Ellu Bella recipe (a traditional Sesame seeds-Jaggery trail mix) is the heart of Makar Sankranti 2026 celebrations in Karnataka. In Kannada, Ellu means sesame and Bella means jaggery. This 5-ingredient mix of sesame seeds, jaggery, dried coconut (copra), roasted peanuts, and fried gram is a symbol of sweetness and bonding. Whether you are preparing it for the “Ellu Biro” tradition or looking for the perfect ratios to gift friends and relatives, this updated 2026 guide ensures your mix stays crunchy and delicious!
During Sankranti festival, this mix is sold in small packets in all the shops. This ellu bella mix is exchanged with friends & relatives to celebrate this harvest festival and as a token of love for better bonding of relationship.
In Kannada, they call this as Ellu birodu in which they give a pack of ellu bella mix, betel leaves & nuts, fruits (preferably banana), Sugar moulds (Sakkare achhu) and sugar cane to the near & dear. I have seen my friends ( School moms group) preparing this ellu bella mix 2-3 days before Sankranti and distribute to all.
Being in Karnataka for the past ten years, I wanted to share their traditional Sankranti recipes such as the traditional ellu bella recipe in my blog. So I asked my friend Archana to share the recipe and the method of making it. She explained patiently and clarified all my doubts on how to cut jaggery & coconut into small pieces etc. Thank you so much Archu.
Some people add equal measure of all the ingredients whereas some use according to their preferences. I have just followed my friend’s recipe. I prepared ellu bella for the first time in my house successfully and distributed to Raksha’s friends as well. They all loved the ellu bella recipe very much. Next year I must try homemade sakkare achu. Now lets see how to make Ellu bella recipe at home with step by step pictures !
Check out my other Karnataka recipes too!
Table of contents
What is Ellu Bella? (Sankranti Significance)
Ellu Bella is a traditional festive mix from Karnataka, prepared specifically for Makar Sankranti. The name is derived from two of its main ingredients: Ellu (Sesame Seeds) and Bella (Jaggery). This crunchy, sweet, and nutty trail mix is more than just a snack; it is a symbol of harmony, health, and the changing seasons.
The Significance of the Ingredients
In Indian tradition, the ingredients of Ellu Bella are carefully chosen to suit the winter-to-spring transition:
- Sesame & Peanuts: Provide essential oils and warmth to the body during the chilly month of January.
- Jaggery: Acts as a natural detoxifier and provides an instant energy boost.
- Dry Coconut (Copra): Symbolizes prosperity and adds a cooling element.
Why we exchange Ellu Bella
The exchange of Ellu Bella is a beautiful social ritual known as “Ellu Biro.” In 2026, as we celebrate the return of longer, sunnier days, this tradition reminds us to filter our thoughts and speech.
The famous Kannada proverb associated with this is:
“Ellu bella thindu olle mathadi” This translates to “Eat sesame and jaggery and speak only sweet words.” It is a beautiful way of saying that just as we have mixed these diverse ingredients into one delicious snack, we should blend our differences and speak only with kindness in the coming year.
Pro-Tips for Cutting Jaggery & Copra
The beauty of a professional-looking Ellu Bella lies in the uniformity. Uniformly sized pieces (approx. 0.5cm) make your Ellu Bella look professional and taste balanced.
Perfect Jaggery Cubes
- The Warmth Hack: Microwave hard jaggery for 5–8 seconds only. It makes the knife glide without the jaggery crumbling.
- Selection: Always use Achhu Bella (mould jaggery). It holds its shape better than soft varieties.
- The Method: Slice into thin sheets first, then stack and dice into tiny squares.
Preparing the Copra (Dry Coconut)
- Clean Look: Use a peeler to remove the brown outer skin for a bright, white finish.
- Anti-Snap Tip: If too brittle, wrap copra in a damp cloth for 20 mins. This makes it easier to dice into neat squares.
Peanuts & Fried Gram
- Split Peanuts: Roast on low heat, de-skin, and use a rolling pin to gently split them into halves.
- Quality Check: Ensure Hurigadale (fried gram) is crisp; toss out any discolored pieces for a premium look.
Step-by-Step Ellu Bella Recipe (2026 Updated)
Ingredients
- ¼ cup Roasted peanuts
- ¼ cup Fried gram dal / Hurigadale
- 2 tbsp White sesame seeds / Ellu
- 2 – 3 tbsp Dried coconut pieces
- ¼ cup Jaggery pieces / Bella
- 2 tbsp Sugar balls ( optional)
- 2 tbsp Sugar coated Jeera or fennel seeds
Instructions
- Take the whole dried coconut. Grate it using a grater to remove the skin. Slice it using a chips slicer to make thin slices. Chop into very small pieces using a sharp knife. Spread in a plate.
- Take the jaggery and cut into small blocks using a knife. Then cut them into very small pieces using scissors or nut cracker tool. I used scissors ( Achu vellam/Achu bella works the best. But I used round ones). Spread the jaggery pieces in the plate.
- Microwave peanuts in high power for 2-3 minutes. Remove in a cover or cloth and rub it well to remove the skin. Break them into 2 and keep aside.
- Sun dry the coconut & jaggery pieces for 2 – 4 hours OR Dry roast the coconut pieces without changing the color. Warm the jaggery pieces without melting. Sun drying is the best option though. Dry roast sesame seeds till it crackles. Set aside to cool.
- In a wide bowl, take the roasted, broken peanuts, fried gram dal, sugar balls, jeera mittai, dried coconut pieces and jaggery pieces. Mix well and store in a box. Distribute to your Family & Friends !
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Ellu Bella is a traditional Karnataka trail mix exchanged during Makar Sankranti as a symbol of goodwill. The popular Kannada saying, “Ellu bella thindu olle mathadi,” translates to “Eat sesame and jaggery and speak only good words.” It signifies the hope for sweetness and positivity in all relationships for the coming year.
Yes! In fact, it is recommended to prepare it 2-3 days before the festival. This allows the jaggery and copra pieces to dry out properly, ensuring the mix stays crunchy and doesn’t become sticky when packed.
Store the mix in a clean, bone-dry airtight glass jar or a stainless steel container. If you live in a humid area, you can sun-dry the cut jaggery and coconut pieces for 2-4 hours before mixing to remove all moisture, which prevents the mix from turning rancid. Here we usually Sun dry the Sugar/ Jaggery and copra pieces. At least you should dry roast coconut pieces for more shelf life.
If you cannot find traditional sugar moulds or Sakkare Achhu, you can use rock sugar (mishri) or sugar-coated cumin seeds (jeerige mitai). These provide the same aesthetic pop of white color and a sweet crunch.
Absolutely. Each ingredient has a purpose: sesame seeds provide warmth and healthy fats, jaggery is rich in iron and aids digestion, and peanuts provide necessary protein. It is a scientifically-backed winter “superfood” trail mix.
Try this easy, traditional Karnataka special ellu bella recipe at home and have a great celebration !
Distribute the ellu bella recipe with a pair of banana, betel leaves & nuts, sakkare achhu & sugarcane piece as shown below (sugar cane is missing in the pic ).
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