Ingredients:
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 ¼ cups unsalted butter, cold and cubed
– ½ cup ice-cold water
Step 1: Prepare the dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the cold butter cubes, and using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Make sure to leave pea-sized chunks of butter for added flakiness. Gradually pour in the ice-cold water while stirring the mixture with a fork until the dough starts to come together.
Step 2: Shape the dough
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times to bring it together. Shape the dough into a rectangle and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes.
Step 3: Create the layers
Once the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and place it on a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a long rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick. Fold the top third of the dough down towards the center, then fold the bottom third over the top, like folding a letter. This process is known as a single fold. Turn the dough 90 degrees, and roll it out again into a rectangle. Repeat the single fold process three more times, chilling the dough for 15-20 minutes every two folds. This will create the characteristic flaky layers in your pastry.
Step 4: Use in savory pies
Once your puff pastry is ready, it can be used as a delightful and buttery crust for a variety of savory pies. From classic chicken pot pie to vegetable quiches or savory meat pies, the possibilities are endless. To use the pastry for a pie, simply roll out the dough into a round shape slightly larger than your pie dish. Carefully transfer the dough onto the pie dish and gently press it into the corners. Trim off any excess dough and fill the pie with your desired savory filling. Top with another layer of puff pastry or create a lattice design for an extra flair.
Step 5: Bake to perfection
Preheat your oven according to your recipe’s instructions. To ensure the desired flakiness, it is important to bake your pie in a hot oven (around 375-400°F) to allow the layers to puff up and turn golden brown. Keep an eye on the pie as it bakes, adjusting the temperature and baking time as needed to achieve the perfect balance of golden crust and a well-cooked filling.
Homemade puff pastry adds an irresistible touch to any savory pie. So next time you plan on making a delicious and impressive main course, consider making your own puff pastry from scratch. With a little practice, you’ll be able to create light, flaky, and buttery savory pies that will be the talk of the meal. Happy baking!