Snack
Ellu Urundai: Traditional Sesame & Jaggery Ladoo Recipe
Ellu Urundai is one of those sweets that makes you stop and think, “How can something so simple taste so deep?” Just two main ingredients, sesame seeds (ellu) and jaggery, come together in this age-old recipe. Yet, it carries generations of tradition, health, and flavor in each small ball.
Some foods are snacks. Some are festival offerings. Ellu Urundai is both. You’ll see it prepared during Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Ganesh Chaturthi, or Navratri, but you’ll also find it stored in jars at home as a healthy bite between meals.
Let’s break down this recipe in the same way our grandmothers would explain it straight, practical, and sprinkled with memories.
About Ellu Urundai
Ellu Urundai (also known as sesame jaggery ladoo) is a traditional South Indian sweet made by roasting sesame seeds and binding them with melted jaggery. No fancy steps. No need for added ghee or oil. Sesame releases its own natural oils, which give the ladoos their shine and hold.
There are two common variations:
- Black Ellu Urundai – made with black sesame seeds, slightly stronger in flavor.
- White Ellu Urundai – milder in taste, lighter in color.
Both are loved, and both hold cultural importance.
It’s one of those recipes that connects you to tradition while still fitting into modern life. If you need the authentic ellu urundai delivered to your door, you can always check out Oor Sandhai’s version.
Instructions
Roast the Sesame Seeds
Clean and wash sesame seeds if dusty. Drain and spread to dry. In a heavy pan, dry roast until they start popping. The aroma is unmistakably nutty and warm. Keep aside. Let them cool slightly.
Prepare the Jaggery Syrup
Crush or grate jaggery. Add to a pan with a little water. Heat until it dissolves. Strain to remove impurities. Heat again until it reaches the soft ball stage (drop a bit in cold water, it should form a ball).
Mix & Shape
Add roasted sesame seeds to the hot jaggery syrup. Stir fast. Toss in a pinch of cardamom. Grease your palms with water and quickly shape small ladoos. Work fast before the mix hardens.
Chef's Tips
- If it cools down before shaping, lightly warm again.
- Adding pure country ghee at the very end gives Ellu Urundai an edge
Serving Suggestions
Variations
- Black Ellu Urundai
- White Ellu Urundai
- Ellu + Peanut Ladoo
- Coconut-Ellu Urundai
Cultural tip: In South India, sweets aren’t just eaten; they’re shared. Ellu Urundai is often prepared during: Makar Sankranti / Pongal – offered to the sun god, symbolizing prosperity. Ganesh Chaturthi – made as prasadam for Lord Ganesha. Navratri – shared among friends and family during celebrations.
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