Pie crust is an essential part of any pie. It is the foundation that holds the filling together and adds a flaky texture to the pastry. Making a pie crust from scratch can seem daunting, but it is actually quite simple. This recipe will guide you through the process step-by-step and help you achieve a perfect pie crust every time.
Ingredients
To make a pie crust, you will need: - 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon sugar - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed - 2-3 tablespoons ice water
Flour
The flour is the main ingredient in the pie crust. All-purpose flour is the best option for this recipe since it has the right amount of gluten to create a flaky crust.
Salt and Sugar
The salt and sugar add flavor to the pie crust. They are essential for balancing the sweetness of the filling.
Butter
The butter is what gives the pie crust its flaky texture. It is important to use unsalted butter since salted butter can make the crust too salty.
Ice Water
The ice water is used to bring the dough together. It is important to use cold water since it helps keep the butter cold, which is essential for a flaky crust.
Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. 2. Add the chilled and cubed butter to the bowl. 3. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse sand. 4. Add 2 tablespoons of ice water to the bowl and mix with a fork. 5. Add more ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together and forms a ball. 6. Flatten the dough into a disk and wrap it in plastic wrap. 7. Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out. 8. Preheat the oven to 375°F. 9. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to a 1/8-inch thickness. 10. Transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie dish. 11. Trim the excess dough, leaving a 1/2-inch overhang. 12. Fold the overhang under and crimp the edges. 13. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork. 14. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. 15. Bake the crust for 15 minutes. 16. Remove the parchment paper and pie weights and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. 17. Let the crust cool completely before filling it.
Nutrition
This recipe makes one 9-inch pie crust. The nutrition information is as follows: - Calories: 1024 - Fat: 74g - Saturated Fat: 46g - Cholesterol: 193mg - Sodium: 585mg - Carbohydrates: 82g - Fiber: 3g - Sugar: 1g - Protein: 12g
Calories and Fat
The majority of the calories and fat in this recipe come from the butter. While it may seem like a lot, keep in mind that this recipe makes one whole pie crust, which can be divided into 8-10 slices.
Cholesterol and Sodium
The cholesterol and sodium in this recipe come from the butter and salt. If you are watching your cholesterol or sodium intake, you can reduce the amount of salt in the recipe or use a butter substitute.
Carbohydrates and Fiber
The carbohydrates in this recipe come from the flour and sugar. While there is some fiber in the flour, it is not a significant source of fiber. To increase the fiber content, you can add some ground flaxseed or chia seeds to the dough.
Protein
There is some protein in this recipe from the flour and butter. However, it is not a significant source of protein. To increase the protein content, you can add some ground nuts or seeds to the dough.
Conclusion
Making a pie crust from scratch is easy and rewarding. With this recipe, you can create a perfect pie crust every time. Whether you are making a sweet or savory pie, this crust will provide the perfect foundation for your filling. Enjoy!