In Tamil Nadu every festive meal, temple prasad and traditional lunchbox has one rice variety that stands apart from all others. Rich, nutty, deeply aromatic and impossibly delicious — Ellu Sadam — South Indian Sesame Rice.
Made by mixing perfectly cooked rice with a freshly ground sesame spice powder and finished with a generous tadka in pure wood pressed sesame oil — Ellu Sadam is one of the most loved traditional rice varieties in South Indian cuisine.
At Waookytchen our wood pressed sesame oil — also called gingelly oil or nallennai in Tamil — is cold pressed using traditional methods preserving its natural rich aroma, sesamin content and powerful antioxidants that make it the perfect oil for authentic South Indian cooking.
Here is our complete step by step recipe for the most authentic Ellu Sadam you will ever make at home.
What is Ellu Sadam?
Ellu Sadam — called Til Chawal in Hindi, Nuvvula Annam in Telugu and Ellu Anna in Kannada — is a traditional South Indian rice dish made by mixing cooked rice with a freshly prepared sesame spice powder called Ellu Podi.
It is:
- 🍚 A classic Tamil Nadu festive rice variety
- 🌿 Traditionally served on Karthigai Deepam, Pongal and other festivals
- 🎁 A popular lunchbox and temple prasad
- ⚡ Ready in 20 minutes once rice is cooked
- 💪 Highly nutritious — sesame is a calcium and iron powerhouse
- 🫙 Made extraordinary by wood pressed sesame oil
Ellu Sadam is part of the traditional South Indian Variety Rice (Kalayana Sadam) served at weddings and festivals alongside lemon rice, tamarind rice, coconut rice and curd rice.
Why Wood Pressed Sesame Oil Makes This Recipe Special
Sesame oil — called gingelly oil in South India and nallennai in Tamil — is the most important ingredient in authentic Ellu Sadam. And the quality of sesame oil makes all the difference.
Our wood pressed sesame oil brings to this recipe:
Authentic Nutty Aroma: Cold pressed sesame oil has a rich deep nutty fragrance that fills your kitchen the moment it hits the hot pan. This aroma is completely absent in refined sesame oil — which has been deodorised and bleached.
Rich Natural Flavour: Wood pressed sesame oil has a naturally complex nutty flavour with a slight bitterness that is the signature taste of authentic South Indian cooking. Refined oil is completely flavourless.
Sesamin and Sesamolin: Our wood pressed sesame oil is rich in sesamin and sesamolin — two powerful antioxidant lignans found only in sesame that have remarkable health benefits including liver protection and anti-inflammatory effects.
Vitamin E: Cold pressed sesame oil retains natural Vitamin E — a powerful antioxidant — completely destroyed during refining.
Zero Chemicals: Our wood pressed sesame oil uses no hexane or chemical solvents — pure cold pressed nutrition exactly as nature made it.
