Litti Chokha Recipe – Traditional Bihari Delicacy Made Easy

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If you’ve ever explored the rustic and soulful cuisine of Bihar, Litti Chokha is a name you’ve surely come across. This traditional dish is a wholesome and hearty meal loved across Eastern India, particularly in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Eastern Uttar Pradesh. Its smoky flavor, nutritious stuffing, and simplicity make it a must-try for every food enthusiast.

What is Litti Chokha?

Litti is a round wheat ball stuffed with a spicy mixture of roasted gram flour (sattu), herbs, and mustard oil. It’s traditionally roasted over a coal fire or dried cow dung cakes, giving it a unique smoky aroma. The outer crust is crispy while the inner filling remains flavorful and soft.

Chokha is a mashed vegetable side dish usually made from roasted eggplant (baingan), tomatoes, and boiled potatoes, mixed with mustard oil, garlic, green chilies, and fresh coriander.

Together, Litti and Chokha form a perfect balance of taste, nutrition, and cultural richness.

Ingredients for Litti Chokha

Ingredients for Litti Dough:

  • 2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 tsp carom seeds (ajwain)
  • 2 tbsp ghee (clarified butter)
  • Salt to taste
  • Water as required for kneading
Ingredients for Sattu Stuffing:

  • 1 cup sattu (roasted gram flour)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 4-5 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1-2 green chilies, chopped
  • 1 tsp nigella seeds (kalonji)
  • 1 tsp ajwain
  • 2 tbsp mustard oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
Ingredients for Chokha:

  • 1 large eggplant (baingan)
  • 2 medium tomatoes
  • 2 medium potatoes (boiled)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3-4 garlic cloves, roasted and mashed
  • 1-2 green chilies, chopped
  • 2 tbsp mustard oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander leaves

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How to Make Litti Chokha at Home

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  1. In a large bowl, mix wheat flour, ajwain, salt, and ghee.
  2. Gradually add water and knead into a medium-soft dough.
  3. Cover and let it rest for 20–30 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Sattu Filling

  1. In another bowl, add sattu, chopped onions, garlic, green chilies, ajwain, kalonji, salt, mustard oil, lemon juice, and coriander.
  2. Mix well. The mixture should be moist enough to hold shape but not too wet.
  3. If it feels dry, sprinkle a bit of water.
Step 3: Prepare the Litti Balls

  1. Divide the dough into equal-sized balls.
  2. Flatten each ball, add 1-2 tbsp of the sattu filling, and seal the edges carefully.
  3. Roll them gently to shape into smooth balls again.
Step 4: Cook the Litti

Traditionally, littis are roasted over a charcoal or cow dung fire. But here are two easy home methods:

Method A: Oven Baking

  1. Preheat oven to 200°C (392°F).
  2. Place the stuffed littis on a baking tray lined with foil.
  3. Bake for 20–30 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway.
Method B: Tawa Cooking

  1. Heat a heavy-bottomed tawa or griddle on low flame.
  2. Place the littis and cover with a lid.
  3. Roast slowly, turning often to cook evenly.
  4. Once golden and crisp, brush generously with ghee.
Step 5: Make the Chokha

  1. Roast eggplant and tomatoes directly on flame until skin is charred.
  2. Peel off the skin and mash them well.
  3. Add boiled and mashed potatoes.
  4. Mix in onions, green chilies, garlic, mustard oil, salt, and coriander.
  5. Taste and adjust spices if needed.
Serving Suggestions

Serve hot littis dipped in melted desi ghee, accompanied by a generous portion of chokha. Some people also love to pair it with achar (pickle) or curd for a tangy twist.

Tips for the Perfect Litti Chokha

  • Use cold-pressed mustard oil for authentic flavor.

  • Always taste the sattu mixture before stuffing and adjust salt or spices.

  • Roasting the eggplant and tomatoes directly on flame enhances the smoky flavor.

  • Add a little bit of pickle masala to the chokha for an extra zing.

  • For a healthier version, skip the ghee or use a minimal amount.

Nutritional Benefits

Litti Chokha is not only delicious but also quite healthy:

  • High in protein and fiber (thanks to sattu).

  • Low on oil if baked or roasted properly.

  • Vegan and vegetarian-friendly.

  • Great for digestion due to use of ajwain and mustard oil.

It’s a great option for those looking for wholesome Indian comfort food without compromising on health.

Regional Variations

While the classic recipe is from Bihar, here are some popular twists:

  • Litti with Chicken Curry: In many Bihari households, littis are served with spicy chicken curry for a non-vegetarian treat.

  • Tomato-only chokha: Some people skip eggplant and potato for a tangier tomato-only version.

  • Fried litti: In some roadside stalls, littis are deep-fried instead of roasted for a crunchier bite.


Final Thoughts

Litti Chokha is more than just a dish—it’s a celebration of Bihar’s rich culinary culture. Whether you’re a nostalgic Bihari away from home or someone looking to explore Indian regional food, this recipe brings authentic flavors right to your kitchen. With just a few ingredients and a little love, you can recreate this traditional Bihari favorite and serve a meal that’s satisfying, nutritious, and bursting with flavor.

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