Discover the Authentic Flavors of Rural India with Our Litti Chokha Recipe!
Imagine biting into an essence that takes you back to the bustling streets of Bihar where the air is filled with the aroma of spices, the crackling clay ovens fill your ears, and amidst this lively setup, your ‘niwala’ speaks volumes of flavor and tradition. Yes, that's ‘Litti-Chokha’ for you!
Originating from the heartlands of Bihar and Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Litti Chokha isn't just food but a journey through time that captures the essence of rural life, and tells the stories of community bonding. Originally a humble meal for hardworking laborers and farmers, Litti-Chokha has gone beyond its roots to become a beloved culinary treasure enjoyed across India.
Usually identified as golden-brown wheat flour balls, ‘Littis’ are stuffed with spiced roasted gram flour (sattu), and baked to perfection in traditional clay ovens. Accompanying this delight is ‘chokha’ which is a vibrant mash of roasted eggplant, tomatoes, and spices that adds a burst of flavor to every bite.
Ready to know a little more about this mouthwatering dish? Join us as we guide you through the art of making Litti Chokha in your own kitchen.
Nutritional Snapshot of Litti Chokha
yhn`Ever wondered about the nutrition in two pieces of litti with chokha? Here’s the breakdown:
- Calories: Around 288 calories on average
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 50g
- Fats: About 6.8g
- Protein: Contains 10.4g
- Dietary Fiber: Provides 8.4g
So, Litti Chokha isn't just delicious but it packs a balanced mix of carbs, protein, fats, and fiber, making it a hearty and satisfying choice for your meal.
Therefore, let's see what goes into its making.
- Preparation Time: 10-15 min
- Cooking time: 45-50 min
Serves: 7
As we guide you through the recipe, get ready to jot down the ingredients first!
Now, making Litti-Chokha usually involves two phases, however we have further broken it down to 3, to enhance a simpler cooking experience for you.
Phase 1: Making of the Litti Dough:
- 1½ cup Khapli wheat flour
- 2tbsp. A2 Cow Cultured Desi Ghee
- ½ tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. baking powder
- ¼ tsp. carom seeds (ajwain)
- ½ cup water (for kneading)
- ½ oil (for greasing)
Phase 2: For stuffing:
- 2tbsp. mustard oil
- 1 cup sattu/ TBOF Bengal roasted gram flour
- 1 chilli (chopped)
- ½ tsp. cumin
- ¼ tsp. salt
- ½ tsp. ginger garlic paste
- ½ tsp. onion seeds / “kalonji”seeds
- 2tbsp. coriander
- 1tsp. lime juice
Next, let's learn how to roll out the Littis and the method of making the stuffing.
Litti-making process:
- Take a large mixing bowl and mix the wheat flour, A2 ghee, baking powder, carom seeds, and salt. Keep mixing till the A2 ghee gets well combined.
- Put half a cup of water to knead the dough till it gets soft and smooth.
- Grease the dough with half a teaspoon of oil and let it rest for approximately 20 minutes.
Method of making the stuffing:
- In a large bowl, add sattu (TBOF Bengal gram flour), lime juice, salt, onion seeds or “kalonji” seeds, cumin, coriander, ginger garlic paste, and mustard oil, then mix thoroughly.
- Make sure that stuffing is moist, neither too wet nor too dry.
Next, is your step to fill your Littis with the yummy stuffings. Let's find out how to do that:
- Begin by lightly kneading the dough and pinching a ball-sized dough.
- Press all the edges and form it into the shape of a cup.
- Place stuffing in the center and pleat the dough properly so that the stuffing doesn’t come out. Pinch off the extra dough and roll properly.
- Bake the litti in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius, or you can make it in a preheated pan with a little oil brushed on it. Cook for 45 min and flip in between.
- Now, cover the lid and cook on a low flame for around 10 minutes. Ensure that both sides get cooked well.
- Keep cooking till the littis turn golden brown. Serve with your favorite chokha or A2 desi ghee!
Chef`s secrets:
- You can use roasted chana dal if you don’t have sattu at home. In that case, you need to grind the chana dal, sift it, and then use it.
- Make sure that your litti stuffing is neither too dry nor too wet, as it may hamper the taste of your litti.
- Ensure your litti dough is neither too soft nor too hard, so be careful while adding the water.
- If you are baking the littis in the oven or an appe pan, always make sure that your baking tray or pan is well greased; otherwise, the littis may stick.
- Drizzling ghee on top of your litti while serving may enhance its taste.
Now, let's dive a little deeper into the making of your favorite baingan chokha recipe(smashed eggplant with veggies).
For Baingan Chokha, you`ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 large eggplant or “baingan”
- 1 ½ tsp. garlic (chopped)
- 1tbsp. mustard oil
- 1 ½ tsp. green chilly (chopped)
- 3 ½ tbsp. coriander (chopped)
- 1 onion (medium-sized, chopped)
- 1 tomato (chopped)
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1tsp. lime juice (optional)
Next, comes the cooking instructions which are nothing less than a few simple pointers.
- Wash the eggplant or “baingan” in water thoroughly. After washing, place it directly on the flame of your gas burner.
- Keep flipping the baingan after every 2 minutes on the flame, so that it gets cooked on all sides.
- Continue roasting the eggplant till it gets cooked and becomes softer. Using a knife, you can check how much it's done.
- If the knife slides into the eggplant easily, then remove it immediately and immerse it in a bowl of normal water till it cools down.
- Now peel and chop your baingan and put it in a bowl with its juices.
- You can add chopped tomatoes, green chilies, onions, coriander, garlic, and mustard oil. Add lime juice (if you wish to) and salt for seasoning the baingan chokha.
- Continue mixing everything till it gets well combined.
Chef`s secrets:
- Do not over roast the eggplants, as this will ruin the taste of your chokha.
- Ensure that the “baingan” is well cooked and becomes softer.
- If you do not prefer “baingan” chokha, you can have your littis with “aloo” chokha or tomato chokha.
Now, enjoy your baingan chokha recipe, which now completes your litti chokha recipe as well!
FAQs:
What makes litti chokha special?
Litti Chokha originates from rural Bihar and Eastern UP, known for its robust flavors and nutritional benefits.
Is litti chokha healthy?
Yes, it's a nutritious choice rich in fiber, proteins, and essential fats, promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Is Litti Chokha Easy on the Stomach?
Wondering about digestibility? Littis, typically made with sattu (roasted gram flour), offer a soothing, easy-to-digest experience. Sattu's cooling properties make litti chokha a comfort food that's gentle on your stomach.
Conclusion:
Thus, experience the rustic charm and wholesome flavors of Litti Chokha, a dish that not only satisfies the palate but also celebrates India’s culinary heritage. At Two Brothers Organic Farms, we bring you organic ingredients that enhance the authenticity and goodness of every meal. So hold onto your traditions, savor each bite, and enjoy the organic touch in your Litti Chokha today!
