Step 1

Sift 250g strong plain flour and 1 tsp fine sea salt into a large bowl. Roughly break 250g butter into small chunks, add them to the bowl and rub them in loosely. You need to see bits of butter.

Step 2

Make a well in the bowl and pour in about two-thirds of 150ml cold water, mixing until you have a firm rough dough adding extra water if needed.

Step 3

Cover with cling film and leave to rest for 20 mins in the fridge.

Step 4

Turn out onto a lightly floured board, knead gently and form into a smooth rectangle.

Step 5

Roll the dough in one direction only, until 3 times the width, about 20 x 50cm. Keep edges straight and even. Don’t overwork the butter streaks; you should have a marbled effect.

Step 6

Fold the top third down to the centre, then the bottom third up and over that. Give the dough a quarter turn (to the left or right) and roll out again to three times the length.

Step 7

Fold as before, cover with cling film and chill for at least 20 mins before rolling to use.