Litti Chokha with a Twist

Ingredients

• For the Litti: For the Litti:
• 2 cups (250g) whole wheat flour 2 cups (250g) whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup (120ml) ghee 1/2 cup (120ml) ghee
• 1 teaspoon carom seeds 1 teaspoon carom seeds
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) yogurt 1/2 cup (120ml) yogurt
• Water (as needed) Water (as needed)
• For the Chokha: For the Chokha:
• 2 large potatoes, boiled and mashed 2 large potatoes, boiled and mashed
• 1 large eggplant, roasted and mashed 1 large eggplant, roasted and mashed
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, roasted and mashed 2 tomatoes, roasted and mashed
• 2 green chilies, finely chopped 2 green chilies, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons mustard oil 2 tablespoons mustard oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• Salt to taste Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish) Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 52g, 4g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   - Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   - In a mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, ghee, carom seeds, and salt. Mix well.
3. 3.
   - Gradually add yogurt and knead the mixture into a firm dough. If needed, add water to adjust the consistency.
4. 4.
   - Divide the dough into small portions and shape them into balls.
5. 5.
   - Place the litti on a baking tray and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
6. 6.
   - In the meantime, heat mustard oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Let them splutter.
7. 7.
   - Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
8. 8.
   - Add mashed potatoes, roasted eggplant, roasted tomatoes, green chilies, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well.
9. 9.
   - Cook the mixture for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
10. 10.
    - Remove the litti from the oven and serve hot with the chokha.
11. 11.
    - Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Eggplant — Make sure to roast the eggplant until it is soft and the skin is charred. This will enhance the smoky flavor of the chokha.
• Mustard oil — If you don't have mustard oil, you can substitute it with any other cooking oil, but the distinct flavor of mustard oil adds an authentic touch to the dish.
• Yogurt — Use thick yogurt for the dough to achieve the desired consistency. Greek yogurt works well too.

Tips & Tricks

• To enhance the smoky flavor, you can add a small piece of charcoal to the dough while kneading. Just make sure to remove it before baking.
• Serve the litti chokha with a dollop of ghee on top for added richness.
• For a spicier chokha, increase the amount of green chilies or add a pinch of garam masala.

Serving advice

Serve the baked litti and spicy chokha together on a plate. Accompany it with a side of pickles or yogurt for a refreshing contrast.

Presentation advice

Arrange the litti on one side of the plate and place a generous portion of chokha next to it. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves for a pop of color.