Shortcrust pastry is a type of pastry that is crumbly and tender, and is often used for pie crusts and tart shells. It is made with flour, butter, and a small amount of water.
The ingredients are mixed together to form a dough, which is then rolled out and pressed into a pie dish or tart pan.
Shortcrust pastry is known for its flaky buttery texture and is often used as a base for sweet or savoury dishes.
Learn how to make shortcrust pastry
You'll need:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 1/2 cups (300g) |
| Unsalted butter, cold and diced | 1 cup (226g) |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Ice water | 1/4-1/2 cup (60-120ml) |
Step-by-step instructions:
1. To make the pastry, mix together the flour and salt in a large bowl.
2. Add the butter and rub it into the flour mixture with your fingers until it resembles breadcrumbs.
3. Add the ice water a little at a time, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together in a ball.
4. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in a tough pastry.
5. Once the dough is formed, wrap it in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will help to firm up the butter and make the dough easier to roll out.
6. When you are ready to use the pastry, remove it from the fridge and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness.
7. Transfer the pastry to a pie dish or tart pan, press it into the corners and sides, and trim off any excess. You can then use the pastry as a base for your chosen filling.
Shortcrust pastries are used in a variety of dishes like Pies, Tarts, Tartlets, Quiches, etc.
Tarts and Tartlets
Tarts are a type of pastry dish that consist of a pastry crust and a filling. The crust is usually made from shortcrust pastry, but other types of pastry such as puff pastry or phyllo dough can also be used. The filling can be sweet or savoury, and can consist of a wide variety of ingredients such as fruit, custard, chocolate, cheese, vegetables, or meat.
Tarts and tartlets can be served as a dessert or as a savory appetizer or main dish. They can be served warm or at room temperature, and are often served with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top.
To make a tart or tartlets, you will need to prepare a batch of shortcrust pastry (or another type of dough) and roll it out to the desired thickness. Line a tart dish or muffin tin with the dough, and fill it with your chosen filling. Bake the tart or tartlets in the oven until the crust is golden brown and the filling is cooked through.
Let the tart or tartlets cool before serving!
Pies
A pie is a baked dish that consists of a pastry crust and a filling. The crust is usually made from shortcrust pastry, but other types of pastry such as puff pastry or phyllo dough can also be used.
The filling can be sweet or savory, and can consist of a wide variety of ingredients such as fruit, custard, chocolate, cheese, vegetables, or meat.
To make a pie, you will need to prepare a batch of shortcrust pastry (or another type of dough) and roll it out to the desired thickness. Line a pie dish with the dough, and fill it with your chosen filling. Cover the filling with a second layer of dough, or a crumble topping, and bake the pie in the oven until the crust is golden brown and the filling is cooked through.
Overall, shortcrust pastry, tarts, tartlets, and pies are versatile dishes that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you are a seasoned baker or a novice, these dishes offer endless opportunities for creative expression and culinary delight. So, don't be afraid to experiment with different crusts and fillings to find the perfect combination for your taste buds. Happy baking!
