Litti Chokha

Litti Chokha is a traditional dish from Bihar, India, consisting of two main components: Litti and Chokha. Litti is made from whole wheat flour stuffed with a spicy mixture of roasted chickpea flour (sattu), herbs, and spices, then baked until golden brown. Chokha is a side dish made from roasted and mashed vegetables, typically including eggplant, tomatoes, and potatoes, seasoned with mustard oil, garlic, onions, green chilies, and spices. This wholesome and flavorful dish is often enjoyed with a dollop of ghee and is a staple in Bihari cuisine, cherished for its rich flavors and comforting appeal.

Here’s a detailed recipe for making Litti Chokha:

Ingredients for Litti:

• 2 cups whole wheat flour (atta)
• 1 cup sattu (roasted chickpea flour)
• 2-3 tablespoons mustard oil
• 1 teaspoon ajwain (carom seeds)
• 1 teaspoon kalonji (nigella seeds)
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 tablespoon chopped coriander leaves
• Water, as needed
• Ghee (clarified butter), for brushing

Ingredients for Chokha:

• 2 large eggplants (baingan)
• 2 large tomatoes
• 2 medium-sized potatoes
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped
• 4-5 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons mustard oil
• Salt, to taste
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Chopped coriander leaves, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough for Litti:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine whole wheat flour, ajwain, kalonji, salt, turmeric powder, red chili powder, chopped coriander leaves, and mustard oil.
2. Gradually add water and knead the mixture into a stiff dough. Cover it and let it rest for about 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Filling for Litti:

1. In another bowl, mix sattu with salt, red chili powder, chopped coriander leaves, and mustard oil.
2. Gradually add water and mix until the mixture becomes slightly moist but still crumbly.

3. Shape and Cook Litti:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) or prepare a charcoal grill.
2. Divide the dough into equal-sized balls.
3. Flatten each ball into a small disc. Place a spoonful of the sattu mixture in the center.
4. Seal the edges and shape it into a ball again.
5. Place the stuffed balls on a baking tray or skewers if using a grill.
6. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. If using a charcoal grill, cook until they are evenly browned.

4. Prepare Chokha:

1. Roast the eggplants, tomatoes, and potatoes over an open flame until the skins are charred and the flesh is soft.
2. Peel off the charred skin from the vegetables and mash them together in a bowl.
3. Add chopped onions, green chilies, minced garlic, mustard oil, salt, red chili powder, and turmeric powder to the mashed vegetables. Mix well.

5. Serve:

1. Serve the hot litti with chokha.
2. Optionally, drizzle some ghee over the litti before serving.
3. Garnish the chokha with chopped coriander leaves.
4. Enjoy your delicious Litti Chokha!

This recipe serves approximately 4-6 people. Adjust the quantities according to your preference and the number of servings needed.