroughly to create a uniform stuffing. The mixture should be crumbly but moist enough to hold together when pressed.

A uniform, crumbly sattu mixture ready for stuffing Litti.

 

 

Instructions For Litti

 

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  • Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add wheat flour, salt, and ghee. Rub the mixture with your fingers until it resembles breadcrumbs.
  • Knead the Dough: Gradually add water and knead into a firm dough. Let the dough rest for 10-15 minutes.

Wheat flour mixed with ghee and water being kneaded into a firm dough for Litti.

 

Step 2: Shape and Stuff Littis

  • Divide Dough: Divide the dough into small portions and roll each portion into a ball.
  • Fill and Seal: Flatten each dough ball, place a spoonful of the sattu stuffing in the center, and gather the edges to seal the dough around the filling. Shape into smooth balls.

Dough balls being filled with sattu mixture and shaped into smooth balls.

 

Step 3: Cook the Littis

  • Prepare the Cooker: Heat a pressure cooker (remove the whistle for safety) and grease the inside with oil.
  • Cook the Littis: Place the stuffed littis in the cooker and cook on medium-low flame for 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. The littis should be golden brown and crispy.

Stuffed littis being cooked in a greased pressure cooker without the whistle.

 

 

 

Instructions For Green Chutney

 

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

  • Combine in Blender: Add coriander leaves, mint leaves, tomato, green chillies, ginger, garlic cloves, salt, and lemon juice to a blender.

Coriander leaves, mint leaves, tomato, green chillies, ginger, and garlic in a blender ready to be made into chutney.

 

Step 2: Blend Until Smooth

  • Blend: Blend the ingredients until you get a smooth and consistent chutney. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Smooth and consistent green chutney being blended to a fine paste.

 

 

Instructions For Serving

 

Serve the Littis:

  • Serve the crispy and golden-brown Littis hot, along with the smoky Chokha and fresh Green Chutney. Enjoy the authentic flavors of Bihari cuisine!

Crispy Litti served with smoky Chokha and fresh green chutney on a plate, ready to enjoy.

 

 

 

 

About the Recipe

 

Litti Chokha is a traditional dish from the Indian state of Bihar, known for its robust flavors and simplicity. The dish comprises "Litti," which are dough balls stuffed with a spiced sattu (roasted gram flour) mixture, and "Chokha," a smoky, mashed preparation of roasted vegetables like brinjal, tomatoes, and garlic. The Littis are typically cooked over an open flame or in a tandoor, giving them a unique charred taste that pairs beautifully with the Chokha.

 

The key to a great Litti Chokha is the balance of flavors and textures. The crispy Litti, with its spicy, tangy stuffing, complements the smooth, flavorful Chokha. This dish is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a culinary masterpiece. It's a staple in Bihari households and is often enjoyed as a comforting meal, especially during festive occasions.

 

 

Cooking Tips

 

  1. Roast Vegetables Properly: Ensure that the brinjal, tomatoes, and garlic for the Chokha are well roasted to bring out the smoky flavor. Use an open flame for the best results.

  2. Knead the Dough Correctly: The dough for the Litti should be slightly firmer than regular roti dough. This helps in achieving the right texture and prevents the Littis from cracking.

  3. Use Mustard Oil: For authentic flavor, use mustard oil in both the Litti stuffing and the Chokha. It adds a distinctive taste that's characteristic of Bihari cuisine.

  4. Balance Spices: Adjust the spices in the stuffing and Chokha according to your taste. The right balance of tanginess from lemon juice and the heat from green chilies is crucial.

  5. Cook Evenly: When cooking Litti, ensure they are evenly cooked by turning them frequently. This prevents burning and ensures a uniform golden brown color.

  6. Avoid Overstuffing: Be careful not to overstuff the Littis, as this can cause them to burst open during cooking.

  7. Rest the Dough: Allow the dough to rest for 10-15 minutes before rolling. This makes it easier to handle and shape.

  8. Serve Hot: Litti Chokha is best enjoyed hot. Reheat the Littis if necessary and serve them with a generous amount of ghee.

  9. Customize the Chokha: Feel free to add other roasted vegetables like potatoes or mix in some fresh herbs to customize the Chokha to your liking.

  10. Add Chutney: Serve with a side of tangy tomato chutney to enhance the flavor.

 

 

Pairing Guide

 

  • Mint Chutney: A refreshing mint chutney pairs excellently with the robust flavors of Litti Chokha, adding a fresh and tangy contrast.

  • Tamarind Chutney: The sweet and tangy notes of tamarind chutney complement the smoky and spicy flavors of the dish, providing a well-rounded taste experience.

  • Pickled Vegetables: A side of pickled vegetables adds a crunchy texture and a tangy kick that enhances the overall meal.

  • Curd: A bowl of plain curd or raita can help balance the heat from the spices and add a cooling element to the dish.

  • Masala Chai: For a traditional touch, pair the dish with a cup of masala chai. The spiced tea complements the hearty flavors of Litti Chokha.

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Bihari Style Litti Chokha

 

  1. What is Litti Chokha?

    • Litti Chokha is a traditional Bihari dish consisting of baked wheat flour balls stuffed with sattu and served with a smoky mashed vegetable preparation called Chokha.

  2. Can I bake Litti instead of cooking it on a flame?

    • Yes, you can bake Litti in an oven at 180°C for about 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure even cooking.

  3. What is Sattu?

    • Sattu is a flour made from roasted gram or barley. It's commonly used in various Indian dishes for its high nutritional value and unique flavor.

  4. Is Litti Chokha healthy?

    • Yes, Litti Chokha is considered a healthy dish as it is made with whole wheat and stuffed with protein-rich sattu. It is also traditionally cooked with minimal oil.

  5. How do you store leftover Litti Chokha?

    • Store the Littis in an airtight container and reheat them before serving. Chokha can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.

  6. Can I use other vegetables for Chokha?

    • Yes, besides brinjal, you can use roasted potatoes, bell peppers, or even sweet potatoes to make Chokha.

  7. What can I substitute for mustard oil?

    • If you don't have mustard oil, you can use any other vegetable oil, but mustard oil gives a distinctive flavor that is integral to the dish.

  8. Why is my Litti cracking?

    • Litti may crack if the dough is too dry or if it is overstuffed. Ensure the dough is properly kneaded and the stuffing is well-balanced.

  9. Can I freeze Litti Chokha?

    • Yes, you can freeze cooked Littis and Chokha. Reheat them thoroughly before serving to restore their texture and flavor.

  10. How can I make the dish less spicy?

    • To make Litti Chokha less spicy, reduce the amount of green chilies and red chili powder in both the stuffing and Chokha.

 

These detailed instructions and tips will help you recreate an authentic Bihari-style Litti Chokha that is sure to delight your taste buds and bring a piece of Bihar into your home. Enjoy!