Puff Pastry Recipe

Brief History of Puff Pastry:

Puff pastry recipe, also known as pâte feuilletée, has a rich history that dates back to the 17th century. The origins of puff pastry are often credited to French pastry chef Claude Lorrain, who accidentally created the dough while attempting to make a light and fluffy bread for his father. The technique involves layering butter between the dough and folding it multiple times to create a pastry with hundreds of flaky layers. Today, puff pastry is a beloved ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes worldwide.

Puff Pastry Recipe

Pinklady

Puff pastry, also known as pâte feuilletée, has a rich history that dates back to the 17th century. The origins of puff pastry are often credited to French pastry chef Claude Lorrain, who accidentally created the dough while attempting to make a light and fluffy bread for his father.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Course Snack

Cuisine French

Servings 24 Smaa

Calories 70 kcal

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Rolling Pin
• Pastry brush
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Sharp knife or pastry cutter
• Plastic wrap

Ingredients

  

• 2 1/2 cups (320g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, chilled and diced
• 2/3 cup (160ml) cold water
• 1 tsp lemon juice (optional, for extra puff)

See also  How To Make Feuilletine Flakes

Instructions

 

• Get the dough ready:Flour and salt should be combined in a large mixing dish.
• Mix the flour mixture with the chopped, cooled butter. Until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs, massage the butter into the flour with your fingertips. It's okay to have some bigger butter bits.
• Stir in the lemon juice (if using) and cool water. Mix the dough until it starts to cling together.
• Knead and Chill:

  Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently until it forms a rough ball.Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
• Roll and Fold (First Fold):

  Remove the dough from the refrigerator and place it on a floured surface. Roll it into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.
• Fold the top third of the dough down to the center, then fold the bottom third up over the top, like folding a letter.Turn the dough 90 degrees, so it looks like a book ready to be opened.
• Repeat Rolling and Folding:

  Roll the dough out again into a rectangle and repeat the folding process.Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes. Repeat this rolling, folding, and chilling process two more times, for a total of three folds.
• Final Chill:

  After the final fold, chill the dough for at least 1 hour before using. This step ensures the butter is firm and will create those flaky layers.
• Preheat and Prepare:

  Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.Roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut into desired shapes using a sharp knife or pastry cutter.
• Bake:

  Place the cut dough on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops lightly with water.Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.

Video

Keyword Puff Pastry Recipe

Similar Recipes:

– Palmiers: Sweet or savory puff pastry twists.
– Vol-au-vent: Hollow puff pastry cases filled with savory fillings.
– Napoleon: Layered puff pastry with cream filling.
– Puff Pastry Tarts: Topped with fruit or savory ingredients.
– Pigs in a Blanket: Sausages wrapped in puff pastry.

Frequently Asked Questions About Puff Pastry Recipe:

1. Can I make puff pastry using salted butter?

Sure, but to balance the flavors, cut back on the amount of salt that is added to the dish.

2. How long is homemade puff pastry good for storage?

Puff pastry made from scratch can be frozen for up to two months or refrigerated for up to three days.

3. Why won’t my puff pastry rise?

Make sure the butter doesn’t warm up while you prepare and bake it. The pastry will become less flaky with warm butter.

4. I want to make a sweeter pastry, may I add sugar to the dough?

Yes, if you like a slightly sweeter pastry, you can add a tablespoon of sugar to the dough.

5. What if I don’t have a rolling pin?

A clean wine bottle or similar cylindrical object can be used as a substitute for a rolling pin.

6. Can I use a food processor to make puff pastry?

Yes, but be cautious not to over-process. The butter should remain in small, visible pieces.

7. Can I use store-bought puff pastry for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought puff pastry is a convenient alternative and works well for most recipes.

Conclusion:

Puff pastry is a versatile and delicious base for many recipes. With its light, flaky texture and buttery flavor, it can elevate any dish, from appetizers to desserts. Making puff pastry from scratch can be a bit time-consuming, but the results are well worth the effort. Enjoy your homemade puff pastry in a variety of recipes and impress your family and friends with your baking skills!

YouTube Video Credits:
Preppy Kitchen