Ellu Mittai: A Bite-Sized Delight with Big-Time Benefits

What is Ellu Mittai?

Ellu Mittai, also known as sesame candy, is a popular Indian sweet made with roasted sesame seeds (Ellu) bound together with jaggery (unrefined cane sugar). It’s a traditional treat enjoyed by people of all ages, often offered as prasadam (sacred offering) during festivals and celebrations.

Ellu Mittai  Health Benefits :

🌰 Sesame seeds are the main ingredient in Ellu Mittai, providing a wide range of health benefits. These tiny seeds are packed with essential nutrients, such as minerals like magnesium, zinc, and phosphorus, and vitamins like B1 and E. Additionally, sesame seeds contain healthy fats, including polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health and can help lower cholesterol levels. Jaggery, another key ingredient, is a natural sweetener that is commonly used in Indian cuisine.including acting as a natural detoxifier, aiding digestion, and boosting energy levels. Ellu Mittai is a vegetarian snack that offers a good amount of dietary fiber, which promotes a healthy digestive system and helps prevent constipation

🌰 Ellu Mittai is also known for its medicinal properties. The presence of lignans in sesame seeds has been linked to reducing cholesterol levels, supporting heart health, and managing blood pressure. The seeds also contain unique compounds that have been found to have anti-cancer properties. To make Ellu Mittai, the sesame seeds are first toasted to bring out their nutty flavor and enhance their aroma. Then, jaggery syrup is prepared by boiling jaggery with a small amount of water until it reaches a syrup-like consistency.

🌰 The toasted sesame seeds are mixed with the jaggery syrup, along with other ingredients like crushed nuts, grated coconut, and powdered cardamom or ginger. The mixture is allowed to cool slightly before it is shaped into small balls or bars and left to set in an airtight container

🌰 Ellu Mittai can be enjoyed as a standalone treat or used as a garnish for other Indian sweets. It is often served during festivals like Diwali or distributed as prasadam holy offering in temples. Its crunchy texture, rich flavor, and nutritional value make it a popular choice for those seeking a healthier alternative to traditional sweets.

🌰 Ellu Mittai is a delightful Indian sweet made with sesame seeds, jaggery, and other flavorful ingredients. It offers a range of health benefits, including improved heart health, digestion, and antioxidant protection. Whether enjoyed as a snack or incorporated into various dishes, Ellu Mittai is a delicious way to reap the nutritional value of sesame seeds and jaggery.