Master The Art Of Litti Chokha: A Traditional Bihari Recipe

Ingredients:

• For Dough:
  • Wheat flour: 2 cups
  • Ghee: 2 tbsp (plus more for brushing)
  • Salt: ½ tsp
  • Water: as needed
• For Stuffing:
  • Sattu (roasted gram flour): 1 cup
  • Mustard oil: 1 tbsp
  • Ajwain (carom seeds): ½ tsp
  • Kalonji (nigella seeds): ½ 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.

Assemble and Serve:

• Place the hot littis on a plate and serve them with chokha on the side.
• Optionally, drizzle extra ghee over the littis for added richness.

Enjoy your delicious, smoky, and hearty Litti Chokha with a side of green chutney or pickles for a complete Bihari experience.