East Indian Elijao / Goan Alle Belle (Sweet Coconut Pancakes)

Soft, delicate crepes made with ragi (nachni) flour, filled with a sweet fragrant coconut mixture. A classic teatime treat enjoyed by all at home.

Ingredients

For the Filling

160 g fresh grated coconut

60 g sugar (or substitute with jaggery)

60 g raisins, chopped

¼ tsp mixed spice powder or ½ tsp cardamom powder or½ tsp vanilla essence

1 tsp clarified butter (ghee)

For the Batter

150 g nachni flour (ragi flour)

2 eggs

A pinch of salt

Water as required to make a slightly runny batter

Clarified butter (for greasing the pan)

Method

Preparing the Filling

1. Heat a small pan and add a little clarified butter.

2. Add the chopped raisins and lightly stir-fry.

3. Mix in the grated coconut and give it a quick stir.

4. Add the sugar (or jaggery) and mix well.

5. Add the spice powder or cardamom powder or vanilla essence.

6. Cook on low heat till the sugar melts and the mixture comes together.

7. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

Preparing the Batter

1. Add the nachni flour to a bowl.

2. Add the well-beaten eggs and a pinch of salt.

3. Mix well, then slowly add water to form a smooth, slightly runny batter. The batter should not be too thick or too thin.

4. Heat a pan and lightly brush it with clarified butter.

5. Pour a ladle of batter and spread it into a round, thin pancake.

Assembling the Alle Belle / Elijao

1. Once the pancake is cooked, place it ,add a spoonful of the coconut filling in the center.

2. Roll gently

3. Continue with the remaining batter and filling.

A delicious, homestyle sweet that’s perfect for teatime or festive celebrations!

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Sweet coconut pancakes recipe 1

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