Pasta Frolla (Italian Sweet Shortcrust Pastry)

Basic pasta frolla, used to make a crostata. Photo by Giulia Scarpaleggia

This is the basic recipe for pasta frolla that I learned from my mum years ago. She would use it to make crostate or biscotti, and I often do the same, finding comfort in following a reliable path. You’ll need to make it at least a few hours in advance, or the day before you plan to use it, to give it time to rest.

Makes enough for one 10-inch tart

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup sugar
• Pinch of salt
• Zest of 1 organic lemon
• 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon (1 1/8 stick) softened but cold butter, cubed
• 1 egg plus 1 egg yolk, beaten together

In a large bowl or on a wooden board, mix together the flour, sugar, salt, and grated lemon zest. Add the cubed butter and use your fingertips to rub it into the other ingredients, until they form fine crumbs, similar to grated Parmigiano Reggiano. You can also use a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment to do this.