Ingredients:
- 1 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- ½ cup of unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 3-4 tablespoons of ice water
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the chilled butter cubes to the dry ingredients.
Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, incorporate the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 2: Chilling the Dough
Form the dough into a disc shape and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the dough to rest and firm up.
Step 3: Rolling Out the Dough
Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly.
Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough into a circle, approximately 12 inches in diameter. Make sure to frequently rotate the dough to maintain an even thickness.
Step 4: Transferring the Dough
Gently lift the rolled-out dough and place it into a greased tart or pie pan. Press the dough against the sides and bottom of the pan, ensuring an even distribution. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edge of the pan.
Step 5: Blind Baking
For certain recipes, such as quiches, it is necessary to blind bake the pasta brise. To do this, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cover the bottom of the dough with parchment paper or aluminum foil and fill it with pie weights or dried beans to prevent the crust from puffing up during baking.
Bake the crust for about 15 minutes, or until it turns golden brown. Carefully remove the weights or beans and allow the crust to cool completely.
Tips for Success:
- Ensure the butter is cold when incorporating it into the flour – this helps create the desired flakiness.
- Avoid overworking the dough as it can result in a tough crust. Mix only until the dough comes together.
- Letting the dough rest in the refrigerator allows gluten to relax and makes it easier to roll out.
- Blind baking the crust before adding the filling prevents the crust from turning soggy.
Now that you have mastered the art of making perfect pasta brise, you can explore a world of culinary possibilities. Experiment with different fillings and recipes to create your own unique dishes. Enjoy the buttery goodness!