Ellu Bella Recipe Easy Guide for Authentic Taste

Updated On: October 13, 2025

Ellu Bella is a beloved traditional South Indian sweet snack that brings together the rich, nutty flavors of sesame seeds, jaggery, peanuts, and dry fruits in a delightful medley. Often prepared during festivals and special occasions, this crunchy and sweet treat is not only delicious but also packed with nutrition.

Its simplicity in preparation combined with the wholesome goodness of ingredients like sesame seeds, which are rich in calcium and healthy fats, makes Ellu Bella a perfect snack for all ages. Whether you are looking to make a quick festive treat or a healthy snack to munch on throughout the day, this recipe is just what you need!

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through a detailed and easy-to-follow Ellu Bella recipe that you can prepare right in your kitchen. From selecting the best ingredients to tips on achieving the perfect texture, you’ll find everything you need here.

Plus, I’ll share some interesting variations and serving suggestions to make this snack truly your own. Ready to dive into the world of Ellu Bella?

Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ellu Bella is more than just a snack; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that’s deeply rooted in tradition. Here’s why you’ll adore making and eating this recipe:

  • Quick and Easy: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip it up in no time.
  • Nutritious: Loaded with sesame seeds, peanuts, and jaggery, it provides a good dose of protein, healthy fats, and minerals.
  • Versatile: Enjoy it as a festive treat, an energy booster during the day, or a healthy snack to curb your sweet cravings.
  • Customizable: You can add your favorite dry fruits or nuts to suit your taste and dietary preferences.
  • Long Shelf Life: When stored properly, Ellu Bella stays fresh and crunchy for weeks, making it a perfect snack to prepare in advance.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup white sesame seeds (ellu)
  • 1/2 cup roasted peanuts, skin removed
  • 3/4 cup jaggery (grated or powdered)
  • 1/4 cup grated fresh coconut (optional, for enhanced flavor)
  • 1/4 cup chopped almonds or cashews (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon ghee or oil (for roasting)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder (optional, for aroma)
  • 1 teaspoon water (for melting jaggery)

Equipment

  • Heavy-bottomed pan or kadai for roasting and melting jaggery
  • Wooden spatula or spoon for stirring
  • Mixing bowl for combining ingredients
  • Rolling board and pin (optional, if making bar-shaped Ellu Bella)
  • Sharp knife for chopping nuts and dry fruits
  • Plate or tray for cooling the mixture
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

  1. Roast the Sesame Seeds and Peanuts: Heat a heavy-bottomed pan on medium flame. Add the sesame seeds and dry roast them until they turn light golden and start to pop. Remove and set aside.
  2. Roast the Peanuts: Using the same pan, roast the peanuts until they become crisp and aromatic. Remove skins by rubbing them between your palms and discard the skins. Set the peanuts aside.
  3. Roast Optional Ingredients: If using grated fresh coconut, almonds, or cashews, lightly roast them for a couple of minutes until fragrant. This step enhances the overall flavor.
  4. Melt the Jaggery: In the same pan, add jaggery and water. Heat on low flame, stirring constantly. Allow the jaggery to melt completely and form a syrup. To check the consistency, drop a little syrup in cold water. If it hardens immediately and becomes brittle, it’s ready.
  5. Combine Ingredients: Quickly add the roasted sesame seeds, peanuts, grated coconut, chopped nuts, and cardamom powder into the jaggery syrup. Mix thoroughly with a wooden spatula to coat everything evenly.
  6. Shape the Ellu Bella: Transfer the mixture to a greased plate or tray. While it’s still warm, flatten it using a rolling pin or press it down with the back of a spatula to your desired thickness. If you prefer, you can shape it into small balls or bars.
  7. Cool and Set: Allow the mixture to cool completely at room temperature. Once set, cut into small squares or break into bite-sized pieces.
  8. Store Properly: Store Ellu Bella in an airtight container, keeping it in a cool, dry place. It can last up to 3 weeks.

Tips & Variations

“The key to perfect Ellu Bella lies in the jaggery syrup consistency. Be patient and test the syrup carefully to get that perfect brittle texture.”

  • Use different nuts: Swap almonds with cashews or add walnuts and pistachios for a richer taste.
  • Add dried fruits: Mix in chopped dates, raisins, or dried cranberries for added sweetness and texture.
  • Flavor variations: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon powder for a unique twist.
  • Vegan option: Use coconut oil instead of ghee to keep it vegan-friendly.
  • Make mini bars: Instead of flattening the mixture, shape it into small bars or balls for easy snacking on the go.
  • Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the jaggery slightly and balance with more nuts and seeds.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (approx. 30g)
Calories 150 kcal
Carbohydrates 18 g
Protein 4 g
Fat 7 g
Fiber 3 g
Calcium 120 mg
Iron 1.5 mg
Sugar 10 g (from jaggery)

Serving Suggestions

Ellu Bella is a versatile snack that can be enjoyed in many ways:

  • Serve it with a hot cup of tea or coffee for an energizing evening snack.
  • Pack it in your kids’ lunchboxes as a healthy sweet treat.
  • Offer it during festive occasions or family gatherings as a traditional delicacy.
  • Enjoy it post-workout for a quick energy boost thanks to the natural sugars and protein.
  • Pair Ellu Bella with other traditional sweets for a festive platter.

For more delicious traditional and healthy snack recipes, check out these favorites:

Conclusion

Ellu Bella is a delightful and wholesome snack that captures the essence of traditional South Indian cuisine. It beautifully combines the natural sweetness of jaggery with the nutty crunch of sesame seeds and peanuts, creating a snack that is both satisfying and nutritious.

This recipe is perfect for those who love simple yet flavorful treats that can be enjoyed any time of day. The best part is how easily you can customize it to your liking with different nuts and spices.

Whether you’re preparing it for a festival, gifting it to loved ones, or simply craving a tasty snack, Ellu Bella is sure to impress.

So why wait? Gather your ingredients and try this recipe today.

With its rich history and delicious taste, Ellu Bella will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Don’t forget to explore other fantastic recipes on our site to keep your culinary adventures exciting and healthy!

📖 Recipe Card: Ellu Bella

Description: Ellu Bella is a traditional South Indian sweet made with sesame seeds, jaggery, and coconut. It is a healthy and energy-boosting snack often prepared during festivals.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M

Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sesame seeds
  • 3/4 cup jaggery, grated
  • 1/4 cup grated fresh coconut
  • 2 tablespoons ghee
  • 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
  • 1/4 cup chopped nuts (cashews, almonds)
  • 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

  1. Dry roast sesame seeds until golden and aromatic.
  2. Grind roasted sesame seeds coarsely and set aside.
  3. Heat jaggery with water on low heat until melted to form syrup.
  4. Add grated coconut, cardamom powder, and chopped nuts to jaggery syrup.
  5. Mix in the ground sesame seeds and ghee, stirring quickly.
  6. Pour the mixture onto a greased plate and flatten evenly.
  7. Allow to cool and cut into small squares before serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 180 | Protein: 4g | Fat: 12g | Carbs: 15g

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Marta K

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