Yes, it is really as simple as it sounds when I said that. And it fits so well with the season too with fall in the air and winter soon waiting to knock at our doors with her cold, dry hands.
Reason is, per Ayurveda, sesame seeds are a heat generating food and hence good to be part of the cold season diet. Besides, jaggery is the best unrefined sugar with all its minerals not stripped apart. And so, Ellu Unde is considered a nourishing food for young girls at puberty and for women alike. Flax seeds can also be added for increased nutrition without compromising the taste. 
Many a fond childhood memories of eating this sweet are ironically also from the Shraddha feast, as I would longingly look forward to snacking on these for days after. Ellu Unde was prepared at my grand dad’s home as one of the “Shraddha” foods, during the annual ritual to pay homage to one’s ancestors.
It is also prepared on Mahahalaya Amavasya, the new moon day on the Hindu calendar before Dasara begins and so I did.
Black sesame seeds are not exotic, but a commonly called for ingredient in many an Iyengar dishes, sweet or savory alike, Puliogre being the most popular.
If you have never tried black sesame seeds, their bold flavor can be a little bit of an acquired taste. One can start with white sesame seeds and progress to the black variety as you get comfortable. Black and white sesame seeds are two different varieties of sesame seed and have slightly different flavors. While the black variety is nuttier with a slight bitter afternote, white ones are milder.
How do you use black sesame seeds in your cooking?
Ellu Unde Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Makes 15 laddoos 1x
Description
Ellu Unde are delightful black sesame and jaggery laddoos, perfect for the cold season. These sweet treats are quick to make and packed with nourishing ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Black sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup Jaggery (preferably dark brown), crushed
- Few drops of ghee (optional)
Instructions
- Dry roast the black sesame seeds on medium heat until they appear plump and begin to crackle. Be careful not to let them smoke or burn, as this will make them bitter.
- Transfer the roasted sesame seeds and crushed jaggery into a mixer or food processor.
- Pulse the mixture until it starts to come together. The heat from the sesame seeds will help melt the jaggery slightly, binding the mixture.
- If the mixture is too dry, add a few drops of ghee to help bind it.
- Once the mixture is well combined, take small portions and roll them into balls using your palms.
- Store the laddoos in an airtight container.
Notes
Use jaggery and black sesame seeds in equal proportions to scale the recipe up or down. If the sesame seeds are old, they may not crackle. Jaggery is available in most Indian grocery stores. Flax seeds can be added for extra nutrition without altering the taste.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 laddoo
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 1
- Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 1
- Cholesterol: 0
