Savory German Pastry Dough (Muerbeteig)

Instructions

1. Step 1

   Gather the ingredients.

2. Step 2

   Sift the flour into a mound on a work surface and make a well in the middle. Place the egg and salt in the well and small pieces of butter around the rim.

3. Step 3

   Using cold hands, mix carefully and quickly from outside to the inside of the flour, incorporating the butter and egg as you go.

4. Step 4

   When the ingredients are clumping up, add a bit of water until you can gather the dough into a smooth ball.

5. Step 5

   Wrap the ball in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours.

6. Step 6

   Preheat oven to 350 to 390 F/180 to 200 C.

7. Step 7

   Roll out the dough on a lightly floured board and use it to line pastry or pie tins. Prick with a fork if they are being pre-baked.

8. Step 8

   If the pastry has a top crust, make sure you cut a hole or small slits to let steam escape.

9. Step 9

   You can brush the dough with a little egg yolk mixed with water for a glaze.

10. Step 10

    Bake pie shell or pastries for 20 minutes, or until crust is light brown.

11. Step 11

    Serve and enjoy!