What are the primary ingredients in a pie crust?

The primary ingredients in a traditional pie crust consist of flour, shortening, water, and salt. Flour serves as the base, providing structure and stability to the crust. Shortening, which can be lard or vegetable shortening, is used to create a tender and flaky texture through the process of blending it into the flour, which helps to create layers in the crust as it bakes. Water is added to bind the ingredients together, allowing the dough to hold its shape, while salt enhances the flavor of the crust. This combination is fundamental to achieving the desired consistency and taste for a pie crust, making it the correct selection.

The other combinations do not correctly represent traditional pie crust ingredients; for instance, including baking powder or sugar without the correct fat source would not yield the desired texture and functionality for a pie crust.