Ingredients
Serves: 4 people
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes (plus rice cooking time)
For the Rice:
- 2 cups cooked rice — preferably short grain or medium grain
- Cooked slightly firm — not mushy
- Allow to cool to room temperature before mixing
For Ellu Podi (Sesame Spice Powder):
- ½ cup black sesame seeds (black ellu) — or white sesame seeds
- ¼ cup white sesame seeds
- 3 to 4 dry red chillies — adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon chana dal
- 1 tablespoon urad dal
- 1 tsp black pepper corns
- ½ tsp cumin seeds
- 2 tablespoons fresh grated coconut (optional)
- Salt to taste
For the Tadka (The Heart of the Recipe!):
- 3 tablespoons Wood Pressed Sesame Oil — this is essential
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1 tsp urad dal
- 1 tsp chana dal
- 2 sprigs fresh curry leaves
- 2 dry red chillies
- A pinch of hing (asafoetida)
- 2 tablespoons roasted peanuts (optional)
For Mixing:
- 1 tablespoon wood pressed sesame oil — drizzled on cooked rice before mixing
- Salt to taste
- Lemon juice — 1 tsp (optional)
Step by Step Recipe
Step 1 — Cook Rice Properly
The foundation of great Ellu Sadam is properly cooked rice:
- Wash 1 cup raw rice thoroughly
- Cook with 2 cups water — slightly less water than usual for firm rice
- The rice grains should be separate — not sticky or mushy
- Spread cooked rice on a wide plate or tray
- Drizzle 1 tablespoon wood pressed sesame oil over hot rice
- Mix gently and allow to cool to room temperature
Drizzling sesame oil on hot rice immediately after cooking:
- Prevents grains from sticking together
- Adds the first layer of sesame flavour
- Keeps rice moist and separate for mixing
Step 2 — Make Ellu Podi (Sesame Spice Powder)
This freshly made sesame powder is what gives Ellu Sadam its distinctive flavour. Never use store bought sesame powder — the freshly made version is incomparably better:
Roast the sesame seeds:
- Heat a dry pan on medium low flame
- Add black sesame seeds — dry roast stirring constantly
- Roast for 3 to 4 minutes until they splutter and become fragrant
- Remove and spread on a plate to cool
- Repeat with white sesame seeds — 2 to 3 minutes
- Set aside
Roast the dals and spices:
- In the same pan add chana dal
- Dry roast until light golden — 2 minutes
- Add urad dal — roast 1 minute
- Add dry red chillies — 30 seconds
- Add black pepper and cumin — 20 seconds
- Remove everything and cool completely
Grind the Ellu Podi:
- Add all roasted ingredients to a dry mixer grinder
- Add salt
- Add coconut if using
- Grind to a slightly coarse powder — not completely smooth
- The texture should be like coarse sand — you should be able to feel the sesame seeds slightly
Important: Grind in short pulses — sesame seeds release oil quickly and can turn into a paste if over ground. Pulse 3 to 4 times — check texture — pulse again if needed.
Taste and adjust salt and chilli. The Ellu Podi should be:
- Nutty and rich from sesame
- Slightly spicy from chilli and pepper
- Slightly bitter — characteristic sesame taste
- Well salted
Step 3 — Prepare the Tadka in Wood Pressed Sesame Oil
This is the step where the magic happens:
- Heat a small kadai on medium high flame
- Add 2 tablespoons wood pressed sesame oil
- When oil is hot add mustard seeds — splutter immediately
- Add urad dal and chana dal — fry until golden — 30 seconds
- Add dry red chillies — 15 seconds
- Add curry leaves — crackle in the oil
- Add hing — mix immediately
- Add roasted peanuts if using — 20 seconds
- Turn off flame
The aroma of this tadka in wood pressed sesame oil is extraordinarily beautiful — nutty, smoky and deeply South Indian.
Step 4 — Mix Everything Together
Now the final assembly — the most satisfying step:
- Take the cooled rice in a large mixing bowl
- Add 3 to 4 tablespoons of freshly made Ellu Podi — start with less and add more to taste
- Pour the hot sesame oil tadka over the rice
- Mix gently but thoroughly — coating every grain of rice with the sesame powder and tadka
- Add remaining 1 tablespoon wood pressed sesame oil — mix again
- Taste and adjust:
- More Ellu Podi — for stronger sesame flavour
- More salt — if needed
- Squeeze of lemon — for brightness (optional)
- Mix until every grain of rice is coated with the beautiful dark sesame powder
Step 5 — Serve
Serve immediately for best flavour while the tadka oil is still warm and fragrant.
