If you’re looking to bring the rustic, smoky flavors of Bihar to your kitchen, there’s no better dish to try than Litti Chokha. A traditional Bihari delicacy, this wholesome and satisfying meal is loved for its bold flavors, nutritional value, and earthy simplicity. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner curious about regional Indian cuisine, this guide will walk you through how to make authentic Litti Chokha at home, step by step.
🥣 What Is Litti Chokha? (Quick Recap)
Litti is a round, whole wheat dough ball stuffed with sattu (roasted gram flour) and aromatic spices. It’s usually baked or roasted, then served with Chokha, a smoky mashed vegetable mix made from roasted eggplant, boiled potatoes, or charred tomatoes, flavored with mustard oil, garlic, and chilies.
Litti Chokha is vegan, wholesome, and packed with flavor — a tribute to India’s rich culinary heritage.
🧾 Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s break down the ingredients for both components:
🫓 For Litti (Dough + Filling):
For Dough:
- Whole wheat flour – 2 cups
- Ajwain (carom seeds) – ½ tsp
- Salt – ½ tsp
- Ghee or oil – 1 tbsp (optional, for softness)
- Water – as needed to make a soft dough
For Filling (Sattu Mixture):
- Sattu (roasted gram flour) – 1 cup
- Mustard oil – 2 tbsp
- Garlic – 4–5 cloves, finely chopped
- Green chilies – 2, finely chopped
- Ginger – 1 tsp, grated (optional)
- Lemon juice – 1 tbsp (or ½ tsp amchur/dry mango powder)
- Onion – 1 small, finely chopped
- Coriander leaves – 2 tbsp, finely chopped
- Salt – to taste
- Ajwain and kalonji (optional) – ¼ tsp each for extra flavor
🥔 For Chokha:
You can make 3 types of Chokha and mix them or serve them individually.
Aloo Chokha (Potato Mash):
- Boiled potatoes – 3 medium
- Onion – 1 small, chopped
- Garlic – 4 cloves, raw or roasted
- Green chilies – 1–2, chopped
- Mustard oil – 1.5 tbsp
- Salt – to taste
- Lemon juice – 1 tsp
- Coriander leaves – chopped
Baingan Chokha (Smoky Eggplant Mash):
- Large brinjal/eggplant – 1 (roasted)
- Garlic – 5–6 cloves
- Onion – 1 small
- Mustard oil – 1.5 tbsp
- Salt – to taste
- Green chili and coriander – optional
Tamatar Chokha (Tomato Mash):
- Ripe tomatoes – 2–3 (fire-roasted or broiled)
- Garlic – 3 cloves
- Onion – ½
- Mustard oil – 1 tbsp
- Salt, green chili – as per taste
🍳 Step-by-Step Recipe for Authentic Litti Chokha
Step 1: Prepare the Dough for Litti
- In a large bowl, add whole wheat flour, ajwain, salt, and a spoon of oil or ghee (optional).
- Gradually add water and knead into a soft but firm dough.
- Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest for 20 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Sattu Filling
- In a separate bowl, add sattu, mustard oil, chopped garlic, onions, green chilies, lemon juice, and salt.
- Mix well. The mixture should be crumbly but hold its shape when pressed.
- Adjust seasoning as per taste. Add a spoon of water if it’s too dry.
Step 3: Shape and Fill the Litti
- Divide the dough into equal portions (golf-ball size).
- Roll out each portion into a small circle (like a poori).
- Place a spoonful of the sattu mixture in the center.
- Seal the edges carefully and roll into a smooth ball.
- Repeat for all.
Step 4: Cook the Litti
You can cook Litti in multiple ways:
a) Traditional Method (Charcoal or Cow Dung Fire)
Place the Littis directly over hot coals and rotate until evenly browned and charred.
b) Tandoor or Oven (Modern Method)
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Place Littis on a baking tray.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping once halfway for even browning.
- Once done, brush them with ghee.
c) Tawa or Pan (Quick Method)
- Heat a heavy pan or tawa on low flame.
- Place the stuffed Littis and cover with a lid.
- Cook evenly on all sides, turning frequently until golden and crisp.
Step 5: Prepare Chokha
Each chokha type can be made in minutes:
Aloo Chokha:
- Mash boiled potatoes.
- Add onion, garlic, mustard oil, salt, chilies, and coriander.
- Mix and adjust seasoning.
Baingan Chokha:
- Roast the brinjal over open flame or in oven till soft.
- Peel the skin, mash the pulp.
- Add mustard oil, chopped garlic, onion, salt, and chilies.
Tamatar Chokha:
- Roast the tomatoes on flame till skin chars.
- Peel and mash.
- Add mustard oil, garlic, onion, salt, and mix.
🧈 Serving Suggestion
- Serve hot Litti with generous ghee drizzled on top.
- Plate it with a portion of Aloo, Baingan, and Tamatar Chokha.
- Add raw onion slices, green chilies, and pickle on the side for the full experience.
- Some people also enjoy it with curd or green chutney.
✅ Pro Tips for Perfect Litti Chokha
- Use raw mustard oil in chokha for authentic taste.
- Don’t overfill Litti — it may burst during cooking.
- For best flavor, roast vegetables directly on flame (gas stove).
- Add a touch of smoked flavor by placing a hot coal with ghee inside a closed bowl of chokha for 2–3 minutes (dhungar method).
- If baking Littis, brush them with ghee or butter right after cooking for softness.
🩺 Is Litti Chokha Healthy?
Yes! It’s rich in:
- Protein from sattu
- Fiber from whole wheat
- Good fats from mustard oil
- Vitamins from fresh vegetables
It’s low in refined ingredients and completely vegan, unless ghee is added.
🎉 Conclusion: Bring Bihar to Your Plate
Litti Chokha is more than a recipe — it’s a cultural experience. By preparing this dish at home, you’re not just cooking food, you’re tasting a part of India’s rural soul. The blend of smokiness, spice, and health makes it a comfort food with character.
Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a weekend indulgence, Litti Chokha is sure to impress both the tastebuds and the heart.