Tambittu unde also called tambittu ladoo is a traditional Karnataka offering made especially for Maha Shivaratri. It is simple, sattvic, and made without fancy ingredients — roasted gram flour, jaggery, coconut, and sesame. This laddoo is suitable for fasting day.

Here is the authentic home style recipe –

Tambittu unde Recipe (Traditional Karnataka Style)

Ingredients:

1. Roasted gram dal (hurigadale / roasted chana dal) – 1 cup
2. Rice flour -1/2 cup
3. Powdered jaggery (adjust sweetness) – 1 cup
4. Dry coconut (copra) -1/4 cup
5. White sesame seeds -2 to 3 Tbsp
6. Cardamom powder- ¼ tsp
7. Roasted peanuts – ½ cup (peeled and halved)
8. Warm ghee -2 to 3 Tbsp
9. Warm milk or water (optional, for binding) -2-4 Tbsp

Preparation:

1. Preparing tambittu powder

1. Dry roast roasted gram lightly for 2–3 minutes until aromatic (don not brown too much).
2. Dry roast rice flour.
3. Cool completely.
4. Grind roasted gram to a fine powder.
5. Sieve for smooth texture.

2. Roast other ingredients

1. Dry roast sesame seeds until they splutter.
2. Lightly roast coconut until slightly crisp (optional but improves shelf life).

3. Mix

  In a large bowl add and mix well all ingredients.

• Gram powder
• Rice flour
• Jaggery powder
• Peanuts
• Sesame seeds
• Copra
• Cardamom

4. Bind

1. Add warm ghee gradually and mix with hands.
2. If mixture feels dry, sprinkle a little warm milk or water.
3. Take small portions and press firmly into ladoos.

Few tips to make tambittu laddoo:

• Use powdered jaggery so it blends easily.
• Don’t add too much liquid as it reduces shelf life.
• For fasting days, skip milk and use only ghee or water.
• Stays fresh 4–5 days at room temperature.

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