ELLU PODI AND ELLORAI
Ellu or Sesame seeds provide heat and energy to the body and are a power house of nutrition according to Ayurveda. They are rich in calcium and zinc which are necessary to boost bone health. It is a custom to give Ellu Urundai/ Sesame Laddus to girls going through puberty.The calcium rich Ellu strengthens their bones and prevents osteoporosis. Ellu Podi or Sesame Powder savoured with a spoon of sesame oil tastes delicious with Idlies and Dosas.
Ellorai is a traditional dish which has been an offering to the deities at ancient temples since time immemorial. It is a delicious rice prepared by mixing the Ellu Podi with cooked rice. Enjoy the delicious heat generating foods prepared with Ellu/Sesame this winter.
ELLU PODI
INGREDIENTS
Black Sesame seeds - 1 cup
Split black gram dal - 1 cup
Red chillies - 4
Asafoetida - 1 pinch
Sesame oil - 1/4 tsp
Salt - 3/4 tsp
METHOD
1. Roast split black gram dal, red chillies and asafoetida in 1/4 tsp of hot oil.
2. When the dal becomes light golden in colour emanating a very pleasant aroma add the black sesame seeds.
3. Switch off flame and keep stirring till the seeds pop in the hot pan.
4. Allow to cool and then blend the roasted ingredients together with salt into a slightly coarse powder. One or two swishes in the blender will be sufficient. Grinding for too long will extract oil from the sesame seeds.
Ellu Podi/ Sesame Seeds Powder is ready to use. Store the powder in a clean dry bottle after it cools down.
ELLORAI
INGREDIENTS
Cooked rice - 2 cups
Sesame oil - 2 tbsps
Mustard seeds - 1/4 tsp
Split black gram dal - 1/4 tsp
Peanuts - 2 tbsps
Curry leaves - a few
Salt - 1/2 tsp
METHOD
1. Fluff up the cooked rice in a wide mouthed vessel.
2. Heat one tbsp of oil in a pan and splutter mustard seeds.
3. Add split black gram dal and peanuts and roast till the dal becomes golden in colour, and till the peanuts crack.
4. Add curry leaves and pour the seasoning over the fluffed up rice and mix well.
5. Add two tbsps of Ellu Podi, salt and the remaining oil and blend well with the rice. More Ellu Podi can be added according to taste.
Enjoy the nutritious and flavoursome Ellorai as it is or with a roasted Papad.
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