Litti (dish)
 Chokha surrounded by ghee-dipped litti | |
| Course | Snack, main course |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | India |
| Region or state | Bhojpuri region |
| Serving temperature | Hot |
| Main ingredients | Wheat flour, brinjal, onion, peppers, cilantro, mustard Oil, gram flour, ghee |
| Variations | Baati |
Litti is a whole wheat flour dough ball stuffed with a spiced mixture of sattu (roasted black chickpea flour).[1] Litti, along with chokha, is a complete meal that originated from the Bhojpuri region of the Indian states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.[2] It is also a popular street food in small towns and cities.[3][4]
It consists of a wheat dough ball filled with a mixture of roasted gram flour, spices, and herbs, which is then baked over coal or cow dung cakes, and served with chokha made from mashed vegetables.Traditionally, the wheat dough balls are roasted on hot charcoal or dried cow dung fire. They can also be baked in an oven, roasted on a tava or fried.[1]
Historical background[edit]
The dish has its roots in the cuisine of Bihar and has been a part of local diets for centuries, often associated with the peasant and working-class populations. It is said to have been a staple food for the armies of Magadh due to its long shelf life and nutritional value.
Description[edit]
Litti is a dough ball made from whole wheat flour, stuffed with sattu (roasted gram flour) mixed with garlic, ginger, onions, coriander leaves, lime juice, carom seeds, nigella seeds, and mustard oil. Traditionally, it is cooked over a coal fire, giving it a distinct smoky flavor.
Chokha is prepared by mashing boiled vegetables, typically eggplant, tomatoes, and potatoes, mixed with garlic, green chilies, mustard oil, and various spices to enhance the flavor.
Ingredients[edit]
- Litti: Whole wheat flour, sattu (roasted gram flour), spices (garlic, ginger, carom seeds, nigella seeds), mustard oil and lime juice.
- Chokha: Eggplant, potatoes, tomatoes, green chilies, garlic, mustard oil, salt, and cilantro.
Preparation[edit]
Traditionally Litti Chokha is essentially two items Litti and Chokha, often served with accompaniments like pickle, salad, or green peppers.
- Litti: Whole wheat dough balls stuffed with a savory mixture of sattu (roasted chickpea flour), herbs, and spices. These are traditionally roasted over charcoal or cow dung fire for a smoky flavor, but can also be baked or pan-fried.
- Chokha: A mashed vegetable relish made with roasted or grilled eggplant, tomato, and potato. It is often seasoned with onions, garlic, ginger, chilies, and spices. It is also called Baigan ka bharta.
Litti is prepared by making dough balls from the wheat flour, which are then filled with the spiced sattu mixture. The balls are then baked until they turn golden brown. Chokha involves roasting or boiling the vegetables, which are then peeled and mashed with the rest of the spices and seasonings.[5] Street vendors prepare Litti in a barbeque style.
Flavours and variations[edit]
Herbs and spices used to flavour the litti include onion, garlic, ginger, coriander leaves, lime juice, carom seeds, nigella seeds and salt.[6] In western Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh, litti is served with murgh korma (a creamy chicken curry) or chokha (a vegetable preparation of roasted and mashed eggplant, tomato, and potato).[7]
Regional variations[edit]
While Litti Chokha is traditionally associated with Bihar, it has variations in neighboring regions. In Jharkhand, the spices might vary, and in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, a similar dish known as Baati Chokha is popular.
Cultural significance[edit]
Litti Chokha is more than just a culinary delight; it is a symbol of Bihari cuisine and culture. It reflects the simplicity and earthiness of Bihar's rural landscape. The dish is a staple at traditional festivals, gatherings, and meals, representing the essence of local hospitality and tradition.
Nutritional value[edit]
Litti Chokha is considered nutritious, offering a balanced combination of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and fibers. The use of whole grains, legumes, and vegetables makes it a wholesome meal.
Popularity[edit]
Litti-chokha was selected to represent the country under the banner of the National Association of Streetfood Vendors of India (NASVI) at the five-day event in the Philippines capital, Manila.[8][9]
Litti Chokha is also served in Indian Restaurants abroad such as in the Bay Area. Restaurant Pippal, among others, serves it to delight their customers.[10][11][12]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ a b Amit, Dassana (2023-02-02). "Litti Chokha Recipe | Litti Recipe". Dassana's Veg Recipes. Retrieved 2023-12-28.
- ^ "The evolution of Litti Chokha". The Indian Express. 2015-01-01. Retrieved 2023-12-12.
- ^ "Development and Standardization of Naturally Fortified Litti – Chokha" (PDF). Journal of Food Technology & Nutrition Sciences. 3 (4). November 25, 2021.
- ^ Sharma, Sanjeev Kumar. "A signature dish of Bihar: Litti and Chokha". Researchgate.
- ^ Kumari, Anamika (February 2, 2024). "Famous Street Food of Bihar". Buddymantra.com. Archived from the original on 5 Jun 2023.
- ^ Bihar (India); Pranab Chandra Roy Choudhury (1966). Bihar district gazetteers. Printed by the Superintendent, Secretariat Press, Bihar. p. 807. Retrieved 28 September 2012.
- ^ Caroline Trefler (21 June 2011). Fodor's Essential India: With Delhi, Rajasthan, the Taj Mahal & Mumbai. Random House Digital, Inc. pp. 157–. ISBN 978-1-4000-0529-1. Retrieved 28 September 2012.
- ^ "Bihar's Famous Cuisine Litti-Chokha Set To Compete At The Manila International Food Festival On May 31". india.com.
- ^ "Bihari delicacy litti-chokha to compete with American, Thai cuisines at Manila food fest". Hindustan Times. 24 May 2017.
- ^ "Pippal Menu". eatatpippal.com.
- ^ Guzman, Dianne de (2023-11-13). "A New Indian Restaurant From the Team Behind Michelin-Listed Rooh Arrives in Emeryville". Eater SF. Retrieved 2023-12-30.
- ^ "Take a Delicious Culinary Journey Through India at Emeryville's Pippal | Walnut Creek Magazine". www.walnutcreekmagazine.com. Retrieved 2023-12-30.
