Versatile Pate Brisee is simply a French term which translates to “a rich pastry dough used especially to make flaky tart shells” or in simple terms… Pastry Dough. This simple recipe is an ideal base for many pies and tarts, sweet or savory.
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
Salt
2 sticks plus 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water
Directions
- Pulse flour, sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt in a food processor until combined. Add butter, and pulse until mixture resembles coarse meal, about 10 seconds. Drizzle 1/4 cup ice water evenly over mixture. Pulse until mixture holds together when pressed between 2 fingers (dough should not be wet or sticky). If dough is too dry, add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and pulse.
- Shape dough into 1 large disk or 2 small disks, and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour. (Dough can be refrigerated overnight or frozen for up to 3 months. Let chilled dough stand for 10 minutes and frozen dough thaw before using.)