Sesame Juice is great for summer!
How to make authentic Sesame Juice? If you've never had it or heard of it, Sesame juice or Ellu juice( Ellu means Sesame In the Kannada language) can best be described as a refreshing, creamy-ish, coconutty drink that is served chilled, pleasantly sweet and great for something to sip on in the summer heat.
Think along the lines of coconut milk with cardamom. The beverage has an exotic history that traces back to ancient times, but more importantly for me, it is one of my childhood favorites. The nutritional benefits of Sesame make it even more worthwhile for the summer time.
Sesame can cool your body from within and reduce side-effects from spicy foods. Grab a glass of sesame juice right after a spicy meal and you will experience it yourself.
As for what goes into the authentic drink, it is a measured mix of sesame, coconut, jaggery, and cardamom. You could also try variations by mixing a handful of soaked (overnight) almonds or cashews as you prefer.
Black sesame is another option but you will need a lot more jaggery and coconut to neutralize the nutty flavor. Soaking the sesame is important to soften the seed and add to the creaminess.
You will notice that I have used sesame for some of my recipes. Check out the "Karnataka Cuisine" categories for more recipes using sesame.
Step by step procedure pictures
- Soak the white sesame for 15 - 30 minutes. Rinse and drain the water.
- Grind the sesame and coconut with 1 ½ cup of water to a coarse consistency.
- Strain and collect the liquid with a strainer. Repeat this procedure once more to extract all juice out of the sesame. (Add 1 cup of water to the sesame paste, when you strain for the second time)
- Blend the jaggery with ½ cup water and mix it with the sesame-coconut concentrate.
- Add cardamom powder and mix well.
Related posts
📖 Recipe
Sesame Juice | Ellu Juice
Process Shot
Check above for step-by-step pictures (most of my recipes include pictures)
Ingredients
- ½ cup white sesame
- ½ cup grated coconut
- ½ cup grated jaggery - see notes for other options
- 1 teaspoon cardamom powder
Instructions
- Soak the white sesame for 15 - 30 minutes. Rinse and drain the water.
- Grind the sesame and coconut with 1 ½ cup of water to a coarse consistency.
- Strain and collect the liquid with a strainer. Repeat this procedure once more to extract all juice out of the sesame. (Add 1 cup of water to the sesame paste, when you strain for the second time)
- Blend the jaggery with ½ cup water and mix it with the sesame-coconut concentrate.
- Add cardamom powder and mix well.
Notes
YOUR OWN NOTES
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimation only.
Sesame juice is ready. Serve chilled with ice.
PS: I will be on vacation for the next few weeks. I will miss connecting with you, but we can still stay in touch through my facebook page, twitter feed or Pinterest! If you are looking for a Udupi or vegetarian recipe, feel free to get in touch with me!
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kitakits says
Yummy!!!
Gin says
I'd love to try this! It seems very exotic to me, but I bet it's delicious!
Lucie @WIN-WIN FOOD says
Wow, I have never heard of this but I can tell already that I'm going to love it! Sesame all the way <3
Molly Kumar says
I've never tasted sesame juice and didnt even know we could drink it like this. The combination looks good.
Uma Raghupathi says
This is very tasty and healthy Molly! Thanks:)
Christine | Vermilion Roots says
This is so interesting. I think I'm going to really like it, especially with the cardamom!
Sushama says
I made this today at home and it is delicious!! Thanks for reminding this juice from my home town. I loved it.
Uma Raghupathi says
Thanks Sushama! I glad that you liked it:) Yes this brings child time memories 🙂
Linda @ Veganosity says
I've never heard of this but I can see why it would be refreshing on a hot day. I need to try this.
Uma Raghupathi says
Thanks Linda 🙂 yes this very refreshing drink:)
Jenn says
It sounds super yummy!
Vanessa @ VeganFamilyRecipes says
I've never heard of sesame juice but it sounds so healthy and good! Can't wait to give this a try 😉
Pavani says
This is totally new to me Uma. Sounds so nutritious and delicious. Will have to try it out some time. Pinned!!
Uma Raghupathi says
Thanks Pavani! Hope you and your family will like it:)
Jac -Tinned Tomatoes (@tinnedtoms) says
I've never seen a recipe for this before. It sounds really good and so nutritious.
Uma Raghupathi says
Thank you Jac!
Strength and Sunshine says
Sesame milk! That is awesome!
Uma Raghupathi says
Yes it is 🙂 Thank you!