Do you want to enjoy the real Bihar taste? Look no further! This episode we journey into the wonderful world of Roasted Litti Chokha a classic staple in Indian cuisine. This has really turned out to be a favorite dish across the length and breadth of the country due to its earthy flavors and taste. How about we set off on this little journey of food?
Introduction to Litti Chokha
To those familiar with Litti Chokha it is much than just a food dish, it transforms into a cultural event. This specialty has its roots from BIhar and is the combination of roasted whole wheat balls (Litti) and spicy mashed vegetables(Litti). Ideal to be served any time it is a meal that makes one feels warmer after taking it. If you ever wished to know how to prepare this sweet dish we are here to help you. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
What is Litti Chokha?
Litti is small round balls which are made from the wheat flour and with roasted gram flour and spices stuff inside it but Chokha is soft mashed vegetables like egg plant, potato or tomatoes cooked and spiced to desired level. Combining them in a meal, they make a mouth watering complete meal that is very nourishing.
History of Litti Chokha
Litti Chokha wants its roots to be traceable back to rural Bihar and the age-old technique followed while cooking primitive recipes. Though it has its roots in farmer’s meal tray, this dish is made out of basic ingredients and hence is widely used to this date. It has since then remained relevant and can now be fab ND seen in restaurants and households all over the country.
Cultural Significance
Litti Choka also occupies a unique position in people of Bihar culture, especially for festive, family occasions and some special events. Its preparation is a social process, people gather friends, families for its preparation and consumption. The ease of Litti Choka not only tickles your palate but also your history if you are a Bihari.
Ingredients for Litti
For the Dough of Litti:
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon carom seeds or Ajwain
- 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)
- Salt to taste
- Water (as needed)
For Stuffing:
- 1 cup roasted gram flour which is known as sattu
- 2 tablespoons mustard oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste
- 2 green chilly, finely chop cervical
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Chpped Coriander (Optional)
Ingredients for Chokha
Veggies for Chokha:
- 1 large Eggplant or brinjal (Baiggan)
- 2 medium size Potatoes (Aalu)
- 2 medium size Tomatoes (Tamatar)
Spices and Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- Salt to taste
- 1/3 cup/80 ml mustard oil (to use as dressing)
Step by step for Making Roasted Litti
Now that we know how it is made let’s get busy and start creating some Litti! Given below is the way you can make the most enjoyable Litti:
Process of preparing dough
- In a large bowl, mix whole wheat flour, carom seeds and salt together in one vessel. And add ghee and mix it like rubbing a dough by taking the mixture between our hands so that it looks like coarse bread crumbs.
- Slowly adding water to the sand to make the sand mixture get to a point that it will easily be shaped into a dough. Mix for about 5-7 minutes until you get a non-lumpy dough. Spread a thin layer of wet muslin cloth and allow it to stand for 30 minutes.
Preparing the mixture for stuffing
- To this, add the roasted gram flour (sattu), mustard oil, ginger paste, green chilly, lemon juice, salt and chopped coriander leaves. Further mix until all the other ingredients are incorporative well to the batter.
Giving the shape to Litti
- Following the time the dough has rested in the refrigerator, portion it. So you take one portion and pat it gently into a small circular disc like we have here.
- Put a spoon amount of the sattu mixture in it then put it in the middle then pull the edges and fold it nicely. Form it into soft and smooth round shape. Repeat this for the rest of the dough until all is used up and you have shaped all your dough into rolls.
Time to roast Litti
- They recommend cooking by placing your oven or tandoor to medium heat before cooking. If you don’t possess a Tandoor, then you can roast them on Tava or even in a pan.
- Put the shaped Litti balls in to baked oven/tandoor and bake for at least 15-20 minutes by changing the side of balls by their hand in between intervals or until they become golden brown and soft. If using a pan, fry on a low heat as the dough is susceptible to burn, and then turn it over in circles as it fries.
Time to prepare for chokha
As we have completed the process of roasting litty. Let’s jump into the process of making delicious chokha to serve with litti.
Preparing the veggies
- Grill the eggplant on a grill until the outer skin surface is a black and the flesh inside is tender. When cooked should be allowed to cool and then peeled and mashed.
- Parboil the potatoes, steam until soft, peel to mash. For the tomatoes, these should be roasted to a extent that when one wants to peel them easy the skin will come off easily. It was suggested to mash all three vegetables together.
Mashing and Mixing
- In a bowl add the mashed vegetables. Then add some turmeric powder, red chick paper powder and salt to taste. Mix all the ingredients properly and add some mustard oil for some extra flavour
How to serve :
It’s ideal to savour Litti Chokha when it’s hot, and the sides that go well with it are ghee or mustard oil. Some people like to put it with pickles or yogurt and still enjoy the sour taste of it. The taste that has been achieved with the blend of the two flavors is awesome, and digestion of every teaspoon of this ice cream is sweet!
Tips to make your Litti Chokha perfect
- The dough for the Litti should be soft and neither too wet to stick to your hand nor should it be hard.
- It is recommended to use fresh foods in the stuffing to ensure that they come with suitable taste.
- Use the above stated spices but in case you prefer different strength of spiciness, then adjust accordingly.
Conclusion
And there you have the amazing Roasted Litti Chokha right there! This dish can’t be just described as an appetizing dish because it’s much more – an insight into the entire Bihari food culture. It is fit for a family dinner or a simple night meal and everyone will definitely enjoy the different spices used in this recipe. Therefore prepare your ingredients, and get ready to have fun as you prepare your food. Happy cooking!
FAQ’s
Q1: Is it possible to prepare Litti Chokha in advance?
A1: Yes, you can prepare the Litti and Choka well in advance but this recipe is more delicious if eaten hot. One good thing is that they may be reheated before being served.
Q2: What other vegetables do I use in making Chokha?
A2: Some types of vegetables you may use are carrot, peas, or anykind of mashed vegetable combination of the three.
Q3: Is Litti Chokha healthy?
A3: Yes! It has whole wheat first of all and beneficial types of vegetables – so it is really healthy when eaten.
Q4: Can I bake the Litti instead of roasting it in the earthen clay pots?
A4: Absolutely! If you do not have a Tandoor the closest you can get to is baking.
Q5: What is the best way of preserving the remaining Litti Choka?
A5: For best results, chill the cookies in the refrigerator within an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat before serving.