All-purpose pie crust
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All-purpose pie crust is a versatile, flaky pastry dough used as the foundation for both sweet and savory pies, tarts, and quiches. Its classic ingredients are simple: flour, cold fat (like butter or shortening), a pinch of salt, and ice water. While its origins are rooted in European baking traditions, it has become a fundamental component in kitchens worldwide.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This crust is primarily a source of carbohydrates from flour and fat from the butter or shortening, with minimal protein. A single slice (about 1/8 of a 9-inch crust) can range from 100 to 200 calories, depending on the specific recipe and thickness.
💡 What's interesting
The key to a perfect crust is keeping the ingredients cold and handling the dough as little as possible to prevent gluten development, which ensures a tender, flaky texture rather than a tough one. Nutritionally, it serves as a high-energy, calorie-dense base designed to complement and encase other fillings.