Indian cuisine is filled with treasured regional dishes, and among them, litti chokha stands out as a bold, rustic, and soulful creation from the state of Bihar. At Shalimar Restaurant in Phuket, we proudly bring this traditional delight to our guests, preparing it with the same earthy taste and homely warmth found in Indian villages. The dish beautifully combines roasted wheat balls with a smoky, mashed vegetable mix, offering a wholesome meal that is both comforting and flavorful.
What Makes Litti Chokha Special?
The charm of litti chokha lies in its simplicity. The litti is prepared from whole wheat flour and stuffed with a spiced mixture of roasted gram flour, herbs, and aromatics. It is then roasted until crisp on the outside yet soft within. The chokha, on the other hand, is a delicately smoked mash made from vegetables such as eggplant, tomatoes, and potatoes, seasoned with herbs and mild spices.
This pairing creates a balance of textures — the firm litti complemented by the creamy chokha — resulting in a dish that is deeply satisfying without being heavy.
Ingredients for Authentic Litti
To prepare litti, the key is using wholesome ingredients that come together harmoniously:
- Whole wheat flour
- Gram flour
- Fresh herbs like coriander
- Mild spices for seasoning
- Oil for kneading
- A touch of tanginess from lemon or similar natural souring agents
The dough is shaped into balls, filled with the spiced gram flour mixture, sealed, and roasted slowly. At Shalimar Restaurant, we roast them carefully to achieve an even, golden surface with subtle smoky undertones.
Ingredients for Traditional Chokha
The chokha is equally important, adding vibrant flavor to the meal.
- Eggplant
- Tomatoes
- Potatoes
- Fresh coriander
- Ginger and mild spices
The key to excellent chokha is roasting the vegetables. This brings out a deep aroma and gives the mash its rustic taste.
Step-by-Step Litti Chokha Recipe
1. Preparing the Dough
Begin by mixing whole wheat flour with a pinch of salt and oil. Add water gradually to form a smooth dough. Let it rest for a few minutes so the texture becomes pliable and ideal for stuffing.
2. Making the Filling
Roast gram flour lightly and mix it with herbs and mild spices. Add a splash of oil to bind everything together. This filling should be crumbly yet moist enough to pack inside the dough balls.
3. Shaping the Litti
Divide the dough into equal portions, flatten each portion, and add the spiced gram flour mixture. Seal carefully and shape into smooth balls without cracks.
4. Roasting the Litti
Traditional litti chokha is roasted over charcoal or an open flame, giving it a unique flavor. However, it can also be roasted in an oven or pan-roasted to achieve similar results. The litti should be golden on all sides and fully cooked inside.
5. Preparing the Chokha
Roast eggplant, tomatoes, and potatoes until soft. Peel off the charred skin, mash everything, and combine with herbs and seasoning. The smoky aroma is essential for creating an authentic chokha.
Reasons Litti Chokha Loved at Shalimar Restaurant
Guests at our Phuket location enjoy litti chokha because it offers a taste of India’s countryside — warm, honest, and deeply flavorful. The dish is:
- Wholesome and filling
- Mildly spiced, suitable for all palates
- Perfect for lunch or dinner
- Prepared with fresh, clean, high-quality ingredients
We ensure every serving captures the authentic spirit of Bihar.
Tips for Making Perfect Litti Chokha at Home
- Roast the litti slowly for even cooking.
- Do not over-knead the dough; keep it soft.
- Let the vegetables roast fully for the best chokha consistency.
- Serve hot for the ideal taste and texture.
Serving Suggestions
Litti chokha tastes wonderful when served with a drizzle of melted butter or ghee alternative. At Shalimar Restaurant, we pair it with fresh salads and cooling drinks, making it a complete and satisfying meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is litti chokha?
It is a traditional dish from Bihar, combining roasted wheat balls with a mashed vegetable mixture.
2. How to make litti chokha?
Prepare stuffed wheat balls, roast them, and serve with smoky mashed vegetables.
3. Is litti chokha healthy?
Yes, it is made with whole wheat, vegetables, and mild spices, making it wholesome and nutritious.
4. How to eat litti chokha?
Break the litti slightly, add chokha on top, and enjoy each bite together.
5. How to make litti chokha at home?
Follow the simple steps: prepare dough, fill it, roast the litti, and pair it with chokha made from roasted vegetables.