tainasse

Tainasse is a term that can refer to several things, primarily a type of Brazilian pastry and, more broadly, a general term for a sweet batter.

As a pastry, tainasse is a fried dough confection popular in Brazil, particularly in the state of Minas Gerais. It is typically made from a simple batter of flour, sugar, eggs, and sometimes milk or water. The batter is dropped in small portions into hot oil and fried until golden brown and puffed. Once fried, tainasse is often dusted with sugar and cinnamon, or served with a syrup or dulce de leche. Its texture is usually light and airy on the inside with a slightly crisp exterior. Recipes can vary regionally, with some incorporating additions like grated coconut or citrus zest for flavor.

In a more general sense, "tainasse" or variations thereof can be used to describe any sweet, liquid or semi-liquid batter intended for cooking or baking. This broader usage emphasizes the batter-like consistency rather than a specific recipe. The term is not widely recognized outside of Brazil in this generalized sense, and its primary association remains with the fried pastry.