All-Purpose Easy Shortening Pie Dough
🕒 Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
🥧 Yield: 1 pie
🍽️ Servings: 10 servings
Description:
This is a delightful and straightforward pie crust recipe that yields a flaky, tender crust perfect for any pie filling. Using just a few simple ingredients, you can create a versatile dough that works well for both sweet and savory pies. Plus, with minimal prep time and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is perfect for beginner bakers or those looking for a reliable go-to pie crust recipe.
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 1/2 | cups all-purpose flour |
| 1/2 | teaspoon salt |
| 1/2 | cup vegetable shortening |
| 1/4 | cup water |
Instructions:
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Combine the flour and salt: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt, stirring until well mixed.
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Cut in the shortening: Using two knives or a pastry blender, cut the vegetable shortening into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs, with a few pea-sized pieces of shortening remaining.
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Add the water: Sprinkle the water over the flour and shortening mixture. Using a fork, gently mix the ingredients until the mixture is moistened and begins to clump together. Add just enough water to achieve the desired consistency.
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Form the dough: Gather the dough into a cohesive ball and flatten it into a disk shape. This will make it easier to roll out later.
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Chill the dough: Wrap the dough in wax paper or plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out, then refrigerate it for at least 20 minutes or up to overnight. Chilling the dough helps relax the gluten and solidify the fat, resulting in a flakier crust.
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Prepare for rolling: If the dough has been chilled until hard, allow it to stand at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften slightly before rolling. This will make it easier to work with and prevent it from cracking.
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Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to the desired thickness, depending on your pie recipe. Be sure to roll it evenly to ensure uniform baking.
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Assemble the pie: Transfer the rolled-out dough to a pie dish, pressing it gently into the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough from the edges and crimp them as desired.
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Fill and bake: Add your desired pie filling to the prepared crust and follow the baking instructions for your specific pie recipe.
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Enjoy! Once baked, allow the pie to cool slightly before slicing and serving. Serve it alone or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for a delicious dessert treat.
Tips:
- For a flakier crust, be sure to use ice-cold water and handle the dough as little as possible to prevent the shortening from melting.
- If you don’t have a pastry blender, you can use two knives to cut the shortening into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- To save time, you can prepare the pie dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to overnight. Just be sure to allow it to soften slightly at room temperature before rolling it out.
- This recipe can easily be doubled if you need to make a double-crust pie or multiple pies. Simply divide the dough into two equal portions before chilling.
With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this all-purpose shortening pie dough recipe is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re making a classic apple pie, a savory quiche, or a decadent chocolate cream pie, this versatile crust is the perfect foundation for all your favorite pie creations. So roll up your sleeves, dust off your rolling pin, and get ready to bake up some delicious homemade pies that will have everyone coming back for seconds! 🥧✨
