Basic Shortcrust Pastry. A decent basic short crust pastry recipe, I find adding the water one tablespoon at a time helps you control the consistency it winds up at better than throwing it all in at once. You can even roll it out, line the tart pan and keep it frozen until you're ready to bake. If you want a simple, clear guide to making perfect shortcrust pastry, this recipe couldn't be easier!

Ingredients of Basic Shortcrust Pastry

1. Prepare 1 of & 2/3 cups Plain Flour.
2. It’s 125 g of Butter.
3. You need 1 of Egg.
4. You need of *Note: The softness can be adjusted by adding Cold Water OR more Flour.
5. You need of <Additional Ingredients>.
6. Prepare 1/4-1/2 cup of Caster Sugar *for sweet pastry.
7. Prepare 1 teaspoon of Vanilla Extract *for sweet pastry.
8. Prepare 50 g of Parmesan Cheese *grated, for cheesy pastry.
9. Prepare 2-3 teaspoons of Instant Coffee Granules *good for chocolate tart.

That is to say pie crust that has an egg whisked into the liquid before adding it to the flour and butter mixture. Making your own light, crumbly pastry is as easy as pie. This method describes how to prepare a tart case before adding a filling, but you could also use this pastry for pies and pasties. This one is my tip for rolling out pastry the easy way.

Basic Shortcrust Pastry instructions

1. Food Processor Method: Place dry ingredients and Butter in a food processor, process until mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Add lightly beaten Egg and process until dough just comes together. Turn out on a lightly floured surface. Knead gently and shape into a disc..
2. Basic Method: Place dry ingredients into a large bowl, add Butter and rub in with fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Add lightly beaten Egg and mix to combine. Knead the dough gently on a lightly floured surface and shape into a disc..
3. Like-Cookie-Dough Method: Beat softened Butter and Sugars until smooth. Beat in Egg and Vanilla, and mix well. Add Flour and mix to combine, then knead gently and shape into a disc..

Process the flour and butter in a food processor until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. While the motor is running, add enough iced water to form a smooth dough. When ready to use, roll out on a lightly. Add the cubed butter to the flour. Note: You can use salted or unsalted butter.