Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to making Litti Chokha

Ingredients:


For Litti:

Wheat flour (atta): 2 cups

Sattu (roasted gram flour): 1 cup

Ajwain (carom seeds): 1 tsp

Kalunji (nigella seeds): 1 tsp

Salt: To taste

Mustard oil: 3-4 tbsp

Green chilies: 2-3 (finely chopped)

Ginger: 1 inch piece (grated)

Garlic: 4-5 cloves (finely chopped)

Lemon juice: 1-2 tbsp

Pickle masala: 1 tbsp (optional)

Water: As needed

Ghee: For brushing the litti



For Chokha:

Eggplant (Baingan): 1 large

Tomatoes: 2 medium-sized

Potatoes: 2 medium-sized

Onion: 1 large (finely chopped)

Garlic: 4-5 cloves (finely chopped)

Green chilies: 2-3 (finely chopped)

Coriander leaves: A handful (finely chopped)

Mustard oil: 2-3 tbsp

Lemon juice: 1-2 tbsp

Salt: To taste



Step-by-Step Recipe:


1. Prepare the Dough for Litti:


Mixing the dough:

 In a large bowl, add the wheat flour, a pinch of salt, and 1-2 tbsp of ghee. Mix well. Gradually add water and knead into a firm, smooth dough. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.





2. Prepare the Stuffing:


Sattu stuffing:


 In another bowl, mix sattu with finely chopped green chilies, grated ginger, chopped garlic, ajwain, kalunji, salt, lemon juice, mustard oil, and pickle masala (if using). Add a little water to bind the mixture. The stuffing should be moist but not watery.


3. Shaping the Litti:


Divide the dough:


 Divide the dough into small lemon-sized balls.


Fill the litti:


 Take each ball, flatten it with your fingers or a rolling pin, and create a small cup-like shape. Place 1-2 tablespoons of the sattu stuffing in the center. Carefully bring the edges together to seal the stuffing and shape it back into a round ball. Ensure the stuffing is fully enclosed.4.


 Cooking the Litti:


Traditional method:


 Traditionally, litti are cooked over a charcoal or wood fire. You can place the litti directly on the grill over the fire and roast them evenly on all sides until they develop a nice brown crust.


Oven method:

 Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the litti on a baking tray and bake for about 20-30 minutes or until golden brown, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking.


Stove method:

 If you don’t have an oven, you can cook litti of  on a tawa (griddle) over low heat. Cover them with a lid and cook on all sides until they are golden and cooked through.


Brush with ghee:

 Once cooked, brush the hot littis with ghee for added flavor.


5. Prepare the Chokha:


Roast the vegetables:

 Roast the eggplant, tomatoes, and potatoes directly on the flame or in an oven until they are charred and soft. Once done, peel off the burnt skin.


Mash the vegetables: In a mixing bowl, mash the roasted eggplant, tomatoes, and potatoes together until smooth.


Season the chokha:

 Add finely chopped onion, garlic, green chilies, coriander leaves, salt, mustard oil, and lemon juice to the mashed vegetables. Mix well to combine all the flavors.


6. Serve:


Serving:

 Serve the hot littis with the spicy, tangy chokha on the side. Littis can also be dipped in melted ghee before eating for a richer taste.


Enjoy this delicious and authentic Bihari meal!


FAQs:

1. What is the difference between Litti and Bati?


2. Is Litti Chokha spicy?


3. Can I make Litti without an oven?


4. Is Litti Chokha gluten-free?


5. How long can I store Sattu?


6. Can Sattu help with weight loss?


7.  What is the significance of Litti Chokha in Bihari culture?