Ellu Bella (Sesame seeds-Jaggery trail mix in English) is one of the most popular Makar Sankranti recipes in Karnataka. In Kannada, Ellu is Sesame seeds and Bella is jaggery. Basically this is a mix of 5 main ingredients – Sesame seeds, Jaggery, Dried coconut pieces, Roasted Peanuts and Fried Gram dal. During Sankranti festival, this mix sold in small packets in all the shops. This ellu bella mix is exchanged with friends & relatives to celebrate this harvest festival and as a token of love for better bonding of relationship.
In Kannada, they call this as Ellu beerodu in which they give a pack of ellu bella mix, betel leaves & nuts, fruits (preferably banana), Sugar moulds (Sakkare achu) and sugar cane to the near & dear. I have seen my friends ( School moms group) preparing this ellu bella mix 2-3 days before Sankranti and distribute to all.
Being in Karnataka for the past ten years, I wanted to share their traditional Sankranti recipes, such as the traditional ellu bella recipe, in my blog. So I asked my friend Archana to share the recipe and the method of making it. She explained patiently and clarified all my doubts on how to cut jaggery & coconut into small pieces etc. Thank you so much Archu.
Some people add equal measure of all the ingredients whereas some use according to their preferences. I have just followed my friend’s recipe. I prepared ellu bella for the first time in my house successfully and distributed to Raksha’s friends as well. They all loved the ellu bella recipe very much. Next year I must try homemade sakkare achu. Now lets see how to make Ellu bella recipe at home with step by step pictures !
Check out my other Karnataka recipes too!
Ingredients
1 cup – 200ml
- ¼ cup Roasted peanuts
- ¼ cup Fried gram dal/Hurigadale
- 2 tbsp White sesame seeds
- 2 – 3 tbsp Dried coconut pieces
- ¼ cup Jaggery pieces
- 2 tbsp Sugar balls ( optional)
- 2 tbsp Sugar coated Jeera or fennel seeds
Instructions
- Take the whole dried coconut. Grate it using a grater to remove the skin. Slice it using a chips slicer to make thin slices. Chop into very small pieces using a sharp knife. Spread in a plate.
- Take the jaggery and cut into small blocks using a knife. Then cut them into very small pieces using scissors or nut cracker tool. I used scissors ( Achu vellam/Achu bella works the best. But I used round ones). Spread the jaggery pieces in the plate.
- Microwave peanuts in high power for 2-3 minutes. Remove in a cover or cloth and rub it well to remove the skin. Break them into 2 and keep aside.
- Sun dry the coconut & jaggery pieces for 2 – 4 hours OR Dry roast the coconut pieces without changing the color. Warm the jaggery pieces without melting. Sun drying is the best option though. Dry roast sesame seeds till it crackles. Set aside to cool.
- In a wide bowl, take the roasted, broken peanuts, fried gram dal, sugar balls, jeera mittai, dried coconut pieces and jaggery pieces. Mix well and store in a box. Distribute to your Family & Friends !
Try this easy, traditional Karnataka special ellu bella recipe at home and have a great celebration !
Distribute the ellu bella recipe with a pair of banana, betel leaves & nuts, sakkare achu & sugarcane piece as shown below (sugar cane is missing in the pic ).
Hi! I'm Gayathri, an editor at an academic bookhouse. I'd like to use the photo of ellu-bella from your website in a children's textbook I'm editing. Please let me know if I can have your permission to do so. Thanks!
Hi Thanks for contacting me. Please go ahead and use this picture