Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 1/4 cup ice water
Step 1: Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar. Give it a quick stir to evenly distribute the ingredients.
Step 2: Adding the Butter
Add the cold butter cubes to the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Make sure not to overwork the dough at this stage as it will result in a less flaky crust.
Step 3: Incorporating the Water
Dribble the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, over the dough mixture. Gently mix the dough using a fork or your hands until it starts to come together. Be cautious not to add too much water; you want the dough to be just moist enough to hold together.
Step 4: Forming the Dough
Dump the dough mixture onto a floured surface. Gently knead it a few times until it forms a cohesive ball. Avoid over-kneading, as this can make the crust tough.
Step 5: Chilling the Dough
Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps to relax the gluten and allows the dough to become more manageable.
Step 6: Rolling and Shaping
After chilling, remove the dough from the refrigerator. Lightly flour your work surface and the rolling pin. Roll out the dough into a circle that is slightly larger than your pie or tart pan. Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to the pan and gently press it down to fit the shape.
Step 7: Final Touches
Trim off any excess dough hanging over the edges of the pan. You can then crimp the edges or decorate them as desired. Your perfect pasta brisee is now ready to be filled with your favorite pie or tart filling.
With this guide, you can now confidently make a homemade pasta brisee that will impress your friends and family. So, get ready to bake some delicious and flaky pies or tarts that will leave everyone craving for more!