Vegan Pie Crust

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Combine flour and salt in a large bowl or food processor. Cut in cold shortening using a pastry blender, two knives or by pulsing in the food processor until pebble-size pieces form. Add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough is evenly moist (but not wet) and is just starting to clump together.

Pat the dough into a 5-inch disk. Lightly flour a large sheet of plastic wrap, place the dough in the center and wrap it up. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 2 days. Remove from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before rolling out.

Roll the dough into a 12-inch round between two pieces of parchment paper. Remove the top sheet; gently invert the dough into a 9-inch pie pan (not deep-dish). Remove the second sheet of parchment. Trim the dough to an even overhang all the way around. Patch any cracks with the extra dough. Fold the dough under to form a double layer of crust around the edge. Crimp the edges. Prick the crust with a fork several times; line with parchment paper and add enough pie weights, dried beans or uncooked rice to cover the bottom.

Bake until the crust is barely golden brown on the edges, 15 to 20 minutes.