Traditional serving:
- Serve in banana leaf for authentic festival experience
- Accompany with papadam
- Serve with a small bowl of curd
- Add a side of pickle
Perfect for:
- 🎉 Karthigai Deepam festival
- 🎉 Pongal celebration
- 🌅 Temple prasad offering
- 🍱 Lunchbox — stays fresh for hours
- 🍚 Quick weeknight dinner
- 🕍 Religious fasting days
Regional Variations of Sesame Rice
Tamil Nadu Style (Classic Ellu Sadam)
- Black sesame seeds dominant
- Strong chilli flavour
- Tamarind optional
- Served on banana leaf
- Essential for Karthigai Deepam
Karnataka Style (Ellu Anna)
- Equal black and white sesame
- Add jaggery for slight sweetness
- More coconut in the powder
- Served at Sankranti festival
Andhra Style (Nuvvula Annam)
- More spicy than Tamil version
- Add extra dry red chillies
- Peanuts are essential
- Strong tamarind base
Maharashtra Style (Til Chawal)
- White sesame seeds only
- Made on Makar Sankranti
- Add jaggery and ghee — pure cow ghee
- Sweeter and milder version
Lunchbox Version
- Make extra Ellu Podi and store
- Mix fresh every morning with hot rice
- Add extra peanuts for protein
- Perfect for school lunchboxes
Health Benefits of Ellu Sadam
Sesame Seeds Benefits:
- One of the richest plant sources of calcium — 975mg per 100 grams — more than milk
- Very high in iron — prevents anaemia
- Rich in zinc — immunity and wound healing
- High in magnesium — bone health and blood pressure
- Rich in B vitamins — energy production
- Lignans — sesamin and sesamolin — powerful antioxidants
Wood Pressed Sesame Oil Benefits:
- Sesamin and sesamolin — liver protective and anti-inflammatory
- Natural Vitamin E — antioxidant protection
- Heart healthy unsaturated fats
- Supports bone health — natural calcium content
- Anti-ageing properties — powerful antioxidants
- Read our guide: Wood Pressed Oil vs Refined Oil
Curry Leaves Benefits:
- Rich in iron — prevents anaemia
- Powerful antioxidants
- Supports blood sugar control
- Promotes hair health and growth
Peanut Benefits:
- High protein — 26 grams per 100 grams
- Heart healthy monounsaturated fats
- Rich in B vitamins and minerals
- Supports healthy cholesterol
Why Ellu Sadam is a Nutritional Powerhouse:
The combination of sesame seeds (calcium and iron), wood pressed sesame oil (antioxidants), peanuts (protein) and rice (carbohydrates) makes Ellu Sadam one of the most nutritionally complete rice dishes in South Indian cuisine.
Ellu Sadam in South Indian Tradition
Sesame has been a sacred ingredient in South Indian culture for thousands of years. In Hindu tradition sesame seeds (ellu) symbolise immortality, prosperity and purity — and are offered to ancestors during Pitru Paksha and other rituals.
Karthigai Deepam — the festival of lights celebrated in Tamil Nadu — always features Ellu Sadam as the main prasad offering. Every household makes this rice on Karthigai day and offers it to the deity before sharing with family.
Pongal festival features sesame in many traditional preparations including Ellu Sadam, Ellu Poli and Sesame Pongal.
The fact that this rice variety has been made for thousands of years — with the same ingredients, the same process, the same wood pressed sesame oil — is a testament to how perfectly this recipe is designed.
Storing Ellu Podi
The freshly made Ellu Podi can be stored and used whenever needed:
Storage: Store in an airtight glass jar at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Refrigerate for up to 1 month.
How to use stored Ellu Podi:
- Mix with hot rice and sesame oil tadka anytime
- Use as a dry chutney with idli and dosa
- Sprinkle on curd rice for extra flavour
- Mix with pure cow ghee for a quick side dish
Having Ellu Podi ready in your pantry means you can make Ellu Sadam in under 10 minutes anytime.
Pro Tips for Perfect Ellu Sadam
Tip 1 — Use Black Sesame Seeds
Traditional Ellu Sadam uses black sesame seeds (karuppu ellu) — they have a stronger more complex flavour than white sesame. A combination of black and white gives the best result.
Tip 2 — Do Not Over Grind
Ellu Podi should be coarse not smooth. Over grinding releases sesame oil and turns the powder into a paste. Pulse in short bursts and check texture frequently.
Tip 3 — Room Temperature Rice Only
Never mix Ellu Podi into hot steaming rice — the heat kills the fragrance of the powder. Let rice cool to room temperature first.
