Shortcrust Tart Shell
Once you know how to make a tart shell, your possibilities are endless. Be it chocolate ganache, pastry cream, or a curd filling, this recipe is a good staple to have at hand. It's crunchy, buttery, and utterly delicious!
Cut <quantity>165<unit>g</unit></quantity> of butter into cubes and reserve it refrigerated
Scrape the seeds out of <quantity>½</quantity> vanilla bean
Add <quantity>335<unit>g</unit></quantity> of all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt to a stand mixer bowl
Add the vanilla seeds and <quantity>100<unit>g</unit></quantity> of powdered sugar
Add the zests of <quantity>½</quantity> lemon
Mix on low speed with the paddle attachment. Add the cold cubed butter and mix until the mixture resembles wet sand
Add <quantity>1</quantity> egg and mix to roughly bring it together. Transfer it to the workbench
Knead it 3-4 times until the dough comes together
Shape the dough into a flat disk and wrap it in cling film
Let the dough rest in the refrigerator for at least 1h
Preheat the oven to <temperature>180<unit>°C</unit></temperature>
Take the dough out of the refrigerator. Dust the workbench and dough surface with all-purpose flour
Roll out the dough to a thickness of <quantity>2<unit>mm</unit></quantity>. Add more flour if it sticks to the workbench
Use your tart tin as an indicator and cut off excess pastry, leaving a <quantity>3<unit>cm</unit></quantity> rim around your tin
Prick the dough with a fork
Transfer the dough to the tart tin
Gently press the dough into the tin, ensuring it reaches the corners without stretching it, as this may cause the dough to shrink in the oven and create an odd-shaped tart
Trim the dough by running a small knife along the edges of the tart tin
Using your thumbs, press the rim of the dough out and slightly over the edge of the tin. This will help to hold up the sides during baking
Crumple up a square piece of parchment paper that is slightly larger than your tin. Flatten it out again and place it over the dough
Add <quantity>500<unit>g</unit></quantity> of baking weights. You can use grains such as beans or chickpeas
Bake for 12-15m until the edges are lightly golden. Remove the baking weights
Bake until the color is evenly light golden brown. The shortcrust tart shell is ready
Enjoy with you favorite filling!
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