Alternative names | Baati, Bhauri, Bhabhari |
---|---|
Course | Snack, main course |
Place of origin | India and Nepal |
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 wholewheat flour dough ball stuffed with a spiced mixture of sattu (roasted black chickpea flour). [1] Litti, along with chokha, is a complete meal that is popular in the Indian states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, the Nepalese state of Madhesh. [2] It is also a popular street food in small towns and cities. Over the years it has gained international recognition. [3] [4] [5]
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]
The dish has its roots in the cuisine of Bihar, Jharkhand, Purvanchal (eastern Uttar Pradesh), and Southern Nepalese Cuisine. It has been a part of local diets for centuries, often associated with the peasant and working-class populations. In Indian side, it is said to have been a staple food for the armies of Magadh due to its long shelf life and nutritional value.[ citation needed ]
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 flavour. [6]
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 flavour.[ citation needed ]
Traditionally Litti Chokha is essentially two items Litti and Chokha, often served with accompaniments like pickle, salad, or green peppers.
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. [7] Street vendors prepare Litti in a barbeque style.[ citation needed ]
Herbs and spices used to flavour the litti include onion, garlic, ginger, coriander leaves, lime juice, carom seeds, nigella seeds and salt. [8] In Madhesh Province of Nepal, Litti is served with Momo Achar. 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). [9]
Litti Chokha is more than just a culinary delight; it is a symbol of Bihari cuisine and Nepalese Cuisine. It reflects the simplicity and earthiness of rural landscape. The dish is a staple at traditional festivals, gatherings, and meals, representing the essence of local hospitality and tradition.
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.
Litti-chokha was selected to represent the country under the banner of the National Association of Street food Vendors of India (NASVI) at the five-day event in the Philippines capital, Manila. [10] [11]
Litti Chokha is also served in restaurants abroad such as in the Bay Area. Restaurant Pippal, among others, serves it to delight their customers. [12] [13] [14]
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Baati is a hard, unleavened bread cooked in most areas of Rajasthan, and in some parts of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat states of India. It is prized for its long shelf life and high nutritional content, and, in desert areas, for the minimal quantity of water required for its preparation. Baati is commonly eaten with dal, hence also referred to as dal baati. In some regions, especially Madhya Pradesh, it is also paired with a roasted aubergine mash called bharta. Baati is also closely related to Litti (cuisine), popular in eastern Uttar Pradesh (Varanasi) and western Bihar. Litti is eaten with potato, tomato and roasted aubergine.
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Sattu is a type of flour, mainly used in India, Nepal, Tibet and Pakistan. Sattu is a type of flour made up of dry roasted and ground pulses and cereals. The dry powder is prepared in various ways as a principal or secondary ingredient of dishes. Sattu is used in vegetarian cuisine as it can be a source of protein.
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