Bihari style litti chokha Recipe


Bihari style litti chokha Recipe



20min
3-4 servings
15 mins




Introduction:

 

Hey there, it's Ajay Chopra here! Let me whisk you away to the heart of Bihar with a recipe that's not just food but an experience in itself - the legendary Bihari style Litti Chokha. Picture this: it's a lazy afternoon, and the aroma of roasted spices fills the air as Littis sizzle on the grill. It's not just about satisfying hunger; it's about indulging in a culinary tradition that's as rich as it is flavorful.

 

Growing up, my first encounter with Litti Chokha wasn't just about taste; it was a glimpse into the cultural tapestry of Bihar. The rustic charm of stuffing aromatic spices into dough balls and roasting them to perfection left an indelible mark on my culinary journey. It's not just a recipe; it's a journey back to tradition, where every bite tells a story of heritage and flavor.

 

 

 

Bihari Style Litti Chokha

 

Ingredients:

 

For Litti:

For Dough:

  • 2 cups Wheat Flour
  • 2 tsp Ghee
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • Water

For Filling (Sattu Mixture):

  • 1 cup Sattu
  • Chopped Onion
  • Chopped Ginger
  • Chopped Garlic
  • Chopped Green Chilli
  • Chopped Coriander
  • Ajwain
  • Kalonji
  • 1/2 tsp Mustard Oil
  • Amchoor Powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Pickle Masala

For Chokha:

  • 1 Brinjal
  • 2 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

For Green Chutney:

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

 

 

Method:

 

  1. For Chokha:

    • Make insertions on the brinjal and insert garlic cloves.
    • Roast the brinjal, green chillies, and tomatoes on direct heat until the skin gets charred.
    • Transfer them to water and peel off the skin.
    • Mash them properly in a bowl.
    • Add chopped onion, salt, mustard oil, chopped ginger-garlic, and mix well. Chokha is ready.

  2. For Stuffing:

    • In a bowl, mix sattu flour, chopped ginger, chopped garlic, chopped green chilli, chopped onion, amchur powder, ajwain, mustard oil, pickle masala, salt, chopped coriander, and mix well.

  3. For Litti:

    • Take flour in a bowl, add salt, ghee, and rub them.
    • Then add water and knead it into a hard dough. Divide it into portions.
    • Take one portion and shape it like a bowl, add the stuffing, and seal the dough by pressing the edges.
    • Heat a pressure cooker (remove the whistle), apply oil inside, and place the littis in it.
    • Cook them for 25-30 minutes on medium-low flame, stirring them at intervals. Littis are ready to serve.

  4. For Green Chutney:

    • Blend coriander leaves, mint leaves, tomato, green chillies, ginger, garlic cloves, salt, and lemon juice into a smooth chutney.

 

Serve the delicious Bihari Style Litti Chokha with green chutney. Enjoy!

 

 

 

About the Recipe:

 

Bihari style Litti Chokha is more than just a dish; it's a culinary ode to the heartland of Bihar. Originating from the rustic kitchens of the region, this recipe embodies the essence of simplicity and flavor. Litti, made from whole wheat flour, stuffed with spicy Sattu filling, and roasted over an open flame, offers a delightful crunch with every bite. Chokha, a rustic mash of roasted eggplant, tomatoes, and spices, adds a burst of tangy goodness to complement the earthy flavors of Litti. Together, they create a symphony of taste that transcends borders and takes you on a gastronomic journey through the bylanes of Bihar.

 

 

Cooking Tips:

 

  1. Perfect Dough Consistency: Ensure the Litti dough is neither too tight nor too loose for the perfect texture.
  2. Balancing Spices: Adjust the spice levels in the Sattu filling according to your preference for a personalized taste.
  3. Even Roasting: Rotate the Littis frequently while grilling to ensure uniform cooking and a crisp exterior.
  4. Moisture Control: Keep an eye on the moisture content while making Chokha to achieve the desired consistency.
  5. Traditional Cooking Methods: For an authentic flavor, try roasting Littis over a wood fire or charcoal grill.

 

 

Pairing Guide:

 

  • Traditional Accompaniments: Serve Litti Chokha with a side of tangy pickle and cool yogurt for a traditional Bihari experience.
  • Beverage Pairings: Pair this hearty dish with a glass of chilled buttermilk or traditional Bihari drink like Bael Sherbet for a refreshing contrast to the spicy flavors.
  • Global Fusion: Experiment with fusion pairings like pairing Litti Chokha with a light salad or serving it alongside grilled meats for a modern twist.

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Bihari style Litti Chokha:

 

  1. What is Sattu?
    • Sattu is a flour made from roasted gram or lentils, commonly used in Bihari cuisine.
  2. Can I make Litti Chokha without a grill?
    • Yes, you can bake Littis in an oven or cook them on a stovetop griddle for similar results.
  3. Is Litti Chokha spicy?
    • The spice level can be adjusted according to personal preference, but traditionally, it has a moderate level of spice.
  4. How long does it take to prepare Litti Chokha?
    • The preparation time varies but typically takes around 1-2 hours, including dough making, stuffing, and cooking.
  5. Can I use store-bought Sattu for the filling?
    • While homemade Sattu is preferred for its freshness, you can use store-bought Sattu as well.
  6. What other variations of Chokha can I make?
    • Apart from the traditional eggplant-based Chokha, you can also make variations using potatoes, pumpkin, or green peas.
  7. Is Litti Chokha a healthy dish?
    • Yes, Litti Chokha is considered a healthy dish as it is made from whole wheat flour and contains nutritious ingredients like Sattu and vegetables.
  8. Can I make Litti Chokha ahead of time?
    • Yes, you can prepare the dough and stuffing in advance and assemble and cook Littis when needed.
  9. What is the origin of Litti Chokha?
    • Litti Chokha originated in the state of Bihar, India, and has been a staple in Bihari cuisine for centuries.
  10. Can I freeze leftover Littis?
    • Yes, you can freeze leftover Littis in an airtight container for up to a month and reheat them in a microwave or oven before serving.

 

Feel free to tweak the recipe and make it your own, adding your own personal touch to this timeless dish from the heart of India. Happy cooking!