Roulés

Roulés are a type of pastry or bread characterized by their rolled shape. The term "roulé" is French for "rolled." This can refer to a variety of baked goods, depending on the specific ingredients and preparation methods.

In the context of sweet pastries, roulés often involve a sheet of dough, typically puff pastry or a yeast-leavened dough, spread with a filling. Common fillings include jam, chocolate, fruit preserves, or a sweet cheese mixture. The dough is then rolled up tightly, sliced into individual portions, and baked. The resulting pastries are circular with visible layers of filling peeking out. Examples include pain aux raisins, which often has a cinnamon and raisin filling, or variations with fruit compotes.

Savory roulés also exist, utilizing similar rolling techniques but with different fillings. These might include cheese, herbs, cured meats, or vegetables. The dough can range from simple flour and water mixtures to more enriched bread doughs. Like their sweet counterparts, they are rolled, sliced, and baked.

The rolled structure of a roulé is key to its identity, creating a distinct visual and textural experience compared to other baked goods. The interplay between the dough and the filling is a defining characteristic of this versatile pastry form.