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Litti Chokha: The Soulful Bihari Comfort Food You Need to Try

If there’s one dish that captures the heart and soul of Bihar, it’s Litti Chokha. Earthy, smoky, nourishing, and packed with bold flavors, this traditional meal is more than just food it’s a cultural experience. From roadside dhabas in Patna to home kitchens during festivals, litti chokha is an emotion served on a plate.

Litti (whole wheat balls stuffed with spiced sattu) and chokha (a mashed, smoky preparation of eggplant, tomato, and potato) are traditionally cooked over coal or cow dung fire, giving it a unique rustic flavor. But don’t worry you can recreate this magic in your home kitchen too. Let’s dive into this authentic Bihari recipe!

Ingredients:

  • For Litti Dough:
  • Whole wheat flour – 2 cups
  • Ajwain (carom seeds) – ½ tsp
  • Salt – to taste
  • Ghee or oil – 2 tbsp (plus extra for brushing)
  • Water – to knead
  • For Sattu Filling:
  • Roasted chana sattu – 1 cup
  • Mustard oil – 2 tbsp
  • Garlic – 5–6 cloves (finely chopped)
  • Ginger – 1 tsp (grated)
  • Green chilies – 2 (finely chopped)
  • Lemon juice – 1 tbsp or raw mango powder – 1 tsp
  • Coriander leaves – a handful (finely chopped)
  • Salt – to taste
  • Pickle masala – 1 tsp (optional for a tangy kick)
  • For Chokha:
  • Eggplant – 1 large (roasted)
  • Tomatoes – 2 medium (roasted)
  • Boiled potatoes – 2 medium (optional but traditional)
  • Garlic – 4–5 cloves (roasted and mashed)
  • Green chilies – 1–2 (finely chopped)
  • Mustard oil – 1–2 tbsp
  • Salt – to taste
  • Coriander leaves – for garnish

Method:

Prepare the Dough Mix whole wheat flour with ajwain, salt, and ghee. Gradually add water and knead into a soft dough. Cover and rest it for 20–30 minutes.

Make the Sattu Filling: In a bowl, mix sattu with chopped garlic, ginger, green chilies, mustard oil, lemon juice, coriander, salt, and pickle masala (if using). Add a splash of water if the mixture feels too dry it should hold shape when pressed.

Shape the Litti: Divide the dough into equal-sized balls. Flatten each one, place a spoonful of filling in the center, and seal tightly to form round balls.

Cook the Litti:

Option 1 – Traditional Way: Roast the littis over open flame or on a coal grill until golden and charred.

Option 2 – Oven Method: Preheat oven to 200°C. Bake littis for 25–30 minutes, flipping once, until evenly browned.

Option 3 – Pan Method: Cook covered in an appe pan or heavy tawa on low heat, turning frequently until crispy and cooked. Brush with ghee generously once cooked.

Prepare Chokha:

Roast brinjal and tomatoes directly on the flame until charred and soft. Peel off the skin. Mash roasted vegetables with boiled potatoes, garlic, green chilies, salt, and mustard oil. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.

Serve piping hot littis drenched in ghee, alongside a generous scoop of chokha. Add a side of green chutney, raw onions, and tangy mango pickle for the complete Bihari experience.

Litti chokha is not just food—it’s a story of simplicity, resilience, and rich regional heritage. Whether you’re cooking it for the first time or reliving childhood memories, this dish brings unbeatable comfort and joy.

Have you ever tried making litti chokha at home? Let me know how it turned out in the comments below!

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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.