Making this rustic deep dish blueberry pie is like inviting a warm hug from your oven. Start by tackling the crust since it needs a little chill time before rolling out. Grab your cold, cubed unsalted butter about 1 cup and toss it into a bowl with roughly 2 1/2 to 3 cups of all-purpose flour, a pinch of salt, and a few tablespoons of granulated sugar for just enough sweetness.
Now, here's the deal: instead of blitzing it all in a food processor (which is tempting, right?), try using your fingertips or a pastry cutter to mix the butter into the flour until it looks like a crumbly mess studded with pea-sized chunks. Keeping the butter cold is key if it starts melting under your fingers, pop the bowl into the fridge for a bit.
Then, drizzle in ice-cold water, about 6 to 8 tablespoons, just enough so the dough starts to clump. Don’t get overzealous here; you want it to hold together when pressed but still be cool and tender. Form the dough into two discs, wrap them up, and let them chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Patience, my friend, pie crust isn't the place to rush.
While the dough is resting, it’s time to prep your star filling. Take around 5 cups of fresh or thawed-and-drained blueberries and toss them in a large bowl with about 3/4 cup sugar (adjust if your berries are super tart), 2 to 3 tablespoons of cornstarch which is like a superhero that thickens the filling plus 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and that optional but oh-so-worth-it teaspoon of lemon zest.
Don’t forget a pinch of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, adding a cozy warmth that makes the whole kitchen smell like fall. Stir everything gently until it’s just combined no squishing those precious berries if you can help it!
Now, back to the chilled dough. Roll out one disc on a floured surface to fit your deep-dish pie pan with some overhang, then gently transfer it to the pan (pro tip: rolling it over the rolling pin helps). Pour in the luscious blueberry mixture, letting those berries nestle in.
Roll out the second dough disc a little bigger than the filling, then drape it over the top. Crimp the edges to seal in those fruity treasures. Feeling fancy? Cut small slits or rustic shapes in the top crust so steam can escape while baking. To create a perfect lattice top, a high-quality Pastry Cutter Wheel will make the task simple and precise.
The final step is baking, the grand reveal. Pop your assembled pie into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 50 to 60 minutes. The crust should turn a beautiful golden brown watch closely towards the end; nobody likes a burnt bottom crust or you can shield the edges with foil if they’re browning too fast.
The filling will bubble joyfully through those slits, promising a sweet, tart burst with every bite. Let the pie cool for a solid couple of hours before slicing; I know, waiting is the hardest part, but this has to set properly so it won’t be a blueberry river on your plate.
When it's finally time, serve yourself a generous wedge, maybe with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and enjoy the perfect mix of flaky, fruity, and just a little bit rustic.