Fried Bake

Steps

1. In a bowl, combine the sifted flour with salt, brown sugar, and baking powder.
2. Add margarine (or unsalted butter/shortening) to the dry mixture. Use your fingers to break it up into small even pieces and incorporate it evenly into the flour until no large clumps remain.
3. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and gradually add water, mixing with an index finger.
4. Knead the dough for about 2 to 3 minutes. If necessary, cover the bowl with a damp cloth or cling film and let it rest for about one hour (or up to 9 minutes).
5. Divide the dough into portions of approximately 80-90 grams each.
6. Shape the dough portions into balls by tucking in your fingers on one hand and using the other hand as a surface, or simply shaping them with both hands.
7. Heat vegetable oil to about 350°F (175°C).
8. Carefully drop the shaped dough pieces into the hot oil. Splashing oil on top can help the bakes swell.
9. Fry until they are light brown, noting that a key sign of doneness is when air bubbles significantly decrease.
10. Flip the fried bakes over one or two more times before removing them from the oil.
11. Drain the excess oil by placing the finished bakes into a paper-lined vessel.