Bihar, a state rich in culture and culinary heritage, boasts a traditional dish that's not just a meal but a reflection of its rustic charm—Litti Chokha. This beloved delicacy consists of roasted wheat balls (litti) paired with a flavorful vegetable mash (chokha), making it a staple in Bihar's cuisine.
Litti Preparation:
1. Ingredients:
- Whole wheat flour (atta)
- Gram flour (besan)
- Ajwain (carom seeds)
- Salt
- Ghee (clarified butter)
2. Dough Preparation:
- Mix whole wheat flour, gram flour, ajwain, salt, and ghee in a bowl.
- Knead into a firm dough using water.
- Give it 20 to 30 minutes to unwind.
3. Filling:
- Roast gram flour (besan) in a pan until golden brown.
- Mix with spices like ajwain, and salt, and optionally add chopped green chilies, ginger, and garlic.
- Shape into small balls.
4. Assemble:
- Flatten the small chunks of dough that you have divided.
- Place the filling ball in the center, seal the edges, and roll into balls again.
- Roast over a charcoal or gas flame until evenly browned.
Chokha Preparation:
1. Ingredients:
- Potatoes
- Tomatoes
- Eggplant (baingan)
- Onions
- Green chilies
- Mustard oil
- Salt
- Coriander leaves
2. Cooking:
- Roast potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplant over a flame until charred.
- Peel and mash them together.
- Add chopped onions, green chilies, mustard oil, and salt.
- Mix well and garnish with coriander leaves.
Serving:
- Serve hot litti with chokha, accompanied by a dollop of ghee or yogurt.
- Enjoy the rustic flavors and wholesome goodness of this traditional Bihar dish.