Phyllo Dough

Freshly made phyllo dough (also spelled "filo") is always preferable, and it isn't difficult. Use a pasta machine to make sheets of thin to thick dough to use for pitas and pastries. The alternative, rolling it out with a rolling pin, takes time and experience to master (see below for special instructions). This dough is ideal for small fried and baked pies, as well as pan-sized pie crusts.

phyllo dough

INGREDIENTS

•             8 cups of all-purpose flour

•             2 teaspoons of white vinegar

•             2 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil

•             juice of 1 lemon

•             1 1/4 - 1 1/3 cups of hot water

•             flour for work surface and hands

Description:

Note: The key to the recipe is hot water. Use hottest tap water.

To roll out with a pasta machine:

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix by hand until it holds together. On a floured surface, knead by hand for 15-20 minutes until soft and malleable, with a smooth feel. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight before using.

To make phyllo sheets for pastries, run it through the pasta machine (with settings from 1-10, with 1 being the thickest), gradually working it down to setting mark 9 on your machine.

For phyllo sheets to make small fried pitas, use setting number 6.

Unused phyllo can be kept in the refrigerator, in air-tight wrapping, for up to 10 days after making.

Yield: approximately 3 pounds

To roll out with a rolling pin: (about 18-20 large thin sheets to fit a 16 X 13-inch or equivalent pan).

Add 6 cups of flour to a large bowl (the remaining 2 cups will be used when rolling out the dough). Make a well in the center and add water (start with 1 cup) and vinegar. Combine with a fork. Add the olive oil and continue mixing, adding more water if needed to make a soft dough.

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead by hand, oiling hands if needed, until the dough is soft, malleable, and smooth, about 10 minutes.