Karnataka Ellu Bella Recipe (Sankranti Sweet & Savory Mix)

Karnataka Style Ellu Bella (Sankranti Mix) Recipe

Karnataka Style Ellu Bella, also known as Sankranti Mix, is a vibrant, aromatic snack traditionally enjoyed during the festival of Makar Sankranti. This delightful mix of roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, jaggery, and dry coconut offers a perfect balance of crunchy, sweet, and nutty flavors. With a rich cultural significance, it is a must-try recipe that captures the essence of Karnataka’s festive culinary traditions.

This simple yet flavorful recipe can be easily made at home with a few ingredients. Whether you’re celebrating Sankranti or simply looking for a wholesome, healthy snack, Ellu Bella is a great choice. Let’s dive into the steps and make this delicious Karnataka-style treat!

Ingredients

Instructions

Step 1: Roasting the Peanuts

1. Begin by heating a large kadai (wok) on medium heat.
2. Add raw peanuts (with the skin on) into the kadai.
3. Roast the peanuts until they turn slightly brown. Ensure to keep stirring to avoid burning.
4. Once the peanuts are roasted, remove them from the heat and allow them to cool down for a few minutes.
5. Once cooled, place the peanuts in a Muslin cloth or gunny bag.
6. Hold the bag tightly with one hand and rub the peanuts with the other hand. This process helps in removing the peanut skins.
7. After rubbing, blow away the husk and keep the peeled peanuts aside.

Step 2: Preparing the Dry Coconut (Copra)

1. Peel the outer brown layer from the dry coconut (copra).
2. Chop the copra into small, bite-sized pieces.
3. Dry roast the chopped copra in the same kadai until it becomes lightly golden and aromatic.
4. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Preparing the Jaggery

1. Use a sharp knife to cut the jaggery into small, uniform pieces.
2. The pieces should be approximately the same size as the chopped copra for consistency.

Step 4: Roasting the Sesame Seeds

1. In the same kadai, dry roast the sesame seeds on medium heat.
2. Keep stirring to avoid burning. Roast until the seeds start to pop and turn lightly golden.

Step 5: Assembling the Ellu Bella

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients: roasted peanuts, dry roasted copra, jaggery pieces, and sesame seeds.
2. Mix everything thoroughly so that the jaggery coats the peanuts and copra slightly.

Serving

Serve the Karnataka Style Ellu Bella in small bowls or snack jars. This sweet and savory mix can be enjoyed immediately or stored in an airtight container for up to a week. It’s a great snack to share with family and friends during festive occasions or as a healthy, energizing treat.

Tips for Success

• Peanut Skin Removal: Make sure to rub the peanuts well inside the cloth to ensure most of the skin is removed for a clean taste.
• Jaggery Substitutes: If jaggery is not available, you can use brown sugar, though it may alter the flavor slightly.
• Add More Coconut: If you prefer a stronger coconut flavor, you can increase the amount of dry coconut (copra) in the recipe.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

Enjoy the delightful taste of Karnataka with this Ellu Bella recipe! Whether you’re celebrating a festival or simply craving something wholesome, this snack is sure to satisfy. Happy cooking!