Deliciously Flaky Pasta Frola: A Perfect Shortcrust Pie Recipe

Introduction

Pasta frola is a delectable shortcrust pie that originated in Italy and became a cherished dessert in various Latin American countries. Its buttery, crumbly pastry and luscious fruit filling make it a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this pasta frola recipe will guide you through creating a sensational dessert that will impress family and friends.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to create this mouthwatering pasta frola:

Pastry:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Zest of 1 lemon

Filling:
– 1 1/2 cups of your favorite jam or fruit preserves
– 1/2 cup of fresh fruit, such as quince, peach, or pear, cut into small pieces
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Directions

Follow these steps to create a perfect pasta frola:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch pie dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt for the pastry.
3. Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture and use a pastry cutter or fork to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg with the vanilla extract and lemon zest. Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture and gently combine until the dough comes together.
5. Divide the dough in half. Take one half and press it into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared pie dish to form the crust.
6. Spread the jam or preserves over the pastry crust, then scatter the fresh fruit pieces on top. Sprinkle the granulated sugar over the fruit.
7. Using the remaining half of the dough, roll it out on a lightly floured surface, then cut it into strips to create a lattice pattern on top of the fruit filling.
8. Place the pie dish on a baking sheet to catch any drips, and then bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and the fruit is bubbling.
9. Allow the pasta frola to cool slightly before serving. It can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

FAQ

Q: Can I use any type of fruit for the filling?
A: Yes, you can choose any fruit preserves and fresh fruit that you prefer. Traditional pasta frola recipes use quince or guava paste, but you can experiment with various fruit combinations to suit your taste.

Q: Can I make the pastry ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the pastry ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days, or freeze it for up to a month. Just be sure to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling it out.

Q: Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative?
A: Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute. Keep in mind that the texture of the pastry may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.

Now that you have the recipe for this delightful pasta frola, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and create a dessert that will surely be a hit with everyone!