-
1
To make by hand, combine the flour, salt, and sugar, if using, in a large bowl.
-
2
Work the butter into the flour with a knife, pastry cutter, or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse meal.
-
3
Sprinkle the ice water onto the crumbly dough and, with your hands, push the dough from the sides to the middle of the bowl to form a ball that holds together.
-
4
Transfer to a work surface.
-
5
Cut the dough in half, place half on top of the other, and press down.
-
6
Repeat the cutting and pressing steps three or four times until all of the water is incorporated into the dough and it clings together.
-
7
On a floured surface, gently flatten the ball of dough with a rolling pin.
-
8
Starting from the center, roll the dough into a circle about an inch larger than the diameter of the pie pan.
-
9
Lift the dough into the pan.
-
10
Fold the edges under and crimp with your fingers or a fork.
-
11
To make in a food processor, cut the butter into 1inch pieces and place them in the bowl of the food processor.
-
12
Add the flour, salt, and sugar.
-
13
Process until all of the ingredients are incorporated.
-
14
With the processor on, add the water a tablespoon at a time until the dough begins to clump but is still crumbly.
-
15
Continue to drizzle a little water and pulse the food processor, stopping to test the dough with your fingertips to see if it is moist enough to hold together.
-
16
When you can gather the dough into a ball, remove it from the processor, place it on a lightly floured surface, and roll out and fit into the pan as above.
