Pan-Fried Litti with Spiced Sattu Filling
Golden pan-fried litti balls stuffed with a flavorful spiced sattu mixture, a beloved street food from Bihar perfect for a wholesome snack or light meal. This indian-inspired street food (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes pairs (240 g) whole wheat flour, (120 g) roasted sattu flour, medium (100 g) finely chopped onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 calories and feeds 5, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (240 g) whole wheat flour
- 1 cup (120 g) roasted sattu flour
- 1 medium (100 g) finely chopped onion
- 2 finely chopped green chilies
- 2 tbsp finely chopped coriander leaves
- 1 tsp ginger paste
- 1/2 tsp carom seeds (ajwain)
- 3 tbsp mustard oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- about 3/4 cup (180 ml) water
- 4 tbsp ghee or oil for frying
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups whole wheat flour and 1/2 tsp salt. Gradually add about 3/4 cup water and knead into a firm dough. Cover and set aside.
- Step 2: In another bowl, mix 1 cup roasted sattu flour, 1 tsp salt, 1 medium finely chopped onion, 2 finely chopped green chilies, 2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves, 1 tsp ginger paste, 1/2 tsp carom seeds, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 3 tbsp mustard oil to form a moist, crumbly filling.
- Step 3: Divide the dough into 10 equal portions. Roll each portion into a small ball and flatten into 3-inch discs.
- Step 4: Place about 2 tbsp of the sattu filling in the center of each disc. Carefully bring the edges together and seal tightly, shaping into round balls.
- Step 5: Heat 4 tbsp ghee or oil in a heavy pan over medium heat. Place litti balls and pan-fry, turning occasionally, for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and evenly cooked.
- Step 6: Remove from pan and serve hot with chokha (mashed spiced vegetables) or yogurt.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Fried Litti with Spiced Sattu Filling take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (30 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Pan-Fried Litti with Spiced Sattu Filling?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (240 g) whole wheat flour from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Litti with Spiced Sattu Filling?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Pan-Fried Litti with Spiced Sattu Filling for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 5 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 5). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Pan-Fried Litti with Spiced Sattu Filling vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
