Elanchi is a soft, mildly sweet tea-time snack from Kerala’s Malabar region, often described as a stuffed crepe gently rolled and served warm. Though simple in form, Elanchi carries the elegance and warmth of Malabar’s culinary heritage. It’s not an elaborate festive dish, but rather one that graces homes during quiet afternoons, family gatherings, or moments of everyday hospitality.
The outer layer of Elanchi is made from a thin batter, usually prepared with maida (refined flour), a little milk or water, a pinch of turmeric for color, and sometimes a touch of sugar. This batter is poured onto a hot tawa and spread into a thin circle-much like a dosa or a crepe-and cooked only on one side. The result is a soft, pliable wrap that holds its shape without breaking.
The filling is the heart of the Elanchi. Fresh grated coconut is gently sautéed with sugar and cardamom powder until fragrant and moist. To enrich the flavor and texture, golden raisins and bits of chopped or split cashews are often added. The cashews are lightly roasted, sometimes in ghee, lending a subtle crunch and nutty aroma, while the raisins bring soft, sweet bursts in every bite. Though simple, this filling is deeply satisfying, echoing the flavor profile found in many Malabar sweets.
Once the crepes are ready, a portion of the coconut mixture is placed toward one side and rolled tightly, just like a stuffed wrap. No further cooking is needed-the warmth of the filling and the softness of the crepe make it ready to serve as is.
Elanchi is a cherished part of Malabar’s tea-time legacy, often made during Ramadan, served to guests with a hot cup of tea, or tucked into children’s snack boxes. It reflects the region’s love for gentle flavors, soft textures, and balanced sweetness-no syrupy excess, just a warm, inviting treat with the aroma of cardamom and coconut.
Simple, comforting, and full of tradition, Malabar Elanchi is more than a snack-it’s a bite of memory, rolled and ready to share.
Malabar Elanchi
Ingredients
Instructions
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Elanchi is a Malabar (North Kerala) snack food. It’s much easy to make. So lets start
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First of all Let’s make batter. In a bowl, add All Purpose Flour, Egg, Turmeric powder, Salt and enough water to make a batter
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Next in pan heat Ghee, add broken cashew nuts and fry for few seconds, now add Raisins and fry it for some seconds. Keep it aside
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Add Sugar to the same pan, add a tablespoon of water and mix well. Heat it for a minute stirring continuously.
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Now add Grated Coconut and mix well. Stir well till the water content evaporate almost.
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Add roasted Cashew nuts and Raisins. the filling is ready
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Heat a tawa, pour some batter over it and spread round, just like Dosa. Make sure its small one.
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When cooked , flip it and cook other side too.
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Now place the filling in one side of the dosa, roll it, and close side by folding it inside.
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Elanchi is ready