“Bihar me khaana sirf pet bharne ke liye nahi hota, yaadein banane ke liye bhi hota hai!”
When it comes to celebrating rustic Indian flavors, the Litti Chokha recipe Bihar is famous for offers a perfect blend of taste and tradition. This authentic Bihari dish is a symphony of smoky, tangy, and earthy flavors that evoke memories of rural kitchens and festive gatherings. Let’s explore how to recreate this iconic delicacy and bring a true taste of Bihar into your home.
What is Litti Chokha? – Bihar’s Iconic Dish
Litti Chokha is a simple yet hearty dish from the heartland of Bihari cuisine. Litti consists of wheat flour balls stuffed with sattu (roasted gram flour), while Chokha is a mashed mix of roasted eggplant, tomatoes, and boiled potatoes, flavored with mustard oil, garlic, and chilies.
Unlike stuffed parathas, littis are baked or roasted, giving them a distinct, smoky flavor. The chokha, on the other hand, adds the much-needed zing and moisture.
🧂 Ingredients for Litti
For Dough:
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- ¼ cup ghee
- Water (as needed)
- Pinch of salt
For Sattu Filling:
- 1 cup sattu (roasted gram flour)
- 1 tbsp mustard oil
- 1 tsp ajwain (carom seeds)
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 2 green chilies (finely chopped)
- Chopped coriander leaves
- Salt and lemon juice to taste
- A few spoons of water to bind
🍆 Ingredients for Chokha (Brinjal, Potato & Tomato Mash)
- 1 large eggplant (baingan)
- 2 medium tomatoes
- 2 boiled potatoes
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 garlic cloves (crushed)
- 2 tsp mustard oil
- 2 green chilies
- Salt, lemon juice, and coriander leaves to taste
🔥 How to Make Litti – Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare the Dough
Mix flour, salt, and ghee. Add water gradually to form a soft dough. Rest it for 15–20 minutes. - Make the Sattu Filling
In a bowl, mix sattu with mustard oil, ajwain, ginger, green chilies, lemon juice, salt, coriander, and a little water to bind. - Stuff and Shape
Divide the dough into small balls. Flatten, fill with sattu mixture, and seal well. - Cook the Littis
Traditionally roasted over coal or cow dung cakes, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 200°C for 30–35 minutes or use a tandoor/gas tawa with wire mesh. Brush with ghee once cooked.
🥔 How to Make Chokha – A Spicy Rustic Mash
- Roast Brinjal and Tomatoes directly over flame until charred. Peel the skins.
- Mash Together
Combine roasted veggies with boiled potatoes. Add chopped onions, garlic, mustard oil, salt, lemon juice, and green chilies. - Mix Well
Mash everything to a coarse texture and garnish with fresh coriander.
💡 Pro Tips for Authentic Taste
- Always use mustard oil for the pungent, authentic flavor.
- Ghee is not optional – it enhances aroma and richness.
- You can pair it with green chutney or baingan bharta for added taste.
🍽️ Health Benefits of Litti Chokha
Litti Chokha is:
- High in fiber from sattu and whole wheat
- Rich in protein (sattu = plant protein source)
- Naturally vegan and easy to digest
- Oil-free when baked, and full of good fats (from mustard oil)
🌍 Variations and Regional Twists
- Jharkhand Version adds raw mango in the filling.
- Uttar Pradesh Style serves litti with spicy chutneys and extra ghee.
- Urban Café Twist: Litti Chokha with mutton curry or chicken gravy.
💬 Why is Litti Chokha So Loved?
Because it’s:
✅ Flavorful
✅ Wholesome
✅ Easy to make
✅ Deeply connected to Indian soil and soul
📌 Conclusion – Bihari Food that Tells a Story
The Litti Chokha recipe from Bihar is more than just a dish—it’s a cultural identity. Every bite takes you to the dusty lanes of Patna or the farmlands of Gaya. Whether you’re in Delhi or abroad, this humble combo gives you a soulful taste of India.
“Litti Chokha – jisme hai mitti ki khushboo aur maa ke haathon ka swaad.”