What To Know
- While it’s a classic for apple pies and pumpkin tarts, it’s also a delicious and surprisingly adaptable ingredient for a wide range of savory dishes.
- Bake the galette in a preheated oven until the crust is golden brown and the filling is cooked through.
- Bake the hand pies in a preheated oven until the crust is golden brown and the filling is cooked through.
Forget the sweet stuff! Pie crust is far more versatile than you might think. While it’s a classic for apple pies and pumpkin tarts, it’s also a delicious and surprisingly adaptable ingredient for a wide range of savory dishes. This blog post will explore the exciting world of using pie crust for dinner, showing you how to transform this simple ingredient into creative and flavorful meals.
Beyond the Basics: Thinking Outside the Pie Tin
The beauty of pie crust lies in its simplicity. Made with just a few basic ingredients, it’s a blank canvas for endless culinary possibilities. Instead of limiting yourself to traditional pie shapes, think about the ways you can use pie crust to create unique and interesting dishes.
Savory Galettes: A Rustic Delight
Galettes are a fantastic way to showcase seasonal ingredients. Think of them as free-form pies, where the crust is folded over the filling, creating a rustic and charming presentation.
Here’s how to make a savory galette:
1. Choose your filling: Consider vegetables like roasted root vegetables, sauteed mushrooms, or spinach with cheese. You can also use meats like shredded chicken or ground beef.
2. Roll out your crust: Roll the dough into a large circle, about 1/8 inch thick.
3. Assemble the galette: Place your filling in the center of the crust, leaving a border of about 2 inches. Fold the edges of the crust over the filling, overlapping as you go.
4. Bake until golden: Bake the galette in a preheated oven until the crust is golden brown and the filling is cooked through.
Hand Pies: A Portable Treat
Hand pies are perfect for potlucks, picnics, or even a quick and easy lunch. They’re essentially mini pies that are easy to eat on the go.
Here’s how to make hand pies:
1. Cut out circles: Use a cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circles from your pie crust.
2. Fill and fold: Place a spoonful of your favorite filling in the center of each circle. Fold the crust in half and crimp the edges to seal.
3. Bake until golden: Bake the hand pies in a preheated oven until the crust is golden brown and the filling is cooked through.
Tartlets: Elegant Appetizers
Tartlets are small, individual pies that are perfect for appetizers or even a light lunch. They can be filled with savory ingredients like cheese, vegetables, or even a creamy egg custard.
Here’s how to make tartlets:
1. Press into tartlet pans: Press the pie crust into individual tartlet pans, making sure to trim any excess dough.
2. Blind bake the crust: Bake the tartlet shells in a preheated oven until they are golden brown and set.
3. Fill and bake again: Fill the baked tartlet shells with your desired filling and bake again until the filling is cooked through.
Beyond the Traditional: Creative Pie Crust Applications
The possibilities for using pie crust in savory dishes are truly endless. Here are a few more creative ideas to inspire your culinary adventures:
- Pie Crust Bowls: Bake pie crust in oven-safe bowls to create edible bowls for soups, stews, or even salads.
- Pie Crust Pizza: Use pie crust as the base for a delicious and unique pizza.
- Pie Crust Breadsticks: Cut pie crust into strips and bake them until golden brown for a tasty and easy appetizer.
- Pie Crust Quiche: Use pie crust as the base for a classic quiche.
- Pie Crust Empanadas: Fill pie crust with savory fillings and bake or fry them for a flavorful and satisfying snack.
Tips for Success: Making the Most of Your Pie Crust
- Don’t overwork the dough: Overworking the dough will result in a tough crust.
- Chill the dough: Chilling the dough before rolling it out will help to prevent it from becoming too soft and sticky.
- Use a good quality butter: The quality of the butter will affect the flavor and texture of the crust.
- Don’t overbake the crust: Overbaking the crust will result in a dry and crumbly crust.
The Final Bite: A Culinary Journey Beyond Sweetness
Using pie crust for dinner opens a world of culinary possibilities. From savory galettes to hand pies and beyond, your dinner table will be filled with delicious and creative dishes. Embrace the versatility of pie crust, experiment with different flavors and fillings, and discover the joy of using this simple ingredient to create incredible culinary experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I freeze leftover pie crust?
A: Absolutely! Wrap the leftover pie crust tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using.
Q: What are some good filling ideas for savory pie crust?
A: The possibilities are endless! Consider using vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or spinach. You can also use meats like chicken, beef, or sausage. And don’t forget about cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or goat cheese.
Q: Can I use store-bought pie crust?
A: Absolutely! Store-bought pie crust is a great time-saving option. Just be sure to follow the instructions on the package.
Q: What are some tips for getting a flaky pie crust?
A: Use cold butter and water, and don’t overwork the dough. Also, make sure to chill the dough before rolling it out.
