Litti Chokha ! Unique Delightful Bihari Method

Litti Chokha is a traditional food recipe from Bihar and made with wheat flour, Sattu(Roasted Black Gram Powder/Flour), Brinjal(Eggplant), Tomato curry, Ghee, and various types of spices. It is a healthy spherical/round-shaped meal cooked with the help of the traditional cow dung or Griller Sigdi/Angeethi. Its appearance, as well as textures, are similar to the popular Rajasthani dish “Dal Baati Churma Recipe“.

I have always been a huge fan of traditional food recipes and it is satisfied me. As a proud Bihari, I have first tasted it in my own home by the made of my Mom. Precisely it is one of the best street food dishes in the world. It is very common across Bihar. It is one of the healthiest street foods across the globe. There are various ways to make this mouthwatering recipe, but one of the common methods of cooking/baking Litti Chokhha is on Sigdi. In this article, we are going to discuss brief details of Litti Chokhha.

About Litti Chokha

Origins of Litti Chokha:

Litti Chokha came into being many years ago in Bihar, India. Back then, it was like a trusty friend to the hardworking folks who spent their days in the fields.

With simple ingredients from the bountiful land, it became their go-to meal—a comforting reward after a day of hard work.

Evolution Over the Years:

As time passed, Litti Chokha wasn’t content to stay confined to the rural corners of Bihar. It started making appearances beyond state borders, winning hearts everywhere. While it stayed true to its roots, it also picked up new flavors and textures along the way, adapting to the tastes of different regions.

Cultural Significance:

Litti Chokha isn’t just about good food; it’s about bringing people together. In Bihar, it’s a symbol of joy and togetherness, often shared during special occasions like weddings and festivals. The act of making and enjoying Litti Chokha is as much about bonding as it is about eating.

Preparation Method of Litti Chokha

Preparation Time- 45 Min.
Cooking Time- 40 Min.
Total Time-1.25 Hours
Cuisine Type- Bihari
Meal Type- Vegetarian
Starter/Main Course Food

Ingredients of Litti Chokha

For Litti

For Litti Dough

1. Wheat Flour(Gehu Atta)- 1.5 Cup( Approx 250 Gm)
2. Salt- To Taste(As per requirement)
3. Oil- 1 Tablespoon
4. Water- As per requirement

For Litti Stuffing

1. Sattu(Roasted Black Gram Powder/Flour)-1/2 Cup( 80-100 GM)
2. Onion-1(Medium, Chopped)
3. Green Chilli-2 to 3 Pics, chopped,
4. Ginger, 50 Gm, Chopped,
5. Garlic Cloves- 2 to 3 Pics, Chopped
6. Coriander Leaves-2 Tablespoon, Chopped
7. Salt-To Taste(As per requirement)
8. Mustard oil-1 Tablespoon
9. Pickle masala-1 Tablespoon

For Chokha

1. Brinjal/Eggplant-1 Pic, Roast
2. Garlic Cloves-3 to 4 Pics
3. Tomato-4 Pics(Medium in Size, Roasted)
4. Potato- 2 Pics(Medium in Size, Roasted)
5. Ginger-½ inch in Size, Chopped
6. Garlic Cloves- 2 to 3 Pics, Chopped
7. Green Chilli- 2 Pics, Chopped
8. Green Coriander Leaves- 1 Tablespoon, Chopped
9. Salt- As per requirement
10. Mustard Oil- 1 ½ Tablespoon

Other Ingredients

Ghee- 1 Cup

For Garnish

Coriander Leaves

Cooking Process of Litti Chokha

Making of Litti

For Dough:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine whole wheat flour, broken wheat, and salt to taste.
2. Gradually add water and knead the mixture into a smooth, soft dough.
3. Apply some oil to the dough and knead it again to ensure it’s well-mixed.
4. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and set it aside for future use.

Stuffing and Shaping Litti:

1. In another bowl, mix Sattu, chopped onion, green chili, ginger, garlic, salt to taste, mustard oil, and pickle masala.
2. Ensure all the ingredients are well combined and set the stuffing aside for future use.
3. Take small or medium-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls.
4. Roll each dough ball into a circle of about 5 to 6 inches in diameter, sprinkling some flour to prevent sticking.
5. Place a spoonful of the stuffing mixture in the center of each rolled-out dough circle.
6. Pleat and join the edges of the dough to enclose the stuffing, forming a stuffed ball.
7. Lightly roll the stuffed balls between your palms to shape them into round Littis.
8. Alternatively, flatten each dough ball with your palms, add the stuffing, and shape them into round Littis.
9. Keep the prepared littis covered with a cotton towel to prevent drying out.

Roasting The Litti:

1. Inflame the cow dung. Once the cow dung cakes are semi-hot, place the prepared Littis on them. (You can use a stove or oven instead of cow dung cakes. Cow dung cake is the oldest fuel type for the making of Litti.
2. Roast the Littis until they are cooked through and golden brown on all sides.
3. Remove the roasted Littis from the cow dung cakes and dust off any residue.
4. Soak the warm Littis in ghee for about 5 minutes before serving with prepared Chokha.

Making of Chokha:

1. Take the roasted Brinjal/eggplant, tomatoes, and potatoes and let them cool slightly.
2. Peel the vegetables and chop them roughly.
3. In a bowl, mix the chopped vegetables with chopped coriander leaves, ginger, garlic, green chili, salt to taste, and mustard oil.
4. Use your hands or a masher to mix everything well until you get a coarse mixture.
5. The Chokha is now ready to be served alongside the Littis.

Additional Notes

1. Use wheat flour for the dough.
2. Add roasted potatoes to add thickness to the Chokha.
3. Whenever possible, use cow dung cakes for roasting the littis for authentic flavor.
4. If cooking in the oven, add 1 tablespoon of baking soda to the dough.
5. Ensure you use pickles of good quality and taste for the stuffing.
6. Use a generous amount of ghee for soaking the Littis before serving for added flavor and richness.

Read More: Mutton Rogan Josh

Nutritional Facts of Litti Chokha

Nutrient                            Amount Per Serving

Calories                                         481
Fat                                                   12g (18% DV)
Saturated Fat                                    3g (19% DV)
Cholesterol                                     10mg (3% DV)
Sodium                                         919mg (40% DV)
Potassium                                     979mg (28% DV)
Carbohydrates                                81g (27% DV)
Fiber                                               13g (54% DV)
Sugar                                               6g (7% DV)
Protein                                           17g (34% DV)
Vitamin A                                      690IU (14% DV)
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)                     1mg (67% DV)
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)                    0.2mg (12% DV)
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)                          5mg (25% DV)
Vitamin B6                                       0.4mg (20% DV)
Vitamin C                                        14mg (17% DV)
Vitamin E                                         1mg (7% DV)
Vitamin K                                         10µg (10% DV)
Calcium                                          138mg (14% DV)
Vitamin B9 (Folate)                        143µg (36% DV)
Iron                                                   5mg (28% DV)
Magnesium                                    170mg (43% DV)
Phosphorus                                    399mg (40% DV)
Zinc                                                   4mg (27% DV)

Note-Percent Daily Values (%DV) are based on a 2000-calorie diet.

Watch the Making process of Litti Chokha on Youtube

Conclusion

Litti Chokha is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of culture, tradition, and culinary artistry. With its wholesome ingredients and robust flavors, it has the power to transport you to the rustic lanes of Bihar with every bite. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and embark on a culinary journey that promises to tantalize your taste buds and warm your soul.