Ingredients:
For Litti:
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup ghee or oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ajwain (carom seeds)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup roasted chana dal (roasted gram flour)
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- 1/2 tsp garam masala powder
- Salt to taste
For Chokha:
- 2 large eggplants
- 2 medium-sized tomatoes
- 2 medium-sized potatoes
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 green chilies, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp mustard oil
- Salt to taste
- 1 tbsp chopped coriander leaves
Instructions:
To make the dough for Litti, in a large bowl, combine whole wheat flour, ghee or oil, ajwain, and salt. Mix well.
Gradually add water and knead the dough until it becomes soft and pliable. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
To make the stuffing for Litti, in a mixing bowl, add roasted chana dal, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala powder, and salt. Mix well.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Divide the dough into small lemon-sized balls. Flatten each ball into a small disk and place 1-2 tablespoons of the stuffing in the center. Close the dough around the stuffing and roll it gently into a ball.
Place the stuffed balls onto a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
Meanwhile, to make the Chokha, grill the eggplant, tomato, and potato over an open flame until they are charred on the outside and cooked on the inside. Peel off the skin and mash the flesh in a mixing bowl.
Add finely chopped onion, green chilies, mustard oil, salt, and coriander leaves to the bowl. Mix well.
Serve hot Litti with Chokha on the side.
Pro Tips:
Roast the chana dal well: Roasting the chana dal well is important as it enhances the flavor of the stuffing. Ensure that the chana dal is roasted until it turns golden brown.
Use mustard oil for Chokha: Mustard oil is an essential ingredient in Chokha as it adds a distinct flavor. Use only mustard oil for an authentic taste.
Char the vegetables properly: To make the Chokha, char the eggplant, tomato, and potato well until they are fully cooked. This ensures that the Chokha is flavorful and well-cooked.
Use charcoal for baking Litti: To get the authentic smoky flavor in Litti, bake them over charcoal instead of an oven. It gives a unique flavor to the dish.
Serve Litti with ghee: For a traditional touch, serve Litti with a dollop of ghee on top. It not only enhances the taste but also adds a rich aroma.
Adjust spice level to taste: The spice level can be adjusted according to personal taste. Add more or less spice as per your preference.
Make a well in Litti while stuffing: Make a well in the center of the dough ball while stuffing, which ensures that the stuffing is distributed evenly throughout the Litti.
Let the dough rest: Let the dough rest for at least 30 minutes before making Litti. This allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll.
Finely chop the vegetables: To get a smooth consistency in Chokha, finely chop the vegetables. It also ensures that the flavors are distributed evenly throughout the dish.
Garnish with coriander leaves: Garnish the Chokha with fresh coriander leaves for added freshness and flavor.