Bihari Litti Chokha: Delicious and Nutritious

Bihari Litti Chokha: Delicious and Nutritious Litti Chokha is a cultural icon, a survival food, and a timeless testament to Bihar’s culinary legacy. This rustic combination of roasted wheat balls (litti) stuffed with spiced sattu (roasted gram flour) and paired with smoky mashed vegetables (chokha) has transcended its humble rural origins to become a global sensation.

Litti Chokha is having a moment as a standout street food, and it’s easy to see why with its easy preparation. You’ve got the littis baking over hot coals, and the smoky chokha comes piled with onions, lemon, and a spicy green chutney. It’s a dish making its mark, just like chaat, samosas, biryani, and dosas did before it.

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The History of Bihari Litti Chokha: From Magadha to Modern Tables

Litti Chokha’s origins trace back to the Magadha Empire (modern-day Bihar), where it served as a portable, nutrient-rich meal for soldiers and travelers. The dish’s durability and energy-boosting properties made it ideal for warriors like those under Chandragupta Maurya.

During the 1857 Indian Rebellion, leaders like Rani Lakshmibai and Tantia Tope relied on litti as a practical field ration. Its long shelf life, minimal water requirement, and ease of cooking over open flames made it indispensable for rebels hiding in jungles.

Evolution Through Dynasties

• Mughal Era: Litti was paired with rich gravies like shorba and paya in royal kitchens.
• British Colonial Period: Adapted to urban diets, it began appearing with curries and chutneys.

Today, Litti Chokha symbolizes resilience and tradition, bridging ancient practices with modern culinary trends, savoured across India.

Explore More Indian Vegetable Recipes

• Baigan ka Bharta – Smoky Flavors and Rich Traditions.
• Easy and Healthy Vegetable Poha Recipe

Bihari Litti Chokha: Photo Gallery

What are some tips for preparing the perfect Bihari Litti Chokha

• Roast Veggies Well: Get a good smoky flavor for the Chokha.
• Firm Dough: Litti dough should be slightly firm.
• Mustard Oil: Essential for authentic flavor in both Litti and Chokha.
• Spice Balance: Adjust spices, balancing tang and heat.
• Cook evenly: Turn littis often for even cooking.
• Don’t Overstuff: Prevents bursting.
• Add Baking Soda: It will make the litti soft and crispy
• Add Pickle Masala For a unique tangy flavor

Health Benefits of Bihari Litti Chokha

Litti Chokha is a nutritious and healthy dish, offering a good source of protein and fiber to support muscle health, digestion, and satiety. It is heart-healthy due to its low refined oil content, rich in antioxidants, and supports metabolic functions with essential nutrients and vitamins. The low glycemic index of sattu makes it suitable for diabetics, and its relatively low-calorie count aids in weight management. Additionally, it has a cooling effect, is easily digestible, and provides essential minerals, potentially helping regulate cholesterol levels when paired with baingan chokha.

Bihari Litti Chokha Recipe

Litti Chokha is a beloved traditional dish from Bihar, India, featuring crispy wheat balls stuffed with spiced sattu (roasted gram flour) served alongside a smoky mash of roasted vegetables.

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Prep Time: 45 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Indian

Keyword: Bihari litti chokha, litti chokha

Servings: 4

Author: Chef Yogi

Ingredients

Litti (Stuffed Wheat Balls)

Litti Dough

• ▢ 3 cups whole wheat flour atta
• ▢ 1½ tsp salt
• ▢ 1½ cups water adjust as needed

Litti Filling

• ▢ 1 cup sattu roasted chana flour
• ▢ ½ tsp ginger chopped
• ▢ ½ tsp garlic chopped
• ▢ 1 tsp green chili chopped
• ▢ 2 tbsp onion chopped
• ▢ ½ tsp kalonji nigella seeds
• ▢ 2 tbsp mustard oil
• ▢ 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ▢ 1 tsp pickle oil
• ▢ ½ tsp salt
• ▢ 1 tbsp water to adjust consistency

Chokha (Vegetable Mash)

• ▢ 1 no large eggplant aubergine
• ▢ 1 no large tomato
• ▢ 3 no medium potatoes
• ▢ 1 tsp ginger chopped
• ▢ 1 tbsp garlic chopped
• ▢ 1 tbsp green chili chopped
• ▢ ¾ cup onion chopped (about 1 medium onion)
• ▢ 1 cup coriander leaves chopped
• ▢ 2 tbsp mustard oil
• ▢ 1 tbsp Salt

Instructions

Litti Stuffing

• In a mixing bowl, combine the sattu, ginger, garlic, green chili, onion, kalonji, and coriander. Mix well.
  
• Pour in the pickle oil, mustard oil, lemon juice, and water. Mix until you achieve a crumbly texture. Set aside.
  

Litti Dough

• In another bowl, mix the whole wheat flour and salt.
  
• Gradually add water while kneading to form a firm dough.
  
• Cover and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
  
• After resting, divide the dough into equal portions (about 70 grams each) and roll into balls and bowl shape each ball
  
• place about 2 teaspoons of stuffing in the center. gathering the dough rims.
  
• cover the edges over the filling.
  
• Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F). Place stuffed littis on a baking tray and bake for 12 minutes on one side. Flip them over and bake for another 12 minutes until golden brown.
  
• Once baked, brush them with ghee for extra flavor.
  

Chokha

• On an open flame or stovetop grill, roast the eggplant and tomato for about 10 –12 minutes until charred and soft. Let them cool slightly before peeling off the skins.
  
• Boil potatoes in water for about 15 minutes until tender; then peel.
  
• In a bowl, mash together the roasted eggplant, tomato, and boiled potatoes.
  
• Stir in ginger, garlic, green chili, onion, coriander leaves, mustard oil, and salt to taste. Mix well.
  
• Serve hot littis with chokha on the side. You can also drizzle some extra mustard oil over the chokha for added flavor.
  

Notes

Substitutions:

• If sattu is unavailable, you can use roasted gram flour as an alternative.

Storage:

• Leftover littis can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days; reheat before serving.

Serving Tip – Pair with a side of pickles or yogurt for a complete meal.
Enjoy this delightful taste of Bihar right in your kitchen!

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