pateixo

Pateixo is a traditional Portuguese pastry, often found in the Algarve region. It is a sweet, deep-fried dough confection, typically shaped like a flattened disc or a twisted knot. The dough itself is usually made from flour, eggs, sugar, and a leavening agent, and sometimes flavored with lemon zest or cinnamon. Once fried to a golden-brown crisp, pateixo is often coated in sugar or a sugary syrup.

The origin of the name "pateixo" is not definitively known, but it is thought to relate to the Portuguese word "pato," meaning duck, possibly due to the pastry's shape or a historical association with duck fat in cooking. These pastries are a popular treat during festive seasons and local celebrations, as well as being a common item in bakeries and pastry shops throughout the Algarve. They are enjoyed for their sweet, slightly crunchy exterior and soft interior. Variations in recipes exist from town to town and family to family, leading to subtle differences in texture and flavor, though the core elements remain consistent.