Basic shortcrust pastry

Learn how to make perfect shortcrust pastry every time with our easy recipe. For best results, make sure the butter is cold

Prep:10 mins
Plus chilling

Serves 325g
Easy

Nutrition per serving

kcal 262
fat 14g
saturates 9g
carbs 29g
sugars 0.3g
fibre 1g
protein 4g
salt 0.4g

Ingredients

225g plain flour
100g butter, diced
pinch salt

Tip

Proportions

To make more or less, remember the proportions - half fat to flour - and don't add too much water or the pastry will be hard. If other dry ingredients are included in the recipe, add them at the same time as the salt.

Method

Sift the flour into a large bowl, add the butter and rub in with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
Stir in the salt, then add 2-3 tbsp water and mix to a firm dough. Knead the dough briefly and gently on a floured surface. Wrap in cling film and chill while preparing the filling.