Ellu Urundai / Sesame Seeds and Jaggery Laddus

What is Ellu Urundai?

Ellu is the Tamil name of Sesame seeds. Urundai literally translate into balls. It is also called as “Til Laddu” in Hindi. As the name suggests, the main ingredient is sesame and for sweetening we use jaggery.

These laddu’s are not only healthy but easy and quick to prepare as well. These are naturally vegan and gluten-free, can be eaten as snack and can be prepared during festival time.

Sesame seeds are dry roasted in a thick bottom pan until it crackles and releases a nice nutty flavor. The color of the sesame slightly changes while roasting. It is then mixed with powdered jaggery and hand rolled into laddu size balls. This process naturally releases oil and helps the laddu or balls bind easily.

Sesame seeds are good in

• B & E Vitamins & other minerals.
• It is rich in fiber and thus supports in digestion & reduce the risk of heart disease & improves blood pressure.
• It is full of healthy fat & gives the required energy to human body.
• Helps in anti inflammatory.
• Helps in getting healthy hair & skin.

Ingredients & Variations:

The main ingredients are sesame & jaggery

Sesame seeds: I used black sesame seeds for this laddu. Instead of black sesame, brown, white or the Indian version of black sesame seeds can be used. You can use both hulled and unhulled sesame seeds as well.

During the auspicious day, golden or brown or white sesame seeds are used for this recipe. Black sesame seeds are quite common in Indian and other asian counties but they look slightly brownish in color.

I prepare black sesame seeds for making this recipe since it is strong in flavor and taste.

Roasting the sesame seeds is important as it enhances it’s nutty flavor.

Jaggery: I used organic nice golden colored sugar cane jaggery for this recipe. Jaggery color is not important in this recipe as the other ingredient sesame seeds dominates the jaggery color. Powder the jaggery & use in this recipe.

Insead of sugarcane jaggery, palm jaggery can be used. Both pairs well with the sesame seeds.

Step by Step Instructions:

1) Dry roast the sesame seeds till it crackles and releases nice aroma. Do not over roast it, otherwise, it tastes bitter. Allow it to cool.

2) Meanwhile, make a powder of jaggery. Keep it aside.

3) In a mixer, take sesame seeds first and make coarse powder.

4) Add powdered jaggery to this and again run it till it reaches fine coarse consistency.

5) Transfer this powder to a plate and shape into lemon size laddus. The oil that releases from sesame seeds while grinding is sufficient to bind the laddus. No need to add any other oil.

6) Enjoy the ellu urundais. It has shelf life of 5 days.

Serving Suggestions

These are healthy snack, so serve it as after school snack for kids. It stays good in room temperature so It can be packed for picnic & long road trips as it is known source of giving energy.

Storing

1. Sesame laddus naturally have long shelf life at room temperature if it is prepared in a moist free manner.
2. Store in a clean, dry container unto a week.

Tips & Notes:
1. Dry roast the sesame seeds without a gap and uniformly to avoid burning. If it is burnt then they taste bitter.
2. If liked, any other nuts can be powdered and added this laddu
3. Always grind the sesame seeds first & then add jaggery.
4. Grind the sesame seeds coarsely if you like to have the nutty flavor.
5. Immediately after the seeds crackle & aromatic, keep an eye to get a perfectly roasted sesame seeds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Shall I use white or other color sesame seeds for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any color sesame seeds. Taste wise they are almost same except that there is a slightly flavor change.

Why do my sesame balls taste bitter?

If the sesame seeds are not uniformly roasted or over roasted, then they taste bitter. Make sure to roast them in medium flame and turn off the flame immediately after it crackles & releases nice nutty flavor.

Can I add coconut in this recipe?

Yes, you can add coconut in this recipe. Dry roast the coconut, make it moisture free and use it in this recipe. 

What are the other variation in this recipe?

Nuts can be added to this balls for variation. It can be peanuts, almond, cashew nuts and roasted channa dal

Do I need to use oil / ghee for binding?

no. the sesame seeds are naturally oil rich and they release oil while grinding which helps the laddu bind well.

How can I adjust the jaggery if needed?

Once the sesame and jaggery is powdered & mixed, taste the mixture, add some more powdered jaggery before shaping it into a laddu. 

If the sesame seeds are not uniformly roasted or over roasted, then they taste bitter. Make sure to roast them in medium flame and turn off the flame immediately after it crackles & releases nice nutty flavor.

Can I add coconut in this recipe?
Yes, you can add coconut in this recipe. Dry roast the coconut, make it moisture free and use it in this recipe.

What are the other variation in this recipe?

Nuts can be added to this balls for variation. It can be peanuts, almond, cashew nuts and roasted channa dal

Do I need to use oil / ghee for binding?
no. the sesame seeds are naturally oil rich and they release oil while grinding which helps the laddu bind well.

How can I adjust the jaggery if needed?

Once the sesame and jaggery is powdered & mixed, taste the mixture, add some more powdered jaggery before shaping it into a laddu.

Serving Suggestions:

These are healthy snack, so serve it as after school snack for kids. It stays good in room temperature so It can be packed for picnic & long road trips as it is known source of giving energy.

Storing:

1. Sesame laddus naturally have long shelf life at room temperature if it is prepared in a moist free manner.

2. Store in a clean, dry container unto a week.

Tips & Notes:

1. Dry roast the sesame seeds without a gap and uniformly to avoid burning. If it is burnt then they taste bitter.

2. If liked, any other nuts can be powdered and added this laddu

3. Always grind the sesame seeds first & then add jaggery.

4. Grind the sesame seeds coarsely if you like to have the nutty flavor.

5. Immediately after the seeds crackle & aromatic, keep an eye to get a perfectly roasted sesame seeds.

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