Shortcrust Pastry

Step 1

Put the flour and salt in a large bowl and add the cubes of butter.

Step 2

Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until you have a mixture that resembles coarse breadcrumbs with no large lumps of butter remaining. Try to work quickly so that it does not become greasy.

Step 3

Using a knife, stir in just enough of the cold water to bind the dough together.

Step 4

Wrap the dough in cling film and chill for 10–15 minutes before using.

Step 5

Alternatively using a food processor, put the flour, salt and butter in the food processor and pulse until the fat is rubbed into the flour.

Step 6

With the motor running, gradually add the water through the funnel until the dough comes together. Only add enough water to bind it and then stop.

Step 7

Wrap the dough in cling film as before and chill for 10–15 minutes before using.