Litti Chokha is a popular dish from the northern Indian state of Bihar. It is a savory and filling dish that is typically enjoyed as a snack or a main meal. Litti is a small, round, baked ball made of wheat flour, stuffed with spiced gram flour or sattu, and roasted over a wood fire. Chokha is a side dish made with roasted eggplant, mashed potatoes, tomatoes, onions, and green chilies, seasoned with mustard oil and spices.
Litti Chokha is a staple food in Bihar, and its popularity has spread across India in recent years. It is a dish that is not only delicious but also nutritious. The sattu filling in the litti is high in protein and fiber, making it a healthy and filling snack. The roasted eggplant in the chokha is also rich in vitamins and minerals.
Litti Chokha is often served with a side of ghee, a type of clarified butter, which is drizzled over the top of the litti to add a rich and buttery flavor. It is also usually accompanied by a side of green chutney made with cilantro and mint.
Overall, Litti Chokha is a delicious and satisfying dish that is enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds.
One untold story or myth regarding Litti Chokha is that it originated during the reign of the Magadh Empire in ancient India. According to the legend, a group of soldiers were on a long expedition and needed a food that was easy to carry, could be cooked quickly and provided ample nutrition.
They mixed wheat flour, ghee, and spices and made small dough balls, which they stuffed with sattu (roasted gram flour) and cooked over an open fire. The dish was easy to make and transport, and could be stored for long periods of time without spoiling. They then paired the littis with a side dish made of roasted eggplants, potatoes, and tomatoes which they named chokha.
As the soldiers travelled across the country, they introduced the dish to various regions, and it became popular among the people. Today, Litti Chokha is a traditional dish of Bihar and Jharkhand, and is also enjoyed in other parts of India.
This lesser-known myth about Litti Chokha highlights the rich culinary history of India and the ingenuity of its people in creating dishes that are not only delicious but also practical and nutritious.
