Makesenough for a 9- to 10-inch single-crust pie
- Active time:15 min
- Start to finish:1 1/4 hr
November 2004
Learn how we created the foundation for this rich and flaky crust.
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1 1/4
cups
all-purpose flour
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1/4
teaspoon
salt
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1 stick (1/2 cup)
cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
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3 to 4
tablespoons
ice water
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Whisk together flour and salt in a large bowl. Blend in butter with your fingertips or a pastry blender (or pulse in a food processor) until most of mixture resembles coarse meal with some small (roughly pea-size) butter lumps. Drizzle evenly with 3 tablespoons ice water and gently stir with a fork (or pulse in processor) until incorporated.
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Squeeze a small handful: If it doesn’t hold together, add more ice water, 1/2 tablespoon at a time, stirring (or pulsing) until just incorporated, then test again. (Do not overwork, or pastry will be tough.)
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Turn out mixture onto a lightly floured surface and divide into 4 portions. With heel of your hand, smear each portion once or twice in a forward motion to help distribute fat. Gather dough together with scraper and press into a ball, then flatten into a 5-inch disk. Chill dough, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, until firm, at least 1 hour.
Cooks’ note: Dough can be chilled up to 1 day.
