Tender dough with potatoes

Delicious Potato Shortcrust Pastry Recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Resting time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8

If you are looking for a simple and quick recipe that brings a touch of innovation to your kitchen, potato shortcrust pastry is the perfect choice. This pastry is not only delicious but also versatile, ideal for making pies, tarts, or even savory appetizers. Here’s how to achieve the perfect pastry, step by step.

Main ingredients:
- 500 g potatoes (preferably starchy potatoes)
- 250 g flour
- 125 g butter (at room temperature)
- 1 egg (for brushing)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (optional, for a fluffier texture)

To make this pastry, it is important to choose quality potatoes that are starchy and free of blemishes. Red or white potatoes are ideal for this recipe.

1. Preparing the potatoes: Start by peeling the potatoes and cutting them into cubes. Boil them in salted water for 15-20 minutes until they are soft. Check with a fork if they are ready. After boiling, drain them well and mash until you get a smooth puree. Let the puree cool slightly.

2. Preparing the pastry: In a large bowl, combine the potato puree with the soft butter, mixing well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing with a spatula or your hands until all ingredients are incorporated. If you want a fluffier pastry, add the baking powder.

3. Resting the pastry: After obtaining an elastic dough, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes at room temperature. This step is essential to allow the gluten to relax, which will facilitate rolling out the pastry.

4. Rolling out the pastry: After resting, divide the dough into smaller pieces, depending on the size of the tarts or pies you wish to prepare. Use a rolling pin to roll out each piece of dough on a floured surface to a thickness of about 5 mm.

5. Brushing and sprinkling: Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush each piece of dough with the beaten egg. This step will give a beautiful, shiny color to the crust during baking. You can sprinkle sesame seeds or cumin on top for added flavor.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the pieces of dough on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden and crispy.

Serving suggestions: This potato shortcrust pastry can be filled with various combinations, from cheese and spinach to minced meat or vegetables. It is perfect for gatherings with friends or for a festive meal. You can serve the pies warm, alongside a fresh salad or yogurt sauces.

Possible variations: You can experiment with different types of cheese in the fillings or add herbs to the dough for a more intense flavor. Additionally, by replacing some of the flour with whole grain flour, you will achieve a healthier pastry.

With this potato shortcrust pastry recipe, you will impress any guest, offering them a rustic yet sophisticated dish. Don’t forget to enjoy the cooking process and let your creativity shine!

 Ingredients: 500 g flour, 400 g mashed potatoes, 2 eggs, 250 g butter/margarine, salt to taste, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and cheese (cumin, sesame, salt, poppy seeds, and anything else you desire) for topping.