The proof is in the pie! Whether it has a soggy bottom, burnt crust or watery filling, avoid common mistakes with our handy tips to cooking the perfect pie.
1. Soggy bottom
Looks like you have missed the crucial step… blind baking! Blind baking is essential for the success of a pie. It helps seal the surface and keepsthe pastry nice crisp. To blind bake, simply prick your uncooked pastry with a fork to release any air pockets. Next, line the base of the pasty with baking paper, weigh it down with uncooked rice or ceramic baking weights and bake for around10 minutes. Remove the weights and baking paper and cook until the pastry is golden.
2. Watery filling
Water can be released from your pie filling while cooking in the oven. To avoid turning your pie into a sloppy mess, add flour to the filling or addsome nuts to thicken it up, like in our Chicken and Leek Pie. This will help to absorb any excess water while it’s cooking and will keep the pastry crispy.
3. Burnt crust
The best place to cook your pie is on the bottom rack to ensure the base gets nice and brown and the top doesn’t burn.
4. The pale pie
Is your pie looking a little pale? This can be easily avoided by brushing a thin layer of egg wash on the crust. It will also give your pie a golden appearance and will even add a bit of gloss for that professional look!
5. Flavour fix
Be bold with your flavours and enhance your filling by seasoning it with salt,pepper and your choice of herbs and spices, like in ourCrunchy Fish Pie. Don’t forget to taste as you go to make sure it has the right balance of flavours.
6. Sunken situation
Take the time to chill the dough before you move on to thenext stage.You can even keepyour prepared pie pastry into the freezer for 15 minutes before you place it in the oven.You must also remember to keep the butter cold.Not only will it keep the pie pastry crispy and flaky, but it will give it a beautiful dome shape.
7. Bubble, bubble, toil and trouble
Does your pie suffer a bit of bubble trouble? To prevent air pockets forming under the crust during cooking, slice the ingredients in your pie filling very finely and stack them closely together.
Put your knowledge to the test with our tastypie and tart recipe collection.
Photo Credit: BestRecipesTeam
