Litti Chokha, a classic example of Jharkhandi cuisine, is a hearty dish of packed wheat balls accompanied by a blend of smoky and spicy chutneys. The litti is a dough ball that is often baked in an earthen oven using a combination of wheat flour, roasted gram flour, ghee, and spices. Chokha, a spicy concoction of roasted brinjal, tomato, onion, and spices, is frequently eaten with papad and the tart teel chutney (sesame chutney).
The blend of flavors and textures is both distinctive and well-liked.
Since Litti Chokha is readily available in local food markets, its cultural significance is evident in both Jharkhand and Bihar.
Ingredients:
For the Litti dough:
- Whole wheat flour
- Ghee
- Salt
- Water
For the Sattu stuffing:
- Sattu (roasted chickpea flour)
- Onion
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Green chilies
- Coriander leaves
- Spices (cumin, fennel, carom seeds, nigella seeds, red chili powder)
- Lemon juice
- Mustard oil
For the Chokha:
- Eggplant
- Tomatoes
- Potato (optional)
- Onion
- Green chilies
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Coriander leaves
- Spices (black salt, regular salt)
- Lemon juice
- Mustard oil
Instructions:
Making the Litti dough:
- Combine flour, ghee, and salt in a bowl.
- Gradually add water and knead into a soft dough.
- Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
Making the Sattu stuffing:
- Heat mustard oil in a pan.
- Add onion, ginger, garlic, and green chilies. Saute until softened.
- Add spices and stir fry for a minute.
- Add sattu and mix well.
- Season with salt and lemon juice.
- Set aside to cool.
Shaping and baking the Littis:
- Divide the dough into equal portions.
- Make a small disc in your palm and place a spoonful of stuffing in the center.
- Pinch the edges to seal the Litti.
- Bake the Littis in a preheated oven at 200°C for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Alternatively, you can cook them on a tandoor or grill.
Making the Chokha:
- Roast the eggplant and tomatoes over an open flame or in the oven until charred.
- Peel the skin and mash the vegetables.
- Chop onion, ginger, and garlic.
- Heat mustard oil in a pan.
- Add onion, ginger, and garlic. Saute until softened.
- Add mashed vegetables and stir fry for a few minutes.
- Season with salt, black salt, and lemon juice.
- Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
Tips:
- You can adjust the spiciness of the recipe to your liking.
- For a richer flavor, you can add chopped nuts or raisins to the stuffing.
- Littis can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Chokha can be served at room temperature or chilled.
Conclusion:
Litti Chokha is a filling and nutritious meal because sati is a great source of protein, fiber, and vitamins.
Taste this special cuisine from Jharkhand and Bihar.