Litti chokha is a mouthwatering dish hailing from the eastern Indian state of Bihar. It consists of flavorful litti – ball-shaped stuffed buns, paired with rustic chokha – a vegetable mash relish. In this post we talk about Easy Litti Chokha Recipe.
Traditionally a labor intensive dish made only for special occasions, this easy litti chokha recipe simplifies the process with easily accessible ingredients. With just a few preparations, you can enjoy this hearty Bihari specialty right at home!
This recipe breaks down how to make foolproof litti with a tangy sattu stuffing, as well as smoky eggplant and tomato chokhas for a satisfying anytime meal.
Ingredients for Litti
– 2 cups sattu (roasted chickpea flour)
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 1 inch ginger, grated
– 2 green chilies, minced
– 1 tsp carom seeds (ajwain)
– 1/2 tsp baking soda
– Salt to taste
– Mustard oil for brushing
– Water as needed
For Chokha
– 2 medium eggplants
– 2 tomatoes
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 tsp mustard oil
– Salt to taste
– Lemon juice
– Green chilies
– Cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Make the Litti dough:
1. In a bowl, combine sattu, onion, ginger, green chilies, carom seeds, baking soda and salt.
2. Add water gradually and knead into a soft dough. Cover and rest for 30 minutes.
Shape and stuff the Litti
1. Pinch off a ball of dough and flatten into a cup shape in your palm.
2. Press a depression into the center and fill with 1 tsp stuffing.
3. Pinch closed to seal the stuffing inside and roll into a smooth ball.
4. Repeat with remaining dough and filling. Cover and rest for 15 minutes.
Cook the Litti
1. In a steamer pot or instant pot, arrange the litti leaving space in between.
2. Steam litti for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
3. Remove from steamer and brush generously with mustard oil while hot.
Make the Chokha
1. Roast eggplants directly over a gas flame or broil in the oven, turning occasionally until blackened and charred all over.
2. Place in a covered bowl to steam for 10 minutes, then peel off the burnt skin. Mash eggplants well with a fork.
3. Roast tomatoes over direct flame or under broiler until charred. Peel skin and mash pulp with eggplants.
4. Mix in onions, mustard oil, salt, lemon juice and green chilies. Garnish with cilantro.
Serving Suggestions
- Break open the hot, crusty litti and stuff with some chokha. Enjoy with rice or paratha.
- For a complete Bihari meal, serve with dal, achar, and kadhi.
- Refrigerate leftover chokha up to 3 days and reheat with a splash of water.
Tips for Best Results
- Use very little water when kneading the litti dough. Too sticky or wet, and litti may fall apart.
- Fill litti when the dough is warm and soft for easy shaping without cracking.
- Steam litti thoroughly until the outer layer is firm while insides remain soft.
- Char eggplant and tomato completely to get nice smoky flavor in the chokha.
Conclusion
This easy litti chokha recipe demystifies the traditional dish, breaking it down into simple steps with easy ingredient swaps. Enjoy this beloved Bihari meal without the work! Whether you make it for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, the aromatic flavors and hearty satisfaction of litti chokha will transport you right to the streets of Patna.