Whole Wheat Pastry Crust Recipes

BASIC 100% WHOLE WHEAT PIE CRUST

Steps:

• Mix 3/4 cup flour, gluten, and salt together in a bowl. Cut shortening into flour mixture using a pastry blender until mixture is crumbly. Mix 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon water into the flour mixture using your hands until dough easily forms a ball; add more water if needed.
• Flatten dough into a pancake-like shape on a floured surface; sprinkle top of dough liberally with about 1 tablespoon flour. Roll dough, using a rolling pin, into a thin pie crust about 1-inch larger than your pie pan. Roll the crust onto the rolling pin and transfer to the pie pan.

WHOLE WHEAT YEASTED OLIVE OIL PASTRY

Steps:

• Dissolve the yeast in 1/2 cup lukewarm water, add the sugar, and allow to sit until the mixture is creamy, about 5 minutes. Beat in the egg and the olive oil. Combine the flours and salt, and stir into the yeast mixture. You can use a bowl and wooden spoon for this, or a mixer - combine the ingredients using the paddle. Work the dough until it comes together in a coherent mass, adding flour as necessary. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead gently for a few minutes, adding flour as necessary, just until the dough is smooth - do not overwork it. Shape into a ball. Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap, and allow to rise in a draft-free spot until doubled in size, about one hour.
• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, gently knead a couple of times, and cut into two equal pieces (or as directed in each of this week's recipes). Shape each piece into a ball without kneading it. Cover the dough loosely with plastic wrap, and let rest for five minutes. Then roll out into thin rounds, as directed in each recipe, and line pans. If not using right away, freeze the dough to prevent it from rising and becoming too bready. The dough can be transferred directly from the freezer to the oven.

WHOLE WHEAT MEDITERRANEAN PIE CRUST

Steps:

• In a large bowl or in the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the paddle or a food processor fitted with the steel blade, combine the flours and salt and mix together. If using a bowl, make a well in the center, add the olive oil and mix in with a fork. If using a mixer or food processor, turn on and add the olive oil. When it is evenly distributed through the flour combine the water and vinegar or lemon juice and add it to the flour mixture with the machine running. The dough should come together in a ball.
• Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured work surface, flour your hands and work the dough just until smooth and easy to shape into a ball. Do not overwork it or you will develop the gluten in the flour and the dough will be tough. Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a ball and press into a 1/2-inch thick circle. Wrap in plastic and let rest for 1 hour.
• Roll out the dough as needed for savory tarts, dusting your work surface and the top of the dough with flour to prevent it from sticking. Pre-bake and bake as directed in recipes calling for the crust.

WHOLE WHEAT PASTRY CRUST

Steps:

• Combine flour, salt and wheat germ in bowl.
• Cut in butter until mixture is crumbly.
• Add egg yolk and water, stirring until mixture forms a ball.
• Wrap in waxed paper or plastic wrap; chill for 30 minutes to 24 hours before using.

WHOLE WHEAT PASTRY DOUGH

Steps:

• Whisk together the flours, flaxseed meal and salt. Use a fork or pastry blender to cut in 1/3 cup vegetable shortening to the texture of a fine meal. Cut in the remaining 1/3 cup shortening to larger pieces, about the size of small peas. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons ice water over the mixture and gently combine with a fork or a wooden spoon. Sprinkle another 3 to 4 tablespoons ice water and bring together gently in a ball. Wrap in wax paper and chill until use. When ready to use, roll one disk out to a 1/2-inch thickness and place into desired pie plate.

WHOLE WHEAT TART CRUST

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Place margarine in a stainless steel mixing bowl. Mix using an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment on low speed until slightly soft. Pour in flour and salt; continue to mix at low speed to combine. Pour in ice water gradually until a dough forms.
• Divide dough in half. Wrap one portion of dough in plastic and refrigerate for later use. Roll out the other portion of dough on a lightly floured surface with a lightly floured rolling pin. Mold into a 9-inch tart pan. Prick dough base evenly with a fork.
• Bake in the preheated oven until crust is lightly browned, 10 to 15 minutes.