Ricette di Sicilia

Name: Basic Shortcrust Pastry Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 250 g of plain flour; 125 g of cold butter, cubed; 100 g of powdered sugar; 1 whole egg; 1 pinch of salt; Grated lemon zest (optional)

Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane

Basic Shortcrust Pastry Recipe

Discover the secrets to a perfect dessert base with our Basic Shortcrust Pastry Recipe. Easy to make and deliciously versatile!

Author: Laura Lombardo • Published on: January 30, 2023

Categories: Desserts

Tags: butter flour lemons salt eggs sugar

⏱️

Prep Time

30 minutes

🔥

Cook Time

0 minutes

👥

Servings

4 people

📊

Difficulty

Easy

💰 Low

🗓️ All year

⭐ 4.7/5

🛒 Ingredients

✓ 250 g of plain flour

✓ 125 g of cold butter, cubed

✓ 100 g of powdered sugar

✓ 1 whole egg

✓ 1 pinch of salt

✓ Grated lemon zest (optional)

📊 Nutritional Information

Calories

285 kcal

Protein

3 g

Fat

19 g

Carbohydrates

25 g

Fiber

1 g

Sugars

8 g

Sodium

0.1 g

The allure of a perfect shortcrust pastry is undeniable, providing the delicate, crumbly foundation for countless desserts. Laura Lombardo, inspired by traditional Sicilian recipes, brings you a recipe that captures the essence of this versatile pastry.
Imagine the aroma of buttery goodness filling your kitchen as the pastry bakes to golden perfection.
Ideal for autumn gatherings or a cosy teatime treat, this shortcrust pastry will transport you to a world of indulgence. Whether paired with fresh fruit or rich chocolate, the possibilities are endless.

👨‍🍳 Preparation

1

In a large bowl, combine the flour and cold cubed butter. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until you achieve a sandy texture.
2

Add the powdered sugar and a pinch of salt. Optionally, grate some lemon zest into the mixture. Mix all the dry ingredients well.
3

Add the egg to the bowl and mix until you achieve a homogeneous dough. Ensure all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
4

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it until you form a smooth, compact ball. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour.
5

Wrap the dough ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This will help the dough cool and become more manageable.
6

Once chilled, roll out the shortcrust pastry with a rolling pin and use it for tarts, cookies, or other desired creations.

💡 Tips and Variations

For a flavourful twist, add a dash of vanilla extract or some grated lemon zest to the dough. Alternatively, substitute a portion of the flour with almond or coconut flour for a richer taste.

📦 Storage

• Refrigeration: Wrap the prepared shortcrust pastry in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Divide the pastry into portions, wrap in plastic, and store in a freezer bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before use.
• Watch the temperature: Ensure the pastry is at the right temperature when working with it. If too cold, let it rest at room temperature briefly; if too warm, keep it cool.

🍷 Pairing

Pair your shortcrust pastry creations with a glass of Sicilian Marsala wine, known for its rich, sweet flavour that complements desserts beautifully.

Thank you for exploring this delightful shortcrust pastry recipe with us. We hope it inspires you to create sweet masterpieces that bring joy to your table. Enjoy, and happy baking!

Rate this recipe

Click or tap the stars to rate

Ricette di Sicilia

Basic Shortcrust Pastry Recipe