Boiling Water Pastry

Prep: 20 min Serves: 2 Cuisine: American

A simple, versatile pastry with a tender, flaky texture, perfect for double crust pies; suitable for sweet or savory fillings and easy to prepare at home.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons shortening
  • 1/4 cup boiling water
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine shortening and boiling water.
  2. Stir until the shortening melts; then add flour, salt, and baking powder.
  3. Chill the dough before using.

Tips & Substitutions

For a flakier texture, ensure the shortening is well combined with the boiling water before adding dry ingredients. You can substitute vegetable shortening with coconut oil for a dairy-free version. If you prefer a richer taste, consider using lard instead of shortening. Always chill the dough for at least 30 minutes; this helps in rolling it out more easily.

Serving Suggestions

This Boiling Water Pastry works well as a base for savory pies or tarts. Consider pairing it with fillings like vegetables, meat, or even sweet fruits. It complements dishes like Savory London Broil beautifully. Serve with a side salad or a warm soup for a complete meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover pastry dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, allow it to come to room temperature before rolling out. If baked, wrap the pastry in foil and reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Boiling Water Pastry contains roughly 926 calories, with 19g protein, 140g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (52% of the Daily Value), calcium (43% of the Daily Value), and protein (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1201mg per serving (52% of the Daily Value).

926 kcal 46% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 18.6g 37% DV
Total Fat 31.8g 41% DV
Carbs 140g 51% DV
Fiber 4.9g 18% DV
Sugar 0.5g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1200.7mg 52% DV
Potassium 195.3mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Calcium 556.1mg 43% DV
Iron 9.4mg 52% DV
Contains Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this pastry vegan?

Yes, you can easily make this boiling water pastry vegan by substituting the shortening with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter. Additionally, ensure the other ingredients are also vegan-friendly.

How do I prevent the pastry from becoming tough?

To avoid a tough pastry, handle the dough as little as possible once the flour is added. Overworking the dough can develop gluten, leading to a tougher texture. Chilling the dough also helps keep it tender and flaky.

What can I use this pastry for?

This versatile pastry can be used for pies, tarts, or even quiches. It's ideal for both sweet and savory recipes. Consider filling it with seasonal fruits for a dessert or savory vegetables and meats for a hearty main dish.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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