Crafting Delia Smith Shortcrust Pastry is effortless with plain flour, a pinch of salt, cubed butter, and cold water. In just 20 minutes, create a delectable pastry, versatile for various dishes. This recipe serves 6, offering simplicity and richness in every bite.
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🤎 Why You’ll Love This Shortcrust Pastry Recipe:
- Easy Preparation: Delia Smith’s shortcrust pastry recipe is beginner-friendly, making it simple for anyone to try.
- Minimal Ingredients: With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a delicious and versatile pastry.
- Consistent Results: This recipe ensures a consistently flaky and golden crust every time you bake.
❓ What Is Delia Smith Shortcrust Pastry Recipe?
Delia Smith Shortcrust Pastry, a blend of plain flour, a pinch of salt,cubed butter, and tbsp cold water. Customize with vanilla, citrus, nuts, herbs, or cheese for a delightful fusion.

🧈 Delia Smith Shortcrust Pastry Ingredients
- 175g/6oz plain flour
- pinch salt
- 85g/3oz butter, cubed
- 2–3 tbsp cold water
🥯 How To Make Delia Smith Shortcrust Pastry
- Add unique tastes by mixing in a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of citrus zest for a delightful flavor fusion.
- Elevate texture by incorporating finely chopped nuts like almonds or pecans into the dough.
- Infuse freshness with finely chopped herbs like thyme or rosemary, giving your pastry a savory charm.
- For a savory kick, blend in grated parmesan or cheddar, bringing a rich and cheesy depth to your crust.
- Add warmth with a pinch of nutmeg or a touch of cardamom, creating a captivating pastry experience.
💭 Recipe Tips:
- Flavor Experimentation: Feel free to explore various flavor additions like herbs, spices, or cheese for a unique twist.
- Nut Incorporation: For added crunch and flavor, finely chop nuts and evenly distribute them in the dough.
- Herb Infusion: Infuse a burst of freshness by incorporating finely chopped herbs like thyme or rosemary.

🥧 What To Serve With Shortcrust Pastry:
You can store Shortcrust Pastry with Fruit Tarts, Quiches, Pot Pies, Custard Tarts, Sausage Rolls ,Creamy chicken, Vegetable mixtures.
🎚 How To Store Leftovers Shortcrust Pastry:
- In the fridge: Leftovers Shortcrust Pastry is best to store in an airtight container for 3 days.
- In the freezer: Leftovers Shortcrust Pastry can be secure wrapping, up to 3 months.
FAQ’S
Can I Customize The Thickness Of The Pastry?
Yes, you have control over the thickness of the pastry roll it out according to your preference, whether you prefer a thin or thicker crust.
Can I Add Sugar To Make A Sweetened Crust?
While this recipe is for a basic shortcrust pastry, you can add a small amount of sugar if you prefer a sweetened crust.
How To Avoid A Tough Pastry Crust?
To avoid a tough crust, handle the dough gently, avoid overmixing, and ensure the butter is cold to maintain a tender and flaky pastry.
How Can I Prevent The Pastry From Sticking To The Rolling Pin?
Lightly flour the rolling pin and work surface to prevent sticking while rolling out the pastry.
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Delia Smith Shortcrust Pastry Nutrition Fact:
- Calories: 159
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 31mg
- Sodium: 170mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 12g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Total Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Calcium: 6mg
- Iron: 1mg
- Potassium: 20mg

Delia Smith Shortcrust Pastry
Description
Crafting Delia Smith Shortcrust Pastry is effortless with plain flour, a pinch of salt, cubed butter, and cold water. In just 20 minutes, create a delectable pastry, versatile for various dishes. This recipe serves 6, offering simplicity and richness in every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add unique tastes by mixing in a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of citrus zest for a delightful flavor fusion.
- Elevate texture by incorporating finely chopped nuts like almonds or pecans into the dough.
- Infuse freshness with finely chopped herbs like thyme or rosemary, giving your pastry a savory charm.
- For a savory kick, blend in grated parmesan or cheddar, bringing a rich and cheesy depth to your crust.
- Add warmth with a pinch of nutmeg or a touch of cardamom, creating a captivating pastry experience.
Notes
- Flavor Experimentation: Feel free to explore various flavor additions like herbs, spices, or cheese for a unique twist.
Nut Incorporation: For added crunch and flavor, finely chop nuts and evenly distribute them in the dough.
Herb Infusion: Infuse a burst of freshness by incorporating finely chopped herbs like thyme or rosemary.