Introduction:
Litti Chokha is a traditional and delectable dish that
hails from the state of Bihar, India. It is a staple food and an integral part
of Bihari cuisine, loved by people of all ages. Litti is a round and dense
wheat flour ball stuffed with spiced roasted gram flour (sattu) and cooked in a
traditional clay oven called tandoor or over an open flame. Chokha is a
flavorful side dish made from roasted vegetables, primarily eggplant (baingan),
tomatoes, and potatoes, mashed together and seasoned with spices and mustard
oil. Together, Litti and Chokha create a delightful combination that tantalizes
the taste buds and offers a unique culinary experience. In this article, we
will delve into the fascinating world of Litti Chokha, share an authentic
recipe, and address some frequently asked questions to help you recreate this
mouthwatering dish in your kitchen.
Litti Chokha Recipe: A Taste of Bihar
Here's an authentic recipe to prepare Litti Chokha at
home:
Ingredients:
For Litti:
- Whole wheat flour: 2 cups
- Sattu (roasted gram flour): 1 cup
- Onion (finely chopped): 1 medium
- Green chilies (finely chopped): 2
- Garlic (minced): 4-5 cloves
- Ginger (grated): 1 tablespoon
- Mustard oil: 2 tablespoons
- Ajwain (carom seeds): 1/2 teaspoon
- Kalonji (nigella seeds): 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: to taste
- Water: as required for kneading
For Chokha:
- Eggplant (baingan): 1 large
- Tomatoes: 2 medium
- Potatoes: 2 medium
- Onion (finely chopped): 1 medium
- Green chilies (finely chopped): 2
- Mustard oil: 2 tablespoons
- Fresh coriander leaves (chopped): 2 tablespoons
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
- Salt: to taste
Instructions:
For Litti:
1.
In a mixing
bowl, combine whole wheat flour, ajwain, kalonji, salt, and 1 tablespoon of
mustard oil.
2.
Gradually
add water and knead the mixture to form a firm dough.
3.
Cover the
dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
4.
In a
separate bowl, mix sattu, chopped onions, green chilies, minced garlic, grated
ginger, 1 tablespoon of mustard oil, and salt.
5.
Preheat the
tandoor or oven to 180°C (356°F).
6.
Take a
small portion of the dough, flatten it in your palm, and add a spoonful of the
sattu mixture in the center.
7.
Close the
edges of the dough to form a ball and flatten it slightly.
8.
Place the
stuffed litti on the preheated tandoor or in the oven and cook until it turns
golden brown and crisp.
For Chokha:
1.
Roast the
eggplant, tomatoes, and potatoes directly over the flame until their skins char
and they become tender.
2.
Let them
cool, then remove the skin and mash them together in a bowl.
3.
Add chopped
onions, green chilies, chopped coriander leaves, mustard oil, lemon juice, and
salt. Mix well.
FAQs: Answering Your Queries
Q: Can I use a regular oven to cook litti instead of a tandoor?
A: Yes, you can cook litti in a regular oven preheated to 180°C
(356°F) until it becomes golden brown and crisp.
Q: Can I make chokha without roasting the vegetables?
A:
The smoky flavor obtained from roasting the vegetables is characteristic of
authentic chokha. However, you can boil the vegetables if you prefer a milder
taste.
Q: What are the variations of litti chokha?
A: Besides
the traditional recipe, you can add different spices and fillings to the sattu
mixture for unique variations.
Q: Can I use refined flour instead of whole wheat flour for litti?
A: It's best to use whole wheat flour for authentic taste and
nutrition. However, you can use a mix of both if desired.
Conclusion:
Litti Chokha is a delightful culinary treasure from Bihar that reflects the rich flavors of traditional Indian cuisine. The roasted gram flour-filled litti, paired with the tangy and spicy chokha, creates a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that leave a lasting impression on your palate. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and earthy flavors that take you on a journey to the heart of Bihar. With the authentic recipe provided and the answers to some frequently asked questions, you can now embark on a culinary adventure in your own kitchen and savor the authentic taste of Litti Chokha at home. Enjoy this soul-satisfying dish with your loved ones and experience the true essence of Bihari cuisine!