Authentic Litti Chokha Recipe – Bihari Sattu & Whole Wheat Dumplings

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Authentic Litti Chokha Recipe – Bihari Sattu & Whole Wheat Dumplings

Hello friends! If you’ve ever travelled through Bihar or Jharkhand, or even just heard about the incredible food from that region, chances are you’ve come across Litti Chokha. It’s a dish that’s deeply rooted in the culture, and honestly, it’s one of those meals that just feels like a warm hug. I first tried it at a friend’s place during college, and I was instantly hooked. Today, I’m so excited to share my version of this authentic Litti Chokha recipe with you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Litti Chokha isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. The slightly smoky, earthy flavor of the littis paired with the creamy, roasted goodness of the chokha is simply divine. It’s hearty, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make at home. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to explore the diverse and delicious world of Indian cuisine beyond the usual suspects.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this Bihari masterpiece:

• 2 cups whole wheat flour (approx. 250g)
• 0.25 teaspoon salt (approx. 1.5g)
• 1 tablespoon ghee or oil (approx. 15ml)
• 0.75 cups water (approx. 180ml)
• 0.5 teaspoon cumin seeds (approx. 2.5g)
• 0.5 teaspoon fennel seeds (approx. 2.5g)
• 1 cup roasted gram flour (sattu) (approx. 150g)
• 0.5 teaspoon carom seeds (ajwain) (approx. 2.5g)
• 0.5 teaspoon nigella seeds (kalonji) (approx. 2.5g)
• 0.5 teaspoon red chili powder (approx. 2.5g)
• 1 teaspoon green chilies, finely chopped (approx. 5g)
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated (approx. 5g)
• 1 teaspoon garlic, grated (approx. 5g)
• 2 tablespoons coriander leaves, chopped (approx. 10g)
• 0.25 teaspoon black salt (approx. 1.5g)
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice (approx. 10ml)
• 2 teaspoons mustard oil (approx. 10ml)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about a few key ingredients that really make this recipe special:

• Sattu (Roasted Gram Flour): This is the star of the show! Sattu is made from roasted and ground chickpeas. It has a wonderfully nutty and earthy flavor. You can usually find it at Indian grocery stores, or online.
• Ajwain (Carom Seeds): These little seeds aren’t just about flavor; they also aid digestion – a very important thing when enjoying a hearty meal like Litti Chokha!
• Kalonji (Nigella Seeds): These tiny black seeds add a subtle onion-like flavor and a beautiful visual contrast.
• Mustard Oil: Don’t skip this! Mustard oil is traditional in Bihari cuisine and gives the littis a unique, pungent aroma and flavor. If you’re not used to it, start with a little less and adjust to your taste. It really makes a difference!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the whole wheat flour and salt. Add the ghee or oil and mix well. Gradually add water, kneading until you have a smooth, pliable dough. Cover and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This resting time is crucial for a soft litti.
2. Prepare the Stuffing: While the dough rests, let’s make the magic happen with the sattu filling. Crush the cumin and fennel seeds using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder. In a bowl, combine the crushed spices, sattu, carom seeds, nigella seeds, red chili powder, green chilies, ginger, garlic, coriander leaves, black salt, lemon juice, and mustard oil. Add a little water, a teaspoon at a time, and mix until you get a moist, but not soggy, stuffing.
3. Assemble the Littis: Divide the dough into equal-sized balls (about 1.5-2 inches in diameter). Roll each ball into a circle. Place a generous spoonful of the sattu stuffing in the center. Carefully bring the edges of the dough together to seal the filling, pinching to create a round dumpling shape.
4. Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 200°C/390°F. Lightly grease a baking tray. Place the littis on the tray, leaving a little space between each one. Bake for 30-35 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and slightly puffed up. You can also tell they’re done when they sound hollow when tapped.

Expert Tips

• Don’t over-knead the dough. A slightly softer dough will result in softer littis.
• Taste the sattu filling and adjust the spices to your liking.
• If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. If it’s too dry, add a little more water.
• For a more authentic flavor, you can roast the littis directly over charcoal embers, but baking is a convenient alternative.

Variations

• Vegan Adaptation: Simply substitute the ghee with a plant-based oil like sunflower or canola oil.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of whole wheat flour. You might need to adjust the amount of water.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Reduce or increase the amount of red chili powder and green chilies to suit your preference. My family loves it spicy, but I sometimes tone it down for guests.
• Festival Adaptations: Litti Chokha is particularly popular during Chhath Puja, a major festival in Bihar. It’s often prepared as a prasad (offering) during this time.

Serving Suggestions

Litti Chokha is best enjoyed with chokha! Traditionally, it’s served with:

• Baingan Chokha (Smoked Eggplant Chokha): This is a must-try!
• Tomato Chokha: A tangy and flavorful accompaniment.
• Aloo Chokha (Smoked Potato Chokha): Simple, yet incredibly satisfying.

A dollop of yogurt or a side of green chutney also complements the flavors beautifully.

Storage Instructions

• Littis: Leftover littis can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or a skillet before serving.
• Chokha: Chokha can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

FAQs

• What is Litti Chokha and where does it originate from? Litti Chokha is a traditional dish from the Bihar and Jharkhand regions of India. It consists of wheat dough balls filled with roasted gram flour (sattu) and served with mashed and roasted vegetables (chokha).
• Can I make the littis on a tawa/griddle instead of baking? Yes, you can! Cook them on a medium-high heat, turning frequently, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
• What is Sattu and where can I find it? Sattu is a powder made from roasted and ground chickpeas. You can find it at Indian grocery stores or online retailers.
• How can I adjust the spice level of the littis? Adjust the amount of red chili powder and green chilies in the sattu filling to control the spice level.
• Can I freeze the littis before or after baking? You can freeze the unbaked littis. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. You can also freeze baked littis, but they may lose some of their texture.