ELLURUNDAI / SESAME BALLS

This can also be done with white sesame seeds.

INGREDIENTS:

Black sesame seeds - 1 cup
Jaggery - 1/2 cup
Ghee - 1 tablespoon
Cardamom powder - 1/4 tsp. (optional)

METHOD:

Soak sesame seeds in water for 15 minutes. Check for dust and mud. Drain the water completely through a strainer. Allow it to stand for 5 minutes in the strainer.

Heat a kadai and add the drained seeds to it and dry roast till it splutters. (WHILE IT SPLUTTERS, YOU CAN SEE THE WHITE SEEDS INSIDE. DO NOT OVERROAST)

Take a wide plate and put the roasted sesame seeds in it. Dissolve the crushed jaggery in water, strain and make a soft ball consistency syrup. Remove quickly and add it to the sesame seeds. Mix well alongwith cardamom powder. Grease your hand with ghee and shape to balls when warm.