Basic Recipes for Wholemeal Shortcrust Pastry

Shortcrust pastry is a versatile dough that is commonly used in various types of savory and sweet dishes such as pies, tarts, quiches, and pastries. Wholemeal shortcrust pastry is a healthier alternative to traditional white flour pastry, as it incorporates wholemeal flour that adds a nutty flavor and boosts the fiber content. With a few simple ingredients, you can easily create a delicious and nutritious wholemeal shortcrust pastry for your favorite recipes. In this article, we will explore two basic recipes for wholemeal shortcrust pastry.

Recipe 1: Classic Wholemeal Shortcrust Pastry

Ingredients:
– 200g wholemeal flour
– 100g chilled unsalted butter, cubed
– A pinch of salt
– 2-3 tablespoons of ice-cold water

Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the wholemeal flour and salt. Mix well using a whisk or fork.
2. Add the chilled butter cubes into the flour mixture. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
3. Make a well in the center of the breadcrumb-like mixture and gradually add the ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time. Use a round-ended knife or your hands to bring the dough together.
4. Once the dough starts to come together, gently knead it on a lightly floured surface for a minute until it forms a smooth ball. Be careful not to over-knead as this can make the pastry tough.
5. Wrap the dough in cling film and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using. Chilling the pastry will help prevent shrinkage during baking and make it easier to handle.

Recipe 2: Sweetened Wholemeal Shortcrust Pastry

Ingredients:
– 200g wholemeal flour
– 100g chilled unsalted butter, cubed
– 50g caster sugar
– A pinch of salt
– 1 egg yolk
– 2-3 tablespoons of ice-cold water

Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the wholemeal flour, caster sugar, and salt. Mix well using a whisk or fork.
2. Add the chilled butter cubes into the flour mixture. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
3. Make a well in the center of the breadcrumb-like mixture and add the egg yolk. Mix lightly with a fork, gradually incorporating the surrounding flour.
4. Gradually add the ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to mix with a fork or your hands. Be careful not to add too much water, as the dough should hold its shape when pressed together.
5. Once the dough starts to come together, gently knead it on a lightly floured surface for a minute until it forms a smooth ball. Wrap the dough in cling film and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using.

Tips for Working with Wholemeal Shortcrust Pastry:
– Always use cold ingredients and handle the dough minimally to prevent the butter from melting, resulting in a lighter pastry.
– If the dough feels too dry, gradually add a little more water until it reaches the desired consistency.
– Avoid rolling the pastry too thin, as it may crumble or become too crisp. Aim for a thickness of around 3-4mm.
– When blind baking, prick the surface of the pastry with a fork and line it with parchment paper or aluminum foil filled with baking beans or rice to prevent it from bubbling up.
– Bake the pastry at the recommended temperature and time for your recipe. Wholemeal flour may require slightly longer baking times due to its higher fiber content.

By following these basic recipes and tips, you can create a delicious and healthier wholemeal shortcrust pastry to elevate your favorite savory and sweet dishes. Experiment with different fillings and flavors, and enjoy the wholesome goodness of this versatile pastry!