1 cup + 2 Tbsp flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar (optional)
8 Tbsp (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
3 Tbsp ice water

Place the flour, salt, and sugar in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse to combine. Add the butter and turn on the food processor until the butter is cut into the dry ingredients, about 10 seconds. The mixture will resemble cornmeal. Add the ice water, and process until the dough just starts to form a ball.

Turn onto a lightly floured surface. Using the palm of your hand, smear the dough in small clumps, about the size of an egg, across the surface. This is called frissage. You can skip this step, but the crust might not be quite as flaky.

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 mins in the refrigerator, before rolling out. (If you are short on time, you can chill in the freezer for 10 minutes.)

Use as directed in recipe.

Makes one 9- or 10-inch crust