Ingredients You'll Need
Making the perfect pie crust doesn't have to be a daunting task. All it takes is a few simple ingredients and a little bit of practice. To make a basic pie crust, you'll need:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 8 tablespoons cold, unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup ice-cold water
Step-by-Step Guide
The key to making a delicious pie crust is to handle the dough as little as possible. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make a simple pie crust:
- Mix together the flour and salt in a large bowl.
- Cut the butter into small cubes and add them to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or your hands to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the ice-cold water to the mixture and mix until the dough comes together. It should be slightly sticky and should not be too wet or too dry.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough a few times, just to bring it together. It should not be sticky or wet.
- Shape the dough into a ball and flatten it into a disc. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Once the dough is chilled, roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough from the center outwards, rotating the dough as you go. The dough should be about 1/4 inch thick.
- Gently transfer the dough to the pie plate. Trim off any excess dough and crimp the edges as desired.
- Fill the pie crust with your desired filling. Bake according to the recipe instructions.
Tips For Making The Perfect Pie Crust
Making a perfect pie crust doesn't have to be difficult. Here are a few tips to help you make the perfect pie crust every time:
- Use cold butter and cold water: Cold butter and cold water will help ensure that the dough doesn't become too soft or too wet.
- Handle the dough as little as possible: The less the dough is handled, the better the crust will be. Kneading the dough and over-working it will result in a tough crust.
- Chill the dough: Chilling the dough will help it hold its shape and prevent it from shrinking in the oven.
- Roll the dough from the center outwards: Rolling the dough from the center outwards will help ensure that the dough is an even thickness throughout.
- Use a light touch: When transferring the dough to the pie plate, use a light touch and be sure not to stretch the dough.
Conclusion
Making a delicious pie crust doesn't have to be hard. With the right ingredients and a little bit of practice, you can make a perfect pie crust every time. Just remember to use cold ingredients, handle the dough as little as possible, and chill the dough before baking. With these tips, you'll be on your way to making the perfect pie crust in no time!