Indian cuisine is known for its rich and diverse flavors, and one such traditional delicacy is Litti. Originating from the state of Bihar, Litti is a savory dish that consists of roasted wheat balls stuffed with a spicy mixture of sattu (roasted gram flour), herbs, and spices. Traditionally, Litti is baked over charcoal or in a clay oven, but with the advent of modern cooking appliances, it has become possible to make Litti in an Air Fryer. In this article, we will guide you through a simple and delicious recipe to make Litti in an Air Fryer, ensuring that you enjoy the authentic taste of this popular Indian dish.
Gathering the Ingredients
Before we dive into the step-by-step process of making Litti in an Air Fryer, let’s first gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Outer Layer (Litti)
– 2 cups of whole wheat flour
– 1 teaspoon of carom seeds (ajwain)
– 2 tablespoons of ghee or clarified butter
– Water (as needed) to make a dough
For the Stuffing
– 1 cup of sattu (roasted gram flour)
– 2 tablespoons of finely chopped onions
– 1 tablespoon of finely chopped green chilies
– 1 tablespoon of chopped garlic
– 1 tablespoon of chopped ginger
– 2 tablespoons of mustard oil
– 1 teaspoon of carom seeds (ajwain)
– 1 teaspoon of nigella seeds (kalonji)
– 1 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds (methi)
– 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
– 1 teaspoon of red chili powder
– Salt (to taste)
– 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
– Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)
Preparing the Litti Dough
The first step in making Litti in an Air Fryer is to prepare the dough for the outer layer. Follow these simple instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, carom seeds, and ghee. Mix well using your fingertips until it becomes crumbly.
2. Gradually add water and knead the mixture into a firm dough. Make sure not to add too much water at once; adding a little water at a time will help you achieve the right consistency.
3. Once the dough is ready, cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This resting period will allow the gluten in the dough to relax, making it easier to work with later.
Preparing the Stuffing
While the dough is resting, let’s move on to preparing the flavorful stuffing for the Litti. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Heat mustard oil in a pan over medium heat. Mustard oil adds a unique and traditional flavor to the stuffing.
2. Add carom seeds, nigella seeds, and fenugreek seeds to the hot oil. Allow them to crackle for a few seconds, releasing their aroma and flavors.
3. Add finely chopped onions, green chilies, garlic, and ginger to the pan. Sauté them until the onions turn golden brown and the raw aroma of the garlic and ginger fades away.
4. Now, add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt to the pan. Mix well and cook for another minute to allow the spices to blend together.
5. Remove the pan from heat and let the mixture cool down for a while. Once it’s cool, add sattu and lemon juice to the mixture. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Assembling and Air Frying the Litti
Now that we have prepared both the dough and the stuffing, it’s time to assemble the Litti and cook them in the Air Fryer. Follow these steps:
1. Preheat your Air Fryer to 180°C (355°F) for about 5 minutes.
2. Divide the dough into small lemon-sized balls and flatten them with your palms.
3. Place a spoonful of the prepared stuffing in the center of each flattened dough ball. Bring the edges together and seal the Litti, ensuring that the stuffing is completely enclosed within the wheat dough.
4. Repeat the process with the remaining dough and stuffing to make more Littis.
5. Arrange the stuffed Littis in a single layer in the Air Fryer basket. Make sure to leave some space between each Litti for even cooking.
6. Air fry the Littis at 180°C (355°F) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.
7. Once the Littis are cooked, remove them from the Air Fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Serving and Enjoying the Litti
Your delicious Littis are now ready to be served! Traditionally, Littis are enjoyed with a side of Chokha, a spicy mashed potato and tomato dish. You can also serve them with yogurt or pickles for added flavor. Littis make for a wholesome and satisfying meal on their own or can be served as an appetizer during gatherings and parties.
The use of an Air Fryer not only makes the process of cooking Litti easier but also reduces the amount of oil used compared to traditional methods of preparation. The Air Fryer ensures that the Littis are evenly cooked, crispy on the outside, and soft and flavorsome on the inside.
So, the next time you’re craving a taste of authentic Indian cuisine, give this recipe a try and enjoy the delightful flavors of Litti, made effortlessly in an Air Fryer.