A short crust pie is a pie made using shortcrust pastry, a versatile and common type of pastry primarily used for the base of various baked dishes.
What is Shortcrust Pastry?
Shortcrust pastry is a fundamental type of pastry that forms the foundation for a wide array of sweet and savory dishes. It is frequently employed as the base for:
- Pies: The classic use, providing a sturdy yet tender foundation for fillings.
- Tarts: Often featuring shallow sides, shortcrust pastry is ideal for these open-faced baked goods.
- Quiches: Savory custard-filled tarts that rely on a robust pastry base.
- Flans: In the British English sense, a flan can also refer to a type of open tart, commonly made with shortcrust.
This pastry is well-suited for holding various fillings without becoming soggy, making it a reliable choice for bakers. For more detailed information on its composition, you can refer to resources like Wikipedia's page on Shortcrust pastry.
Versatility of Shortcrust Pies
One of the key characteristics of a short crust pie is its adaptability. Shortcrust pastry is uniquely suited for both sweet and savory preparations, making it a staple in many cuisines.
Common Examples of Short Crust Pies:
- Sweet Pies:
- Apple Pie: A quintessential dessert, often featuring a tender shortcrust base and a lattice or full top crust.
- Lemon Meringue Pie: Combines a crisp pastry base with a tangy lemon filling and fluffy meringue topping.
- Various fruit pies (cherry, berry, peach).
- Savory Pies:
- Quiche: A classic example, where the shortcrust holds a rich egg and cream custard with various fillings like cheese, bacon, or vegetables.
- Chicken Pie: A comforting dish with a creamy chicken and vegetable filling encased in a shortcrust shell.
- Steak and kidney pie, shepherd's pie (often with a pastry base, though traditionally potato-topped).
This dual functionality highlights why shortcrust remains a preferred choice for pies across a broad spectrum of culinary applications.
| Pie Type | Common Fillings | Example Dishes |
|---|---|---|
| Sweet | Fruits (apples, berries, cherries), custards, jams | Apple Pie, Lemon Meringue Pie, Treacle Tart |
| Savory | Meats, vegetables, cheeses, egg custards | Quiche, Chicken Pie, Steak and Ale Pie |
