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Nourish Your Summer: Sattu Chokha – A Bihari Delicacy with Health Benefits

Sattu Chokha, a humble yet flavorsome dish, embodies the essence of simplicity. With no cooking involved and no intricate techniques required, it’s a true testament to the beauty of minimalism in cooking. Made primarily from roasted gram flour (sattu), this dish celebrates the natural flavors and nutritional benefits of its core ingredient. Mixed with an array of aromatic spices and fresh ingredients like onions, green chilies, and coriander leaves, Sattu Chokha is a delightful medley of textures and tastes. Whether enjoyed as a standalone snack or paired with your favorite accompaniments like rice or dal, this dish offers a taste of comfort and tradition in every bite.

Sattu chokha is a staple food in Bihari households, especially during the scorching summer months. This simple yet nutritious dish is known for its cooling properties and delightful taste. Traditionally enjoyed with dal chawal, sattu chokha is a perfect blend of flavors and health benefits.

Experience the wholesome goodness of Sattu Chokha – simple yet satisfying, and bursting with authentic flavors

Ingredients:

1 cup chana sattu
1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
2 green chillies, finely chopped
A handful of coriander leaves, finely chopped
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tsp roasted cumin powder
1 tbsp mustard oil
Salt to taste

Instructions:

In a mixing bowl or plate, add chana sattu, roasted cumin powder and salt.

Now add finely chopped onion, finely chopped coriander leaves, green chillies and mustard oil.

Now pour in the lemon juice and Mix everything together thoroughly until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Serve the Sattu Chokha with rice or dal chawal. Enjoy the rustic flavors of this simple and nutritious dish!


Note: You can adjust the quantity of green chillis and lemon juice according to your taste preferences. Additionally, you can also add finely chopped coriander leaves for extra freshness and flavor.

Sattu chokha is not just a dish; it’s a tradition passed down through generations, offering a perfect blend of taste and health. Enjoy this Bihari delicacy and relish the goodness of sattu!

You can make your own sattu at home or you can buy from numerous brands available online as well as offline. In case you are looking for a homemade, preservative free and authentic experience, without getting into hassle of grinding your own, you can always explore Masala Monk’s Sattu Mix, which ships all over India also you don’t have to add roasted cumin powder and salt separately in this mixture.

Do try the recipe and let me know in comments how it turns out. If you end up adding your own twist and experimenting, let me know as well – maybe I will try it that way and see how it feels.

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A protein packed summer special buttermilk sattu

Sattu is finally getting the long awaited attention! Sattu is considered a nutritious food. It is a rich source of protein, Sattu powder mixed with buttermilk is a natural and a potent protein shake. According to health experts, it is rich in protein, fibre, calcium, iron, and magnesium. It prevents dehydration and reduces body heat. Below is the step by step recipe of sattu buttermilk.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons sattu powder
1 cup buttermilk (chach)
1/2 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
1/4 teaspoon black salt
Finely chopped coriander leaves, onion, and green chilies for garnishing


Instructions:

In a jar or bowl, mix together the sattu powder and buttermilk until well combined.
Add the roasted cumin powder and black salt to the mixture and stir until everything is evenly distributed.


If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can blend the mixture in a blender for a few seconds. Taste the sattu buttermilk and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more black salt or roasted cumin powder according to your preference. Pour the sattu buttermilk into serving glasses. Garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves, onion, and green chilies.

Serve chilled and enjoy your refreshing sattu buttermilk!

You can make your own sattu at home or you can buy from numerous brands available online as well as offline. In case you are looking for a homemade, preservative free and authentic experience, without getting into hassle of grinding your own, you can always explore Masala Monk’s Sattu Mix, which ships all over India.

Do try the recipe and let me know in comments how it turns out. If you end up adding your own twist and experimenting, let me know as well – maybe I will try it that way and see how it feels.

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Sattu Paratha: Comfort food from Bihar

Sattu, once a culinary gem of Bihar, is now gaining recognition across India as a wholesome health food brimming with nourishing benefits. Personally, I’m drawn to its earthy taste, which infuses every dish with a rustic charm. Whether whipped into a refreshing drink or kneaded into hearty parathas, sattu has become a staple in my kitchen. From energizing breakfasts to satisfying dinners, its filling and nutritious qualities.

