Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Authentic Litti Chokha from UP and Bihar

Litti Chokha is a traditional dish from Bihar, Jharkhand, and parts of Uttar Pradesh. It's a flavorful and wholesome meal consisting of stuffed roasted dumplings (litti) served with mashed vegetables (chokha). Here's a simple recipe to make this famous dish:

Ingredients:

For Litti:

• 2 cups whole wheat flour (atta)

• 1/2 cup gram flour (besan)

• 1/4 cup ghee or oil

• 1 teaspoon carom seeds (ajwain)

• Salt, to taste

• Water, as needed

For Filling:

• 1 cup sattu (roasted chickpea flour)

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped

• 2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves, chopped

• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste

• 1 teaspoon carom seeds (ajwain)

• 1 teaspoon nigella seeds (kalonji)

• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder

• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala

• Salt, to taste

• 2 tablespoons mustard oil (or any cooking oil)

For Chokha:

• 2 large potatoes, boiled and mashed

• 2 large tomatoes, finely chopped

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped

• 2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves, chopped

• 1 tablespoon mustard oil (or any cooking oil)

• Salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Litti Dough:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine whole wheat flour, gram flour, ghee/oil, carom seeds, and salt.

2. Gradually add water and knead the mixture into a firm dough. Cover and let it rest for about 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Filling:

1. In a separate bowl, mix together sattu, chopped onions, green chilies, coriander leaves, ginger-garlic paste, carom seeds, nigella seeds, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, salt, and mustard oil.

2. Mix well until all the ingredients are combined. The filling should hold together when pressed.

3. Shape and Roast the Littis:

1. Divide the dough into equal-sized balls.

2. Flatten each dough ball into a small disc.

3. Place a spoonful of the prepared filling in the center of each disc.

4. Fold the edges of the disc to enclose the filling and shape it into a round ball.

5. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) or prepare a charcoal grill.

6. Roast the stuffed littis in the preheated oven or grill until they are golden brown and cooked through, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.

4. Prepare the Chokha:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine mashed potatoes, chopped tomatoes, chopped onions, green chilies, coriander leaves, mustard oil, and salt.

2. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.

5. Serve:

1. Serve the hot littis with chokha and enjoy this delicious and wholesome meal.

Litti Chokha is best enjoyed with a dollop of ghee or with tangy tamarind chutney. It's a rustic and flavorful dish that captures the essence of traditional Indian cuisine.