Litti Chokha recipe of bihar

 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to cooking Litti Chokha:

Ingredients

For Litti:

Wheat flour: 2 cups

Sattu (roasted gram flour): 1 cup

Mustard oil: 2 tablespoons (for the stuffing)

Carom seeds (ajwain): 1 teaspoon

Nigella seeds (kalonji): 1 teaspoon (optional)

Salt: To taste

Turmeric powder: 1/2 teaspoon

Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon

Garlic: 4–5 cloves (finely chopped)

Green chilies: 2–3 (finely chopped)

Coriander leaves: 2 tablespoons (chopped)

Water: As needed (to knead the dough)

For Chokha:

Eggplant (Baingan): 1 large

Tomatoes: 2 medium-sized

Potatoes: 2 medium-sized (boiled)

Mustard oil: 2 tablespoons

Garlic: 4–5 cloves (finely chopped)

Green chilies: 2–3 (finely chopped)

Onion: 1 medium-sized (finely chopped)

Coriander leaves: 2 tablespoons (chopped)

Salt: To taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough for Litti

1. In a bowl, mix wheat flour, salt, and carom seeds.

2. Add water gradually and knead into a soft, pliable dough.

3. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 20–30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing for Litti

1. In another bowl, mix sattu, salt, turmeric powder, nigella seeds, garlic, green chilies, coriander leaves, lemon juice, and mustard oil.

2. Mix well until the stuffing holds together when pressed. Add a few drops of water if it’s too dry.

Step 3: Shape the Littis

1. Divide the dough into equal portions and roll each portion into a small ball.

2. Flatten the ball slightly and create a small pocket in the center.

3. Add 1–2 teaspoons of stuffing, then seal the dough by pinching the edges together. Roll gently to form a smooth ball.

Step 4: Cook the Littis

Traditional Method:

Roast the Littis over a chulha or in a coal-fired oven until golden and evenly cooked. Rotate frequently to ensure even cooking.

Modern Methods:

Oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the Littis on a baking tray and bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping midway for even browning.

Tawa/Pan: Cook on a hot griddle over low heat, turning frequently until evenly cooked.

After cooking, brush the Littis with ghee for a rich flavor.

Step 5: Prepare the Chokha

1. Roast Vegetables: Roast the eggplant and tomatoes directly over an open flame or in an oven until the skin is charred. Peel the skin and mash them in a bowl.

2. Combine Ingredients: Add boiled, mashed potatoes to the roasted eggplant and tomatoes.

3. Mix in finely chopped garlic, green chilies, onions, coriander leaves, mustard oil, and salt. Mash everything together until well combined.

Step 6: Serve

1. Arrange the hot Littis on a plate.

2. Serve with Chokha on the side and a drizzle of mustard oil for extra flavor.

3. Optionally, accompany with ghee for dipping.

Enjoy your delicious and authentic Litti Chokha!

History of Litti Chokha

Litti Chokha, the soul food of Bihar, has a deep historical and cultural significance that reflects the state's agrarian roots, resourceful culinary traditions, and vibrant heritage. This dish has transcended its humble beginnings to become an iconic symbol of Bihar's gastronomy. Understanding its origins and evolution provides insights into the lifestyle, culture, and history of the region.

Origins and Historical Roots

The origins of Litti Chokha can be traced back to ancient times, specifically during the reign of the Mauryan Empire (4th–2nd century BCE). Bihar, known as Magadha in ancient India, was a prominent political and cultural hub during this period. Simple, wholesome, and easy-to-make food items were crucial for soldiers, travelers, and workers. Litti, made of wheat flour and stuffed with sattu (roasted gram flour), fit these requirements perfectly. The durability of the dish made it ideal for long journeys, as it didn’t spoil easily and required minimal accompaniments.

In rural Bihar, the ingredients for Litti were readily available. Wheat, gram, and mustard—the three key components of the dish—have been staple crops in the region for centuries. The use of sattu, a flour made from roasted gram, reflects the resourceful cooking techniques of ancient agrarian societies, as it required minimal cooking and offered high nutritional value. Mustard oil, a defining ingredient in the stuffing and Chokha, has also been a prominent element of Bihari cuisine due to the abundant mustard farming in the region.