Tip 4 — Generous Sesame Oil
Ellu Sadam needs adequate wood pressed sesame oil for the rice to absorb the flavour properly. Do not reduce the oil.
Tip 5 — Make Extra Ellu Podi
Double or triple the Ellu Podi recipe and store. Having it ready makes weekday lunchbox preparation extremely fast.
Tip 6 — Serve on Banana Leaf
Ellu Sadam served on a fresh banana leaf has an even more authentic flavour — the banana leaf adds a subtle fragrance that enhances the sesame aroma.
Complete South Indian Variety Rice Thali Using Waookytchen Products
Create a complete traditional South Indian Variety Rice Thali for festivals:
| Rice Variety | Waookytchen Product |
|---|---|
| Ellu Sadam | Wood Pressed Sesame Oil |
| Lemon Rice | Wood Pressed Groundnut Oil tadka |
| Coconut Rice | Wood Pressed Coconut Oil tadka |
| Curd Rice | Pure Cow Ghee drizzle |
| Ghee Rice | A2 Gir Cow Ghee |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use white sesame instead of black?
Yes — white sesame gives a milder lighter flavoured Ellu Sadam. Traditional Tamil Nadu style uses predominantly black sesame for a stronger richer flavour. A combination of both is ideal.
Q: Can I make Ellu Sadam without a mixer grinder?
Traditionally Ellu Podi was ground on a stone grinder (ammi kallu) which gave a perfect coarse texture. You can also use a mortar and pestle for a more rustic texture.
Q: Is Ellu Sadam good for weight loss?
Sesame seeds are rich in healthy fats and fibre that keep you full longer. In moderate portions Ellu Sadam is a nutritious and satisfying meal. Read: Is Ghee Good for Weight Loss?
Q: Can I add ghee to Ellu Sadam?
Absolutely — a small drizzle of pure cow ghee or A2 Gir Cow Ghee on top of Ellu Sadam adds richness and makes it even more nutritious. The combination of sesame oil and ghee is traditionally used in temple prasad.
Q: What is the difference between gingelly oil and sesame oil?
Gingelly oil and sesame oil are the same thing — both refer to oil extracted from sesame seeds. In South India it is commonly called gingelly oil or nallennai in Tamil. Our wood pressed sesame oil is the same as gingelly oil — cold pressed using traditional methods.
Q: Can I make Ellu Sadam with leftover rice?
Yes — leftover rice works perfectly for Ellu Sadam. The slightly drier texture of leftover rice actually absorbs the sesame powder and oil better than freshly cooked rice. Warm the rice slightly and mix with Ellu Podi and fresh tadka.
Buy Wood Pressed Sesame Oil from Waookytchen
The authentic flavour of Ellu Sadam depends entirely on the quality of sesame oil you use. At Waookytchen our wood pressed sesame oil is:
- ✅ Cold pressed using traditional wooden method
- ✅ Natural rich nutty aroma — authentic South Indian flavour
- ✅ Rich in sesamin and sesamolin antioxidants
- ✅ Natural Vitamin E fully preserved
- ✅ Zero chemicals or solvents
- ✅ Lab tested every batch for purity
- ✅ Free delivery above ₹499 across India
- ✅ Cash on delivery available
Order Wood Pressed Sesame Oil from Waookytchen →
Final Thoughts
Ellu Sadam is one of South India’s most treasured rice varieties — made for thousands of years for festivals, temple offerings and everyday meals. The combination of freshly ground sesame powder and pure wood pressed sesame oil creates a flavour that is deeply satisfying, genuinely nutritious and unmistakably South Indian.
This Karthigai Deepam, Pongal or any festive occasion — make Ellu Sadam at home with our wood pressed sesame oil. Serve on banana leaf. Offer as prasad. Share with family and friends.
And taste the authentic flavour of thousands of years of South Indian culinary tradition.
Order Wood Pressed Sesame Oil from Waookytchen →
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