A set of instructions detailing the process for creating a pastry dough that is cooked in hot oil or fat. This culinary technique results in a crispy, often flaky, encasing suitable for sweet or savory fillings. An example includes combining flour, fat, liquid, and optionally sugar and salt, then shaping and immersing it in heated oil until golden brown.
The method of preparing this specific pastry offers several advantages, including a relatively quick cooking time and a distinctive texture not achievable through baking. Historically, it represents a resourceful way to utilize available ingredients and cooking methods, particularly in regions where ovens were less common or fuel was scarce. This cooking method often evokes feelings of nostalgia and comfort food.