Litti Chokha (Bihari Sattu Litti)

 

                                             Litti Chokha is a Bihari recipe made using whole wheat, black gram flour and brinjal/eggplant. This main course recipe has an authentic flavour of Indian spices. It can be had for lunch, dinner or you can make it on your holidays. Litti is similar to Bati in appearance but there is a slight difference. The Pitthi (stuffing) which is filled in the litti is made with sattu (powdered gram or lentil) and is eaten with brinjal bharta or mashed potato. The dish tastes amazing when a dollop of ghee is poured over the litti balls. Mustard oil used in this recipe adds a unique aroma and flavour to this dish. This traditional recipe can be served on special occasions like get-togethers, kitty parties and even pot luck parties.

Ingredients of Litti Chokha

·         1 eggplant/ brinjal

·         3 cloves chopped garlic

·         1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

·         1 medium chopped tomato

·         1 chopped green chilli

·         1 sprig chopped coriander leaves

For Filling

·         1/2 cup black gram flour ( sattu)

·         1 teaspoon salt

·         1/2 teaspoon nigella seeds

·         1/2 teaspoon grated ginger

·         1 chopped green chilli

·         1 teaspoon mustard oil

·         1 teaspoon lemon juice

·         1/2 teaspoon thymol seeds

·         1/2 handful chopped coriander leaves

·         1 teaspoon pickle masala

For Dough

·         1 cup whole wheat

·         1 pinch salt

·         1 tablespoon mustard oil

·         water as required

How to make Litti Chokha

·         Step 1

To prepare the dough, take a mixing bowl and add wheat flour, mustard oil and a pinch of salt in it. Add some water and knead a soft dough.

·         Step 2

To prepare the filling, take a bowl and mix sattu (black gram flour), pickle masala, mustard oil, lemon juice, kalonji, ginger, coriander leaves, green chillies and salt together. Preheat oven at 180 C. Now divide the dough, flatten to the desired size and place a spoonful of the filling. Close the dough by the edges and roll it into a ball.

·         Step 3

Put these balls on a baking tray and baked turning both sides in till it cooked properly. Put your oven on broil mode for 2-3 minutes turning both sides to get a crisp covering.

·         Step 4

Now to prepare the chokha, wash, dry and slit the brinjal. Put an aluminum foil on the baking tray and place the brinjal and tomatoes on top. Roast them on broil mode or highest temperature. Once done, peel the brinjal and tomatoes and then mash them well. Transfer these into a bowl.

·         Step 5

Add garlic, salt, mustard oil, lemon juice, green chillis and chopped green coriander leaves in the bowl. Mix the ingredients well. The chokha is ready to be served.

·         Step 6

Transfer the chokha in a serving bowl. Dip the litti balls in some melted ghee and place along with the chokha. You can also serve this dish with some kadhi. Enjoy the bursting flavours of this Bihari delicacy!