Cultural Significance in the Mughal Era

During the Mughal period (16th–18th century), Litti gained further prominence as a robust, travel-friendly food consumed by soldiers and laborers. It is believed that the dish traveled beyond Bihar during this time, as armies moved across regions. Litti’s simplicity and the fact that it could be baked over wood or cow dung fire made it an ideal food for such contexts.

The accompanying Chokha—a mash of roasted vegetables such as eggplant (baingan), tomatoes, and potatoes—developed as a complementary dish later. These ingredients were either grown locally or introduced through trade and agricultural innovation over time. The incorporation of Chokha added flavor, nutrition, and diversity to the meal, making it a complete dish.

Litti Chokha in British India

By the 19th century, during the British colonial period, Litti Chokha became a staple for workers involved in the construction of railways, bridges, and other infrastructure projects in Bihar. The simplicity of the dish and its ability to sustain energy made it popular among laborers, particularly those in the indigo plantations and factories set up by the British. It became symbolic of the resilience and hard work of the Bihari people during this time of economic exploitation and hardship.

Additionally, as indentured laborers from Bihar migrated to far-off colonies like Mauritius, Trinidad, Guyana, and Fiji, they carried their culinary traditions with them. Litti Chokha, in particular, traveled with them and influenced local cuisines in these regions.

Evolution into a Culinary Identity

Post-independence, Litti Chokha became more than just a dish—it evolved into a cultural identity for Bihar. It remained a staple food in rural households, especially among the working class and farming communities. The ease of preparation, affordability, and reliance on local ingredients made it a beloved everyday meal. It was cooked in homes and often prepared during community gatherings, reflecting the spirit of togetherness.

In urban areas, particularly in cities like Patna, Litti Chokha began to make its way to street food stalls. Vendors baked the Littis over coal-fired ovens and served them with freshly made Chokha, garnished with mustard oil and green chilies. The smoky flavor imparted by this cooking method became one of the defining features of the dish.

Modern Popularity and Global Recognition

In recent decades, Litti Chokha has gained widespread popularity beyond Bihar. With the rise of food tourism and the global fascination with regional Indian cuisines, this humble dish has found its way onto menus in restaurants across India and abroad. Food festivals and cultural events often feature Litti Chokha as a representation of Bihar's culinary heritage.

The dish also gained political significance when several leaders and policymakers in India highlighted its cultural importance. Events showcasing Bihar's culture frequently emphasize Litti Chokha as the centerpiece of the state’s cuisine. The availability of modern cooking methods, such as ovens and air fryers, has also contributed to its adaptation in urban households, where people recreate the dish while preserving its traditional flavors.

Ingredients and Symbolism

Litti Chokha is more than just a combination of ingredients; it embodies the essence of Bihari culture:

Litti (Wheat Ball): Represents the agrarian roots of Bihar. The use of wheat flour and sattu reflects the reliance on locally grown crops.

Chokha: Highlights simplicity and ingenuity, as it is made from easily available vegetables like eggplant, tomatoes, and potatoes.

Mustard Oil: Adds a distinct pungency, symbolizing the bold and earthy flavors of Bihari cuisine.

Cooking Method: Traditionally baked over a cow dung fire or roasted in hot coals, the preparation reflects the sustainable practices and resourcefulness of rural communities.

Conclusion

Litti Chokha is not merely a dish; it is a narrative of Bihar’s history, culture, and resilience. From its origins in the Mauryan era to its modern-day status as a global culinary delight, the journey of Litti Chokha mirrors the evolution of Bihar itself. It encapsulates the resourcefulness, simplicity, and adaptability of the people of Bihar, making it a true symbol of the state's heritage. Whether served at a roadside stall or in a fine-dining restaurant, Litti Chokha continues to win hearts with its rustic charm and timeless appeal.