Litti Chokha traditional and popular dish of Bihar

Here’s a basic overview of how Litti Chokha

Litti

1. Prepare a dough using whole wheat flour, water, and a pinch of salt.
2. Make small balls from the dough and flatten them.
3. Prepare the stuffing mixture by mixing roasted gram flour (sattu), spices (such as ajwain, salt, and spices like red chili powder), and sometimes herbs like thyme (ajwain) and minced garlic.
4. Stuff the flattened dough with this sattu mixture.
5. Bake the stuffed littis in a tandoor or on an open flame until they are cooked and have a slightly crispy texture.

Chokha

1. Roast or boil vegetables, such as eggplant, tomatoes, and sometimes potatoes and onions.
2. Once they are cooked and softened, mash them in a bowl.
3. Add spices and seasonings, including salt, red chili powder, mustard oil, and sometimes chopped green chilies, minced garlic, and fresh coriander leaves.
4. Mix all the ingredients well to create a flavorful and slightly spicy side dish.

Litti Chokha is often with ghee (clarified butter) on top of the littis and yogurt on the side. It’s a nutritious and wholesome dish that reflects the culinary traditions of the region and its rustic and earthy flavors. It can be as a main meal or a snack and is a significant part of the cuisine in Bihar, Jharkhand, and parts of Eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Certainly, here’s a list of ingredients typically used to prepare Litti and Chokha:

For Litti

1. Whole wheat flour (for the dough)
2. Water (for kneading the dough)
3. Salt
4. Roasted gram flour (sattu)
5. Spices (such as ajwain, red chili powder, and salt)
6. Herbs (like thyme or ajwain)
7. Minced garlic (optional)
8. Ghee  for brushing on littis (optional)

For Chokha

1. Eggplant (baingan)
2. Tomatoes
3. Potatoes (optional)
4. Onions (optional)
5. Salt
6. Red chili powder
7. Mustard oil
8. Green chilies (optional)
9. Minced garlic (optional)
10. Fresh coriander leaves
11. Lemon juice (optional)

Please note that the exact proportions and choice of spices can vary on personal preferences and regional variations.

Additionally, the use of ghee and yogurt for serving Litti Chokha is common, but it is optional and can be according to taste.

Litti Chokha is a traditional dish that originates from the Indian states of Bihar and Jharkhand.

It is a significant part of the culinary heritage of these regions.

The dish is closely with the rural and rustic lifestyle of the people in Bihar and Jharkhand.

The origin of Litti Chokha can be back to the historical and cultural traditions of these states. It evolved as a practical and nutritious meal for the people who primarily worked in agriculture and other manual labor-intensive occupations. Litti, being from whole wheat flour and stuffing with sattu, provides a substantial source of energy and nutrition. Chokha,  from roasted or boiled vegetables, added flavor and variety to the meal.

The dish has a strong connection to the local culture and reflects the simplicity and resourcefulness of the people of Bihar and Jharkhand. Litti Chokha is not just a staple food; it is a symbol of the region’s identity and heritage. Over time, it has popularity in other parts of India and among people who appreciate its unique flavors and regional significance.

Litti Chokha is often during festivals, special occasions, and as an everyday meal in these states, and it continues to be a part of their culinary tradition.