Ingredients:

2 cups whole wheat flour (atta)
Water, as needed
Ghee, for cooking


For the stuffing:

1 cup sattu (black gram flour)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2-3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1-2 green chillies, finely chopped (optional, adjust according to spice preference)
2 tablespoons coriander leaves, finely chopped
1 teaspoon kalonji (nigella seeds)
1 teaspoon ajwain (carom seeds)
1 teaspoon pickle masala (optional)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons mustard oil


Instructions:

In a mixing bowl, combine whole wheat flour with water to make a soft dough. Knead the dough well until smooth. Cover and let it rest for half an hour.
Meanwhile, prepare the stuffing. In a separate bowl, add sattu, chopped onion, garlic, green chillies (if using), coriander leaves, kalonji, ajwain, pickle masala (if using), lemon juice, mustard oil, and salt to taste. Mix well to combine. Add a little water to make the filling moist but not too wet.
Divide the dough into equal-sized balls. Take one ball of dough and roll it out into a small circle, about 4-5 inches in diameter.
Place a portion of the sattu stuffing in the center of the rolled-out dough circle. Gather the edges of the dough and pinch them together to seal the filling inside. Flatten the stuffed ball slightly.
Dust the stuffed ball with flour and roll it out gently into a larger circle, about 6-7 inches in diameter. Be careful not to let the filling come out.
Heat a flat pan (tawa) over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the rolled-out paratha on the pan.
Cook the paratha for a minute or two on one side until small bubbles start to form. Flip the paratha and cook on the other side.
Apply a little ghee on both sides of the paratha and cook until golden brown spots appear on both sides.
Remove the cooked paratha from the pan and repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling.
Serve hot Sattu Parathas with yogurt, pickle, or any chutney of your choice. Enjoy the delicious and nutritious meal!

I am a big advocate of regional foods. Reason? They are free of any preservative, artificial colour, or harmful mixtures.

You can make your own sattu at home or you can buy from numerous brands available online as well as offline. In case you are looking for a homemade, preservative free and authentic experience, without getting into hassle of grinding your own, you can always explore Masala Monk’s Sattu Mix, which ships all over India.

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Sattu Sharbat Recipe

Summer is here, and with it comes the delightful sight of vendors lining the streets with their earthen matkas filled with refreshing Sattu Sharbat. There’s something truly magical about the way they present this traditional drink, with lemon slices and fresh mint leaves adorning the side, enticing passersby with its cool, tangy allure.

If you’ve ever wondered how to recreate this quintessential summer refresher at home, look no further! We’re excited to share with you our recipe for the perfect Sattu Sharbat:

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons chana sattu
1/4 teaspoon black salt
1/4 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
1/4 teaspoon roasted red chilli powder
1 tablespoon finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon finely chopped green chillis
1 teaspoon finely chopped coriander leaves
Juice of 1 lemon
1 glass cold water


Instructions:

In a jar, add chana sattu and pour cold water into it. Add black salt, roasted cumin powder, roasted red chilli powder, and lemon juice to the jar. Mix all the ingredients well until the sattu is completely dissolved in water.
Taste and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. Once mixed thoroughly, top the sattu sharbat with finely chopped onion, green chillis, and coriander leaves. Give it a final stir and serve chilled.
Enjoy the refreshing and nutritious Sattu Sharbat! Feel free to adjust the quantities of ingredients according to your taste preferences.

This homemade Sattu Sharbat is perfect for beating the summer heat and providing a nutritious boost to your day.

You can make your own sattu at home or you can buy from numerous brands available online as well as offline. In case you are looking for a homemade, preservative free and authentic experience, without getting into hassle of grinding your own, you can always explore Masala Monk’s Sattu Mix, which ships all over India.

Whether you make it at home, or get one from store, do try the recipe and let me know in comments how it turns out. If you end up adding your own twist and experimenting, let me know as well – maybe I will try it that way and see how it feels.

More sattu recipes you will love:

A protein packed summer special buttermilk sattu

Sattu Paratha: Comfort food from Bihar

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The Indian Summer Superfood: Chana Sattu

This super food has existed in our country for decades. Sattu atta or Sattu maavu is familiarly mentioned as a quick breakfast option in many households across India. A staple in Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, it is cherished and consumed by laborers and farmers.

Sattu, derived from roasted Bengal gram flour, is often hailed as the “poor man’s protein” for its affordability and rich nutritional profile which is now also gaining popularity in urban areas. What earlier belonged to a few states, is now a famous and exotic food ingredient that is easily available even in supermarkets.

Growing up, sattu was not just a food item for me; it was a cornerstone of my childhood memories and experiences. In the bustling kitchen of my Bihari household, sattu was omnipresent, woven into the fabric of our daily lives in countless ways. From savory dishes to refreshing drinks, sattu featured prominently on our dining table, each serving a testament to its versatility and significance.

