Perfecting Homemade Puff Pastry: A Foolproof Method
Perfecting Homemade Puff Pastry: A Foolproof Method
Ingredients:
- 100 grams unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 500 grams all-purpose flour
- 200 ml water
- 250 grams ghee (clarified butter)
Method:
Prepare the Butter Layer:
Combine the unsalted butter with salt, beating until smooth.
Incorporate 100 grams of flour into the butter mixture, stirring until well combined. Set aside.
Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, place the remaining 400 grams of flour.
Gradually add water to the flour, mixing with a spatula until a dough begins to form.
Knead the dough with your hands until smooth and elastic.
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest for 15-30 minutes.
Assembly:
After resting, knead the dough again for about 3 minutes.
Divide the dough into 4 equal portions.
Divide the ghee into 4 portions as well.
Encase each portion of ghee with one portion of dough, rolling each into a rectangle about 40 x 12 cm.
Roll each rectangle tightly into a log shape and let them rest for 10 minutes.
Layering:
Roll out each log into a rectangle approximately 35 x 10 cm.
Fold each rectangle into four layers.
Wrap each folded dough piece in plastic wrap and chill as needed. The pastry can be used immediately or stored in the freezer.
Baking:
Once prepared and chilled, use your puff pastry for both sweet and savory applications.