Pie Crust With Self Rising Flour And Shortening
If you're a fan of homemade pies, then you know that the crust is just as important as the filling. A good pie crust should be flaky, buttery, and tender all at the same time. While there are many different types of pie crusts you can make, one of the easiest and most foolproof options is to use self-rising flour and shortening.
What is Self-Rising Flour?
Self-rising flour is a type of flour that has baking powder and salt already mixed in. This means that you don't need to add any additional leavening agents to your dough or batter when using self-rising flour. It's a great option for making quick and easy baked goods, like biscuits and pancakes.
Why Use Shortening?
Shortening is a type of fat that is solid at room temperature. It's often used in baking because it helps create a tender, flaky texture in baked goods. Shortening also has a neutral flavor, which makes it a great option for pie crusts where you want the filling to be the star of the show.
Recipe for Pie Crust with Self-Rising Flour and Shortening
Now that you know what self-rising flour and shortening are, let's get to the recipe. Here's what you'll need:
- 2 cups self-rising flour
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1/2 cup cold water
- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-rising flour and shortening. Use a pastry blender or your hands to cut the shortening into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the cold water to the mixture, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together in a ball. Be careful not to overwork the dough or it will become tough.
- Divide the dough in half and roll each half out on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish.
- Transfer the rolled-out dough to the pie dish and trim the edges to fit. Use a fork to prick the bottom and sides of the crust.
- Bake the crusts in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Remove the crusts from the oven and let them cool before filling.
Tips for Making the Perfect Pie Crust
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when making pie crust with self-rising flour and shortening:
- Make sure your ingredients are cold. Cold ingredients help create a flaky texture in the pie crust.
- Don't overwork the dough. Overworking the dough can cause it to become tough and chewy.
- Use a light hand when rolling out the dough. Too much pressure can cause the dough to become tough and shrink during baking.
- Prick the bottom and sides of the crust with a fork before baking. This allows steam to escape and prevents the crust from puffing up during baking.
- Bake the crust until it's golden brown. Underbaked crusts can be soggy, while overbaked crusts can become tough and dry.
Conclusion
Pie crust with self-rising flour and shortening is a great option for anyone who wants to make a homemade pie without a lot of fuss. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic techniques, you can create a tender, flaky crust that's perfect for any type of filling. Give it a try the next time you're in the mood for some delicious pie!