Alle Belle: How it’s made

Paper thin crepes are a popular food in culinary circles. They don’t require loads of time to whip up and can be enjoyed with a sweet or savoury filling. Originating in France, they are wafer-thin and light, and the basic ingredients are flour, eggs, butter, salt, milk and water.

Goa, too, has its own version of the French crepe, and it’s called Alle Belle (or Ale Bele or Mannkio). This is a delicious Goan pancake, stuffed with a filling of coconut and jaggery. A popular traditional delicacy in Goan homes, they are thin, and made with a light batter, and are especially popular at tea time.

Some people also add coconut milk and tiny coconut pieces to the filling. Alle Belle are quick and easy to prepare, and don’t require any special ingredients, unlike Goan masalas or curries.

BASIC RECIPE: Alle Belle

INGREDIENTS

• ¾ cup plain flour

• a pinch salt

• 1 egg

• ½ tbsp sugar

• ¼ cup milk

• ¼ cup water (or as required)

• Oil for frying

For the filling:

• 1½ tbsp jaggery

• 1 cup coconut

METHOD

• Beat egg and sugar till frothy, then add milk and water.

• Slowly add flour and stir vigorously.

• Beat till smooth, for about a minute.

• Keep the batter aside for 15 to 25 minutes.

• Meanwhile, grease a medium frying pan lightly with oil and place over a low-medium flame.

• Add 1½ tbsp batter into it and tilt to coat evenly.

• Cover and cook for a minute.

• When done, remove the crepe from the pan and keep aside.

• Repeat till all batter is used up.

For the filling:

• To make the filling, add jaggery and coconut to a pan and cook for 10 to 30 seconds.

• Remove and keep aside to cool.

• Place a little filling on each pancake and roll.

• Serve hot.