Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 10–12 balls
Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the Ellu Urundai

• 1 cup white sesame seeds (ellu/til)
• ¾ cup Sarbu Jaggery Powder
• 2 tbsp water
• ½ tsp cardamom powder
• 1 tbsp grated dry coconut (optional)
• 1 tbsp roasted peanuts, finely chopped (optional)

For Greasing

• ½ tsp ghee

Instructions

Step 1: Roast the Sesame Seeds

1. Heat a heavy-bottomed pan over low to medium heat.
2. Add 1 cup sesame seeds.
3. Dry roast for 4–5 minutes, stirring continuously.
4. Roast until the sesame seeds become lightly golden and aromatic.
5. Do not over-roast, as burnt sesame seeds can taste bitter.
6. Transfer the roasted sesame seeds to a plate and allow them to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Jaggery Syrup

1. Add ¾ cup Sarbu Jaggery Powder and 2 tbsp water to a pan.
2. Heat on low flame until the jaggery powder melts completely.
3. Continue cooking until the syrup reaches a firm, sticky consistency.
4. To test, drop a little syrup into a bowl of cold water. It should form a firm ball that holds its shape when pressed.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

1. Reduce the flame to low.
2. Add the roasted sesame seeds to the jaggery syrup.
3. Add cardamom powder and optional grated dry coconut or roasted peanuts.
4. Mix quickly until the sesame seeds are evenly coated with the jaggery.

Step 4: Shape the Urundai

1. Turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool for 2–3 minutes.
2. Lightly grease your palms with ghee.
3. Take a small portion of the warm mixture.
4. Press firmly between your palms and roll into a smooth, round ball.
5. Repeat with the remaining mixture.

Step 5: Cool & Set

1. Place the prepared Ellu Urundai on a greased plate.
2. Allow them to cool completely at room temperature.
3. Once firm, transfer them to an airtight container.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy as a traditional South Indian sweet with tea or coffee.
• Serve during Pongal, Makar Sankranti, and other festive occasions.
• Pack as a homemade snack for children and adults.
• Serve as a simple after-meal sweet.
• Add to festive sweet platters and traditional celebrations.

Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)

Values are approximate and may vary depending on the size of the balls and optional ingredients used.

Why Use Sarbu Jaggery Powder?

Sarbu Jaggery Powder adds rich sweetness and blends beautifully with the nutty flavor of roasted sesame seeds. Its fine texture melts easily, helping create a smooth jaggery coating that binds the sesame seeds together into traditional Ellu Urundai with a deliciously rich flavor.

Chef’s Tips

• Roast the sesame seeds gently to bring out their natural nutty aroma.
• Avoid over-roasting, as sesame seeds can quickly become bitter.
• The jaggery syrup consistency is the key to making firm Ellu Urundai.
• If the syrup is undercooked, the balls may not hold their shape.
• If the syrup is overcooked, the urundai can become too hard.
• Shape the balls while the mixture is warm, as it becomes difficult to form once completely cool.
• Grease your palms lightly with ghee to make shaping easier.
• For a traditional variation, grind a small portion of the roasted sesame seeds before mixing them with the jaggery.
• Store completely cooled Ellu Urundai in an airtight container at room temperature.