Welcome to our culinary journey to the heart of Bihar, India, where we’ll explore the traditional and delectable dish called “Litti.” Litti is a popular savory snack that holds a special place in Bihari cuisine. This blog will guide you through the step-by-step process of making this scrumptious dish right in your kitchen. So, put on your aprons, and let’s dive into the world of Litti!
What is Litti? Litti is a traditional dish from Bihar, made with roasted wheat flour balls stuffed with a flavorful mix of roasted gram flour and spices. It is usually accompanied by chokha, a spicy side dish prepared with roasted eggplant, tomatoes, and potatoes. This combination creates a perfect balance of taste and texture that has been relished for generations.
Ingredients: For the Litti:
- 2 cups wheat flour
- 1 cup roasted gram flour (sattu)
- 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
- 1 teaspoon carom seeds (ajwain)
- 1 teaspoon nigella seeds (kalonji)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Water (for kneading the dough)
For the Chokha:
- 2 medium-sized eggplants
- 2 medium-sized tomatoes
- 2 medium-sized potatoes
- 2 green chilies (finely chopped)
- 1 medium-sized onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves of garlic (crushed)
- 1 tablespoon mustard oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Making the Litti Dough
- In a mixing bowl, combine the wheat flour, ghee, carom seeds, nigella seeds, and salt.
- Gradually add water and knead the ingredients to form a firm and smooth dough. Cover it with a damp cloth and set it aside for 20-30 minutes.
Step 2: Preparing the Stuffing
- In a separate bowl, mix the roasted gram flour (sattu) with a pinch of salt and add some water to make a semi-dry stuffing mixture. It should hold together when pressed.
Step 3: Shaping the Litti
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) or set up a barbecue grill.
- Divide the dough into small lemon-sized balls.
- Flatten each ball and place a spoonful of the stuffing in the center.
- Carefully seal the dough, ensuring the stuffing is enclosed entirely.
Step 4: Roasting the Litti
- Place the stuffed litti on a baking tray or directly on the barbecue grill.
- Roast them until they turn golden brown and have a crispy outer layer. Keep turning them to cook evenly.
Step 5: Preparing the Chokha
- Roast the eggplants, tomatoes, and potatoes over an open flame or in the oven until they are charred and cooked from the inside.
- Peel the skin off the roasted vegetables and mash them together in a bowl.
- Add chopped green chilies, onions, crushed garlic, mustard oil, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly.
Step 6: Serving Litti
- Take the roasted Litti off the heat and serve them hot with the flavorful chokha.
- Garnish the chokha with fresh coriander leaves for added freshness.