Ellu Saadham / Ellodharai

Ellu Saadham / Ellodharai, is a revered South Indian dish, commonly offered as Prasadam in Venkatachalapathy temples during the sacred Purattasi month. This dish holds a special place in many households, passed down through generations as a cherished recipe. I learned the art of making Ellu Saadham from my amma, who instilled in me the importance of its health benefits and cultural significance.

The Nutritional Power of Sesame Seeds (Ellu)

Sesame seeds, or ellu, are a nutritional powerhouse. They are particularly rich in iron, calcium, magnesium, and healthy fats, making them an excellent addition to any diet. Regularly incorporating sesame into your meals can help boost iron levels, support bone health, and provide essential fatty acids that promote heart health. In our home, we use sesame in various forms, such as ellu chikki (sesame brittle) and ellu podi (sesame powder). However, we respect the tradition of making ellu urundai (sesame balls) only on Dhevasam days.

A Quick and Easy Recipe for Busy Days

One of the standout qualities of Ellu Saadham is its simplicity and ease of preparation. This dish is perfect for those who are pressed for time or simply want to prepare a quick, yet flavourful, meal. Despite its simplicity, Ellu Saadham is incredibly satisfying, making it a favourite in our household. The recipe involves cooking rice with a fragrant sesame spice mix, resulting in a dish that is both nourishing and delicious.

The Auspicious Tradition of Using Sesame on Saturdays

In our tradition, using sesame seeds on Saturdays is considered auspicious. This belief adds another layer of significance to preparing Ellu Saadham, especially when offering it as a neivedhyam to God during the holy month of Purattasi. By preparing this dish, we not only honour our cultural heritage but also ensure we are providing our bodies with the numerous health benefits of sesame seeds.

 A Dish That Blends Tradition and Nutrition

Whether you are looking to offer something special to the divine or simply seeking a nutritious and quick meal, Ellu Saadham is a dish that ticks all the boxes. It allows you to stay connected to your roots while enjoying the many health benefits of sesame seeds. Easy to make, flavourful, and packed with nutrients, Ellu Saadham is a dish that deserves a place in every kitchen.

Check my other variety rice recipes 

Puliyodharai

Coconut rice

Lemon rice

Jaggery rice

Mango rice

Vangibath

Bisi bele bath 

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Ellu Saadham / Ellodharai

Niranjana Sankaranarayanan

Ellu Saadham is popularly called as Ellodharai in tamilnadu. It is given as Prasadham in many Venkatachalapathy temples during Purattasi month. I learnt this recipe from my amma. As we all know, sesame is rich in iron. including it in any form is good for health. We also make ellu chikki, ellu podi at home, but making of ellu urundai is not allowed since it is made only on Dhevasam day. This rice is so easy to make and if you are lazy, then this is a ready to make recipe which is also tasty. Also using Sesame on Saturday is auspicious. We can make this and offer it as a neivedhyam to God.

Other variety rice recipes

Vangibath/Brinjal Rice/Kathirikkai Saadham

Mango rice/Mangai saadham/Maavinakai chitranna

Tricolour Capsicum rice

Bisi bele bath

Lemon rice

Tamarind rice

Sweet Rice/Jaggery rice/Vella saadham

Curd rice

Coconut rice

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Indian, South Indian

Servings 4

Equipment

• Pressure cooker
• Pan

Ingredients

  

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups Cooked rice
• 1 - 2 tbsp Gingelley oil
• To taste Salt

To grind

• 3/4 tbsp Black sesame
• 1 tbsp Urad dhal
• 2 Nos Red chilli
• 1/2 tsp Asafoetida
• To taste Salt

Instructions

 

• Cook the rice, and spread it on a plate. So that they will stick to each other.
• In a kadai, add sesame seeds and roast until it you hear the crackling sound. Also cover it with a plate and roast in medium flame. So that it will not spill out.
• Now remove it from the pan and allow it to cool.
• Add Urad dhal, red chilli and saute until the dhal turns golden brown in colour.
• Remove it from the pan and allow it to cool.
• Now transfer all the ingredients into a mixie jar, add asafoetida, salt and grind them to a slightly coarse powder.
• The powder or podi for Ellodharai is ready.
• Now sprinkle oil on the rice and sprinkle the ground powder.
• Mix gently by cut method. Donot make it mushy.
• Add salt for the rice and mix.
• Ellodharai is ready to serve.

Video

Keyword Chithranna, Rice recipes, Sesame rice, VAriety rice

    INSTRUCTION

• Cook the rice, and spread it on a plate. So that they will stick to each other.
• In a kadai, add sesame seeds and roast until it you hear the crackling sound. Also cover it with a plate and roast in medium flame. So that it will not spill out.

• Now remove it from the pan and allow it to cool.
• Add Urad dhal, red chilli and saute until the dhal turns golden brown in colour.

• Remove it from the pan and allow it to cool.
• Now transfer all the ingredients into a mixie jar, add asafoetida, salt and grind them to a slightly coarse powder.
• The powder or podi for Ellodharai is ready.

• Now sprinkle oil on the rice and sprinkle the ground powder.
• Mix gently by cut method. Donot make it mushy.
• Add salt for the rice and mix.

• Ellodharai is ready to serve.

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