Soy-Free Traditional Litti

Experience the rich flavors of Bihar with this Soy-Free Traditional Litti recipe, a wholesome, gluten-free twist on a North Indian classic. Featuring a hearty filling of sattu (roasted gram flour) mixed with aromatic carom seeds, nigella seeds, tangy lemon juice, and a medley of fresh herbs and spices, this rustic dish delivers authentic, earthy flavors with every bite. Encased in a soft whole wheat shell, these littis are skillfully roasted to achieve a golden, crispy exterior, then brushed with ghee or mustard oil for an added touch of indulgence. Perfectly paired with chokha—a smoky mash of roasted eggplant, tomato, and potato—or tangy chutneys, this recipe offers a deliciously satisfying meal that is both soy-free and rich in traditional flavors. Whether baked or grilled, this recipe is a must-try for lovers of Indian cuisine seeking wholesome authenticity.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups Whole wheat flour
• 4 tablespoons Ghee (clarified butter) or mustard oil
• 0.75 cups Water
• 1.5 cups Sattu (roasted gram flour)
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Ginger, finely grated
• 1 medium Green chili, finely chopped
• 0.5 teaspoon Carom seeds (ajwain)
• 0.5 teaspoon Nigella seeds (kalonji)
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Pickle masala (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Garlic, finely minced
• 1 small Onion, finely chopped

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour and a pinch of salt. Gradually mix in 2 tablespoons of ghee or mustard oil and rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.

Step 2

Add water slowly to the flour mixture, kneading it into a soft and pliable dough. Cover and let it rest for 20 minutes.

Step 3

In a separate bowl, prepare the stuffing by mixing the sattu (roasted gram flour) with lemon juice, grated ginger, chopped green chili, carom seeds, nigella seeds, salt, pickle masala (if using), minced garlic, and chopped onion.

Step 4

Add 2 tablespoons of water to the stuffing mixture to make it slightly moist. Mix well to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.

Step 5

Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and roll each portion into a ball. Flatten each ball slightly to form a disc.

Step 6

Place a spoonful of stuffing in the center of each disc. Bring the edges together to seal the stuffing inside and reshape it into a smooth ball.

Step 7

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) or prepare a charcoal grill for roasting.

Step 8

Place the stuffed littis on a baking tray lined with parchment paper if baking. Brush each litti with a little ghee or mustard oil for a crispy crust.

Step 9

Bake the littis for 30-35 minutes, turning them halfway through for even cooking. If roasting over charcoal, place the littis on a wire rack over the fire, turning them occasionally until golden brown and evenly roasted.

Step 10

Once done, remove the littis from the oven or grill. Brush them with more ghee or mustard oil for added flavor and authenticity.

Step 11

Serve hot with chokha (a traditional mashed vegetable side dish made of roasted eggplant, tomato, and potato) or with your favorite chutney.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(774.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2119.5

Total Fat 76.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 38.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 145.4mg	0%
Sodium 2573.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 301.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 64.2g	0%
Total Sugars 5.3g
Protein 73.8g	0%

Vitamin D 34.1IU	0%
Calcium 239.2mg	0%
Iron 17.4mg	0%
Potassium 2624.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 31.4%

Protein: 13.5%

Carbs: 55.1%