Master The Art Of Litti Chokha: A Traditional Bihari Recipe

Litti Chokha is a beloved Bihari dish known for its earthy and smoky flavors. Litti, made of wheat flour dough stuffed with spiced sattu roasted gram flour, is roasted and brushed with ghee for a rich taste. Chokha, a mash of roasted eggplant, tomatoes, and potatoes, is seasoned with mustard oil, garlic, and green chilies. The combination of the crispy litti and flavorful chokha creates a hearty meal. It is traditionally cooked over a flame or tandoor, enhancing its rustic charm. Served with green chutney or pickles, Litti Chokha is a true representation of Indian culinary heritage.

Ingredients:

For Dough:
- Wheat flour: 2 cups
- Ghee: 2 tbsp (plus more for brushing)
- Salt: tsp
- Water: as needed
For Stuffing:
- Sattu (roasted gram flour): 1 cup
- Mustard oil: 1 tbsp
- Ajwain (carom seeds): tsp
- Kalonji (nigella seeds): tsp
- Garlic (grated): 1 tbsp
- Ginger (grated): 1 tbsp
- Green chilies (chopped): 2
- Lemon juice: 1 tbsp
- Salt: to taste
- Fresh coriander (chopped): 2 tbsp

Steps to Prepare Litti:

Prepare the Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, combine wheat flour, salt, and ghee.
- Gradually add water and knead into a soft, pliable dough. Cover and let it rest for 20 minutes.
Make the Stuffing:
- In another bowl, mix sattu, mustard oil, ajwain, kalonji, garlic, ginger, green chilies, lemon juice, salt, and coriander.
- Add a few drops of water if needed to bring the stuffing together without making it too wet.
Stuff and Shape Litti:
- Divide the dough into equal-sized balls.
- Flatten each ball into a disc, place a spoonful of stuffing in the center, and gather the edges to seal.
- Roll gently into a round shape without breaking the dough.
Cook the Litti:
- Preheat a tandoor, oven (200 C/400 F), or a gas stove with a grill.
- Roast the littis evenly until golden brown, turning occasionally. Alternatively, fry them for a crispier texture.
- Brush the cooked littis with ghee for a rich flavor.

For Chokha (Mashed Vegetables):

Ingredients:

Eggplant (large): 1
Tomatoes: 2
Potatoes (boiled): 2
Mustard oil: 1 tbsp
Garlic (grated): 1 tbsp
Green chilies (chopped): 2
Fresh coriander (chopped): 2 tbsp
Salt: to taste

Steps to Prepare Chokha:

Roast the Vegetables:
- Roast eggplant and tomatoes directly over a flame or in an oven until charred and soft. Cool slightly and peel off the skin.
Mash the Vegetables:
- In a bowl, mash the roasted eggplant, tomatoes, and boiled potatoes together until smooth.
Season the Chokha:
- Add mustard oil, garlic, green chilies, coriander, and salt. Mix well to combine all flavors.