Litti Chokha: The crispy irresistible Bihari Gem that will make your mouth water

Oh, Litti Chokha, the irresistible and hearty dish from the state of Bihar! Just the thought of biting into a crispy, golden-brown Litti, stuffed with flavorful sattu filling, and pairing it with the smoky and spicy Chokha is enough to make your mouth water.

If it were upto us, we will definitely vouch for litti and chokha as the best pair in this world!

Because when you pair the Litti with the smoky and spicy Chokha, made with roasted eggplant, tomatoes, onions, and green chilies, it’s a match made in heaven.The smokiness of the roasted vegetables, combined with the heat of the chilies and the sweetness of the tomatoes, creates a complex and addictive taste.

Made with natural and wholesome ingredients such as whole wheat flour, roasted gram flour, vegetables, and spices. Whole wheat flour is a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and can help regulate blood sugar levels and support digestive health. Roasted gram flour, or sattu, is a good source of protein, fiber, and minerals, and can help boost energy levels and aid in weight management. Even the Chokha component of the dish is made with roasted vegetables such as eggplant and tomatoes, which are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. The dish is also typically cooked with mustard oil, which is a good source of healthy fats and contains anti-inflammatory properties.

However, it is essential to stick to the traditional method of baking or grilling the littis instead of frying them like how most people do these days to preserve their nutritional content and balancing out the spices with milder ingredients such as yogurt or mint chutney. 

Here’s a simple recipe for making Litti Chokha at home:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 cup sattu (roasted gram flour)
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onions
• 1/4 cup chopped coriander leaves
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
• 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon carom seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons mustard oil
• Water as needed
• Ghee for brushing
• 2 large eggplants
• 4 medium-sized tomatoes
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 2 green chilies, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped coriander leaves
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
• 2 tablespoons mustard oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. To make the Litti, combine the whole wheat flour, sattu, onions, coriander leaves, ginger, garlic, green chilies, carom seeds, turmeric powder, red chili powder, salt, and mustard oil in a large mixing bowl. Mix well and add water as needed to make a smooth dough.
2. Divide the dough into small lemon-sized balls and flatten each one slightly. Place a small portion of ghee in the center of each flattened ball and bring the edges together to seal it. Roll the ball gently between your palms to form a smooth ball.
3. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the Littis on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush them with some ghee. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through.
4. To make the Chokha, pierce the eggplants with a fork and roast them directly over a gas flame or on a grill until they are charred on the outside and soft on the inside. Let them cool slightly, then peel off the charred skin and mash the flesh with a fork.
5. Chop the tomatoes and mix them with the mashed eggplant. Add the chopped onions, green chilies, coriander leaves, ginger, garlic, mustard oil, and salt. Mix well to combine.

Serve the hot Littis with a generous spoonful of Chokha on top. Enjoy!