Flavors of Bihar: Step-by-Step Guide to Making Authentic Bihari Litti Chokha.

Bihari Litti Chokha is a traditional dish from the state of Bihar in India. It consists of roasted wheat flour balls (litti) served with a spicy mashed vegetable preparation (chokha). The dish is flavorful and popular in the region. Here's a step-by-step method to make Bihari Litti Chokha:

Ingredients:

For Litti:

2 cups whole wheat flour

1/2 cup ghee (clarified butter) or oil

1 teaspoon carom seeds (ajwain)

1 teaspoon salt

Water (as needed)

For Filling (Sattu mixture):

1 cup roasted chana sattu (gram flour)

1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped

2-3 cloves of garlic, minced

1-2 green chilies, finely chopped

1 tablespoon mustard oil

1 teaspoon ginger paste

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon roasted cumin powder

1 teaspoon red chili powder

Salt to taste

Fresh coriander leaves, chopped

For Chokha:

3-4 medium-sized eggplants (baingan)

2-3 medium-sized tomatoes

2-3 medium-sized onions

2-3 green chilies

4-5 cloves of garlic

1-inch piece of ginger

1 tablespoon mustard oil

Salt to taste

Fresh coriander leaves, chopped

Lemon juice (optional)

Instructions:

Preparing the Litti Dough:

In a mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, carom seeds, salt, and ghee (or oil).

Gradually add water while kneading the mixture to form a firm and smooth dough.

Cover the dough and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes.

Preparing the Sattu Filling:

In a separate bowl, mix the roasted chana sattu with chopped onions, green chilies, minced garlic, ginger paste, mustard oil, roasted cumin powder, red chili powder, lemon juice, salt, and fresh coriander leaves.

Combine all the ingredients thoroughly until the mixture becomes a crumbly and well-mixed filling.

Shaping and Stuffing the Litti:

Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F) or prepare a charcoal grill for roasting.

Divide the rested dough into equal-sized balls, typically smaller than regular chapatis.

Flatten each ball slightly and place a spoonful of the prepared sattu filling in the center.

Carefully seal the edges and roll it back into a ball shape, ensuring the filling is completely enclosed within the dough.

Roasting the Litti:

Place the stuffed litti on a baking tray or directly on the charcoal grill.

Cook the litti on medium heat, turning occasionally, until they become golden brown and evenly roasted from all sides. This should take about 20-25 minutes.

Preparing the Chokha:

Roast the eggplants, tomatoes, onions, green chilies, garlic cloves, and ginger on an open flame or in the oven until they are charred and cooked through.

Once roasted, let them cool down a bit and then peel off the skin from the vegetables.

Mash the roasted vegetables together in a mixing bowl until you get a coarse consistency.

Add salt, chopped coriander leaves, mustard oil, and lemon juice (if using) to the mashed vegetables. Mix well.

Serving:

Serve the hot litti with a bowl of spicy chokha on the side.

You can also accompany it with some pickles or yogurt for a complete Bihari culinary experience.

Enjoy your homemade Bihari Litti Chokha! It's a delightful and flavorful dish that is sure to leave you satisfied.