Interesting History of Sattu

There have been many stories behind origin of sattu. However the most common one is that, Sattu originated in Tibet where it is known as ‘Tsampa’. It was a staple travel food of monks, who traveled long distances in search of enlightenment. It was durable, easy to eat and provided them with required nutrients and energy.

Infact, in the heroic case of the 1999 Kargil War in the Batalik Sector, not many know that the win initially was achieved, courtesy Ladakh Scouts. This unit was instrumental in ensuring that not only the little battalion posted up there got their ammunition and information supply, but food as well— especially Sattu.

Health benefits of Sattu:

  • Rich source of protein: Did you know 100 grams of sattu can give you 20 grams of pure protein? Sattu is made from roasted Bengal gram flour, making it a potent source of plant-based protein.
  • High fiber content: Sattu contains dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes bowel regularity, and helps maintain a healthy gut.
  • Low glycemic index: Sattu has a low glycemic index, meaning it causes a slower and steadier rise in blood sugar levels, making it suitable for individuals with diabetes.
  • Nutrient-dense: Sattu is packed with essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are vital for overall health and well-being.
  • Energy booster: Sattu provides a sustained release of energy due to its complex carbohydrates, making it an ideal pre- or post-workout snack.
  • Cooling properties: Sattu has natural cooling properties, making it a popular choice during hot summer months to beat the heat and stay hydrated.
  • Weight management: Sattu is low in calories and fat, making it a nutritious option for those looking to manage their weight while still feeling satisfied and full.
  • Supports heart health: The fiber, protein, and potassium content in sattu may help lower cholesterol levels, reduce blood pressure, and support cardiovascular health.
  • Boosts immunity: Sattu contains antioxidants and micronutrients that help strengthen the immune system and protect the body against infections and diseases.
  • Promotes bone health: Sattu is a good source of calcium and magnesium, which are essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth, reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

How to select Sattu Flour?

When an ingredient becomes more popular, brand race starts to put their stamp on the product which is in demand. In this race, selecting a good brand becomes challenging. Go for indigenous variety of channa that is stone ground to a fine powder. Indigenous pure variety is easy to digest while being a source of insoluble fibre. Traditional stone grinding process preserves the natural taste, aroma, and nutritional benefits of the chana, making it a more authentic and a wholesome choice. You can explore Masala Monk’s Sattu Mix which is made from pure channa and is stone ground sattu flour.

Ways to incorporate Sattu in your lifestyle 

  • Simple Sattu Drink: This one is effective, easy and you just need a few ingredients to make this recipe. It is an easy fussy free recipe which will keep you hydrated in summer heat. All you need to do is mix sattu, lemon juice and some spices in a glass of water. Stir it well and drink this nutritious drink. For the full recipe, click here
  • Sattu Parantha: A staple in Bihar, sattu parantha is delicious and so easy to make, and you can pair it with curd and pickle. Just make simple filling with sattu, onion, green chillies and spices. Then add the filling in the middle of your parantha dough and cook. Check out the full recipe here. 
  • Buttermilk Sattu: Sattu is a rich source of protein and when mixed with buttermilk it is a natural and a potent protein shake. This drink is a quick escape from the sweltering summer heat and a refreshing twist on a classic drink that’s both easy to make and high in protein. Click here for full recipe.
  • Sattu Cheela (Pancake): A good and nutritious breakfast recipe, sattu cheela is easy to make. For this, you need is a mix of besan, sattu, spices and vegetables of your choice. It is simple protein rich breakfast recipe. Know how you can make this iron rich too. Check the recipe here.
  • Sattu Porridge: Sattu Porridge is a wholesome and nutritious breakfast option that combines sattu with creamy milk and a touch of natural sweetness. This hearty porridge provides sustained energy and keeps you feeling full and satisfied throughout the morning. With its easy preparation and customizable toppings, it’s the perfect way to start your day on a healthy and delicious note! Click here for detailed recipe.
  • Sattu Chokha: It is a humble yet flavorsome dish. With no cooking involved and no intricate techniques required, it’s a true testament to the beauty of minimalism in cooking. Made primarily from sattu, this dish celebrates the natural flavors and nutritional benefits of its core ingredient. Mixed with an array of aromatic spices and fresh ingredients like onions, green chilies, and coriander leaves, Sattu Chokha is a delightful medley of textures and tastes. Click here for full recipe.