Spelt Pie Crust

Spelt Pie Crust Recipe | A Delicious and Easy-to-Make Crust

| Servings: 2

Introduction

Spelt pie crust is a delicious and wholesome alternative to traditional pie crusts. Made with spelt flour, this crust has a nutty flavor and a tender, flaky texture that pairs perfectly with both sweet and savory fillings.

History

Spelt is an ancient grain that has been cultivated for thousands of years. It was a staple in many ancient civilizations, including the Greeks and Romans. Spelt pie crust is a modern adaptation of this ancient grain, providing a healthier and more nutritious option for pie crusts.

Ingredients

2 cups spelt flour (white or whole)
1 tsp salt
0.33 cup cold organic butter
0.33 cup cold organic shortening
5 – 7 tbsp ice cold water

How to prepare

Sift the flour and salt together.
Cut in the shortening using a pastry knife until the pieces are the size of small peas.
Sprinkle in 1 tbsp of water at a time.
Gently mix the ingredients together.
Repeat the previous step until all the ingredients are moist and form a ball.
For 2 pie crusts, cut the ball in half - one for each pie crust.
On a lightly floured surface, flatten the ball with a rolling pin and roll it to the desired thickness.
Transfer the dough to a pie tin or it can also be filled with meats or fruit.

Variations

Add herbs or spices to the dough for a savory pie crust.
Use coconut oil or olive oil as a substitute for butter and shortening.
Experiment with different flours, such as whole wheat or almond flour.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use cold butter and shortening when making the pie crust. This will help create a flaky texture.

- Don't overwork the dough. Mix the ingredients until just combined to avoid a tough crust.

- Chill the dough before rolling it out. This will help prevent shrinkage during baking.

- Blind bake the crust before adding the filling for a crispier crust.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the spelt pie crust with your favorite pie filling, such as apple, pumpkin, or quiche. Top with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for a delicious dessert.

Cooking Techniques

Use a pastry knife to cut in the shortening for a flaky texture.

- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking.

- Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork before blind baking to prevent air bubbles.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use all-purpose flour as a substitute for spelt flour.

- Use lard or coconut oil as a substitute for butter and shortening.

- Use cold water or milk as a substitute for the water in the recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

The pie crust dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Alternatively, the baked pie crust can be made ahead of time and stored at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Presentation Ideas

Decorate the pie crust with a lattice pattern, cut-out shapes, or a crimped edge for a beautiful presentation. Brush the crust with an egg wash for a shiny finish.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the spelt pie crust with a variety of fillings, such as fruit, custard, or vegetables. Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover pie crust in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the crust in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes, or until warm and crispy.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of spelt pie crust contains approximately 180 calories.

Carbohydrates

Spelt flour is a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy for the body. Each serving of spelt pie crust contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The butter and shortening in the pie crust provide fats that are essential for a balanced diet. Each serving of spelt pie crust contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Spelt flour also contains protein, which is important for muscle growth and repair. Each serving of spelt pie crust contains approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Spelt flour is rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, and zinc. These nutrients are important for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

Spelt flour contains gluten, so this recipe is not suitable for those with gluten allergies or sensitivities.

Summary

Spelt pie crust is a nutritious and delicious option for pie crusts, providing a good source of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Spelt pie crust is a nutritious and delicious option for pie crusts, providing a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Experiment with different fillings and variations to create a unique and flavorful pie. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my mother and grandmother. We lived in a small village nestled in the rolling hills of the countryside, where the air was always sweet with the scent of freshly baked bread and the sound of laughter filled the streets.

One day, as I was helping my grandmother in the kitchen, she pulled out a tattered old cookbook from the shelf. Its pages were yellowed with age and the edges were frayed, but it was filled with handwritten notes and annotations, a testament to the years of use it had seen.

"What's this, Grandma?" I asked, curiosity piqued.

"Oh, that's my recipe book," she replied with a twinkle in her eye. "It's filled with all the recipes I've collected over the years, passed down from generation to generation. This one here is for a spelt pie crust – a family favorite."

Intrigued, I eagerly flipped through the pages, my eyes scanning the faded writing until I found the recipe for spelt pie crust. It was a simple recipe, calling for just a few ingredients – spelt flour, butter, salt, and water – but my grandmother assured me that it was a versatile and delicious crust that could be used for both sweet and savory pies.

With her guidance, I set to work, measuring out the ingredients and mixing them together until a smooth dough formed. As I rolled out the dough and lined the pie tin, my grandmother regaled me with stories of how she had first learned to make this crust from her own mother, who had in turn learned it from her mother before her.

As the pie baked in the oven, filling the kitchen with a warm, buttery aroma, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. This simple recipe had connected me to my family's past, linking me to generations of women who had gathered in kitchens just like this one, preparing food with love and care.

When the pie emerged from the oven, golden and flaky, my grandmother and I shared a slice, savoring the buttery crust and the sweet filling. It was a moment of pure joy, a shared memory that would stay with me for years to come.

Since that day, I have made spelt pie crust countless times, experimenting with different fillings and variations. Each time I roll out the dough and crimp the edges, I feel a connection to my past, to the women who came before me and passed down their knowledge and love through the simple act of cooking.

And so, whenever I bake a pie with spelt crust, I am reminded of that day in my grandmother's kitchen, surrounded by the warmth and love of family. The recipe may have come from a tattered old cookbook, but the memories and traditions it represents are as fresh and vibrant as ever. And for that, I am forever grateful.