Yellu Bella
Veg
Vegan
Sankranthi sesame-jaggery mix — toasted white sesame seeds, broken jaggery pieces, crushed dry coconut, roasted peanuts, and dried copra mixed loosely together into a crunchy, sweet blend. Exchanged between neighbours on Makar Sankranthi morning with the phrase 'yellu bella thindu olle maathaadi' (eat sesame-jaggery and speak sweet words). A festive condiment-sweet unique to Karnataka and Maharashtra.
Cuisines
Mysore
Andhra
Telangana
North Karnataka
Maharashtrian
Best for
Snacks
Recipe
Prep: 15 min
Cook: 10 min
Total: 25 min
2-3 servings
Ingredients
| 1 cup | white sesame seeds |
| 1 cup | jaggery |
| 1/4 cup | roasted peanuts |
| 1/4 cup | dried coconut pieces |
| 1/4 cup | roasted chana dal |
| 1/4 cup | raisins |
| 1/4 cup | cashew nuts |
| 1/4 teaspoon | cardamom powder |
Instructions
- 1 Dry roast the white sesame seeds in a pan over low heat until they turn golden brown. Remove and let them cool.
- 2 Chop the jaggery into small pieces or grate it for easier mixing.
- 3 In a large mixing bowl, combine the roasted sesame seeds, jaggery, roasted peanuts, dried coconut pieces, roasted chana dal, raisins, and cashew nuts.
- 4 Add the cardamom powder to the mixture and mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- 5 Serve the Yellu Bella mixture in small bowls or packets.
Tips
Ensure the sesame seeds are completely cooled before mixing to prevent the jaggery from melting.