Introduction
When we talk about Bihari cuisine, the first dish that comes to everyone’s mind is Litti Chokha. This dish is not just food, but an identity of Bihar’s culture. From roadside stalls in Patna to five-star hotels, litti chokha is loved everywhere.
Made with whole wheat flour balls stuffed with spiced sattu and roasted over fire, served with smoky chokha (mashed vegetables) – it is healthy, filling, and full of earthy flavors.
🥘 Ingredients You’ll Need for Litti Chokha
🌾 For the Litti (Serves 4)
To prepare the dough and stuffing, you will need:
About 2 cups of whole wheat flour for the outer covering.
Around 1 cup of sattu (roasted gram flour) for the filling.
A couple of tablespoons of mustard oil to give that rustic Bihari flavor.
A pinch of ajwain (carom seeds) for aroma.
Salt as per your taste.
Just a dash of lemon juice for freshness.
Green chilies (2, finely chopped) for heat.
A little grated ginger (about 1 teaspoon).
Garlic cloves (3–4, minced).
A handful of fresh coriander leaves, finely chopped.
🍆 Ingredients for Chokha (Smoky Veg Mash)
To make the chokha, you will need:
1 big eggplant (brinjal) – roast it well to get that earthy, smoky flavor.
2 ripe tomatoes – roast them along with the brinjal for a tangy twist.
2 boiled potatoes – mashed to give body and balance.
5–6 garlic cloves – for a strong, rustic punch.
2 fresh green chilies, finely chopped – to bring in the heat.
One medium-sized onion, finely chopped, to give a little crunch and sharp flavor
🥣 Step-by-Step Method
1 Litti chokha
First, take a big mixing bowl and put in the wheat flour, a pinch of ajwain, some salt, and about a spoon of oil.
Now, slowly start adding water and knead it well until the dough turns soft and smooth.
Once ready, cover it with a cloth and leave it aside for around 15–20 minutes so it can rest.
2 .Prepare the sattu and fill it
While the dough is resting, let’s prepare the stuffing.
In another bowl, add sattu (roasted gram flour). To this, mix in finely chopped green chilies, a little grated ginger, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, a spoon of mustard oil, and some fresh coriander leaves.
Blend everything nicely with your hands. The mixture should be crumbly, not watery. If it feels too dry, just sprinkle a few drops of water to bring it together.
Step 3 – Shape the Litti
1. Take the flour and make a ball out of it
2. Flatten and add 2 tsp sattu filling inside.
3. Come on I have made round lohiya
Step 4 – Roast the Litti
1. Traditionally, litti is roasted over cow-dung fire or coal for smoky flavor.
2. At home, you can:
Roast in oven at 200°C for 20–25 minutes
Or cook in an iron tawa/pan on low flame
3. Once cooked, dip hot littis in melted ghee.
Step 5 – Prepare Chokha
1. Roast brinjal and tomatoes directly on flame until charred.
2. Peel off burnt skin and mash along with boiled potatoes.
3. Add chopped onion, garlic, green chili, coriander, salt, lemon juice, and mustard oil.
4. Mix well – your chokha is ready.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot litti dipped in ghee with spicy chokha on the side.
Pair with green chutney or curd for extra flavor.
In villages, litti chokha is enjoyed with buttermilk.
Health & Nutritional Benefits
Rich in protein from sattu.
Roasted, not fried – making it healthy and light.
High in fiber, keeps you full longer.
Uses mustard oil – good for digestion and immunity.
Conclusion Litti Chokha is not just a dish, it’s a taste of Bihar’s heart and soul. Whether you’re making it at home or enjoying it on the roadside, the smoky aroma and earthy flavors will always remind you of traditional Indian food culture. Next time you want to try something authentic, healthy, and delicious, make this Bihari special and enjoy with your family.