Litti Chokha is a traditional dish from the state of Bihar in India. It is a popular street food that has gained recognition not only in India but also in other parts of the world. The dish consists of stuffed wheat balls called “litti” and a side dish made of roasted eggplant and potatoes called “chokha”. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the art of making Litti Chokha, providing you with tips and techniques to create a delicious and authentic version of this dish.
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Choosing the Ingredients
To prepare authentic Litti Chokha, it is crucial to select the right ingredients.
For the Litti dough, use coarse whole wheat flour (sattu) mixed with water, carom seeds (ajwain), and salt.
For the stuffing, mix sattu with spices like kalonji (nigella seeds), mustard oil, chopped green chilies, and chopped onions. Chokha is made from roasted and mashed eggplant, tomatoes, and potatoes, seasoned with mustard oil, chopped onions, green chilies, and coriander leaves.
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Preparing the Litti
Now that we have a good understanding of the ingredients, let’s move on to the process of making the litti.
- Prepare the Dough:
Start by mixing wheat flour, gram flour, salt, and oil in a bowl. Gradually add water and knead the mixture until a smooth dough is formed. Cover the dough and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Stuffing:
In another bowl, mix roasted gram flour, finely chopped onions, garlic, ginger, green chilies, coriander leaves, mint leaves, and spices like cumin seeds, fennel seeds, coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt. Adjust the spice levels according to your preference.
- Shape the Litti:
Divide the dough into small portions and flatten each portion in the palm of your hand. Place a spoonful of the stuffing in the center of the flattened dough and seal the edges to form a ball. Repeat the process for the remaining dough and stuffing..
- Cooking the Litti
Traditionally, litti is cooked over a charcoal flame, giving it a distinct smoky flavor. To achieve this, place the stuffed litti on a skewer and cook them over a medium flame, turning them frequently until they are evenly cooked and golden brown. Alternatively, you can bake the litti in a preheated oven at 180°C for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown.
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Preparing the Chokha
With the litti prepared, it’s time to move on to making the chokha.
- Roast the Vegetables:
Place the eggplant and potatoes directly over a flame or on a grill and roast them until the skin is charred and the flesh is cooked. Allow the roasted vegetables to cool slightly before peeling off the skin.
- Mash and Mix:
In a bowl, mash the roasted eggplant and potatoes together using a fork or a masher. Add finely chopped onions, tomatoes, green chilies, coriander leaves, mint leaves, salt, and spices like cumin seeds, mustard seeds, turmeric powder, and garam masala. Mix everything together until well combined.
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Serving and Enjoying Litti Chokha
To serve Litti Chokha, place the cooked litti on a plate and serve it with a generous portion of chokha. You can also serve it with a side of ghee (clarified butter) or spicy tomato chutney for added flavor. Litti Chokha is traditionally eaten with hands, so feel free to dig in and enjoy the burst of flavors.
Conclusion:
Mastering the art of making Litti Chokha requires an understanding of the ingredients, techniques, and flavors involved. By following the tips and techniques provided in this guide, you can create a delicious and authentic version of this traditional dish. Remember to experiment with the spices and adjust them according to your taste preferences. So go ahead, gather the ingredients, and embark on a culinary journey to create a mouthwatering Litti Chokha that will delight your taste buds.
