Alle Belle
Thin Goan-style pancakes wrapped around a sweet coconut filling make Alle Belle a lovely tea-time treat. The filling turns fragrant with jaggery and cardamom, while the soft crepes keep the dessert light and comforting.
For 8 servings
- mix · ~10 min
Make the pancake batter.
1.Add all-purpose flour, eggs, milk, and salt to a bowl.2.Whisk until smooth and lump-free.3.Set the batter aside for 10 minutes so the flour hydrates well.TIPThe batter should be thinner than dosa batter so it spreads easily into soft, delicate pancakes. - saute · ~7 min
Cook the coconut filling.
1.Add grated coconut and jaggery to a pan over low heat.2.Stir until the jaggery melts and coats the coconut evenly.3.Add cardamom powder and mix well.4.If the mixture looks dry before the jaggery melts fully, add water and cook until the filling is moist but not wet.TIPKeep the heat low so the jaggery melts gently and does not turn hard or sticky. - rest · ~5 min
Cool the filling slightly.
- fry · ~15 min
Cook the pancakes.
1.Heat a flat pan over medium-low heat and lightly grease it with ghee.2.Pour a small ladle of batter and swirl the pan to make a thin pancake.3.Cook until the surface looks set and the underside turns lightly golden.4.Flip and cook the other side briefly.TIPDo not brown the pancakes too much. They should stay soft enough to roll without cracking. - assemble · ~8 min
Fill and roll the Alle Belle.
1.Place one pancake on a plate.2.Spoon a small strip of coconut filling in the center.3.Fold the sides over the filling and roll into a neat parcel.4.Repeat with the remaining pancakes and filling. - serve
Serve warm or at room temperature.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Resting the batter for the full 10 minutes helps the pancakes spread thinly without tearing.
- 2If the batter thickens while standing, whisk in a spoon or two of milk so it still coats the pan lightly.
- 3Cook the coconut-jaggery mixture only until glossy and clumping softly; overcooking makes the filling chewy.
- 4Let the filling cool a bit before rolling, or the warm steam can make the pancakes soggy.
- 5Keep the pancakes pale and flexible; deep browning makes them crack when folded.
- 6Wipe the pan with a very thin film of ghee between pancakes so they stay delicate, not greasy.
- 7Alle Belle can be assembled a few hours ahead and kept covered so the pancakes do not dry out.
Adapt it for your goals.
Gluten-free
Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free crepe flour blend or fine rice flour mix for a similar thin pancake texture.
dairy freeDairy-free
Use coconut milk instead of milk and grease the pan lightly with coconut oil or dairy-free ghee for a richer coconut note.
extra cardamomExtra-cardamom
Add a little more cardamom to the filling if you prefer a more aromatic, festive Goan dessert.
mini alle belleMini-alle-belle
Make smaller pancakes and roll them into bite-size parcels for tea parties or festive platters.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Energy-Rich Tea-Time Sweet
Jaggery, flour, and milk make this a satisfying dessert that provides quick energy and comforting fullness.
Contains Healthy Fats
Fresh coconut contributes natural fats that add richness and help make the filling more satisfying.
Some Protein From Eggs and Milk
The pancake batter includes eggs and milk, which add protein and improve the soft, tender texture.
Frequently asked questions
They are usually too thick or too browned. Make the batter thinner, cook on medium-low heat, and keep the pancakes soft and pale.



