How to Make a Perfect Pie Crust

Servings

In a big bowl mix the flour, sugar and salt. Rub in the butter until the mixture is crumbly.
Add the water to form the dough. Do not knead, just press it together.
Shape it into a disc, wrap it in plastic and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Remove from the fridge and let it stand for a few minutes so it does not break up. Roll it out on a floured surface, fit it into a pie plate and trim the excess. Prick it with a fork.
Preheat the oven at 180°C/350°F. Cover the crust with tin foil, fill it with beans (or any other legume) to weigh it down and prevent it from rising, and bake it for 10 minutes. Then remove the beans and the foil, and bake for 5-10 more minutes until golden brown. Let it cool at room temperature and pour in the filling of your choosing.

Tips:

To make a savory dough, just replace the sugar with ½ tsp. You can also add herbs, seeds, or even replace the butter for cream cheese.
You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge wrapped in plastic for 4-5 days, or keep it in the freezer for 1 month.
It is important to make sure the butter is always cold to prevent it from softening.
This crust covers a 11 or 12-inch pan. If you need to cover the pie with a top crust, just double the recipe.
Rotate the dough as you roll it out so it does not stick to the working surface.
If the edges start breaking up, press them back together and continue rolling.