Substitute for baking beans - any ideas?

[Jinwin]

I really want some of those ceramic baking beans to hold down the pastry when blind baking it for a pie but I can't afford them.

Any ideas for a cheap/free substitute? The only thing I thought of was nicking some smooth beach pebbles next time I'm down at the seaside and giving them a really good wash. Mind you, I can't afford to go the beach either...

Any thoughts?

[bonniethomas06]

Jinwin - you can use anything. I used rice the last time - then just keep it in a bag to use the next time.

I am sure dried chickpeas, lentils or most other inert dried pulses would work too.

[becks77]

Yes, rice works well instead

[Jinwin]

Thanks everyone, I'll try those ideas out.

I did actually use lentils or something once before and they sort of sunk into the pastry a bit and I had to dig them out. I'll give it another go, maybe there was something wrong with my pastry.

[bonniethomas06]

Should have said - use greaseproof paper in between the rice and the pastry!

[JillStephens7]

If you haven't got any dried beans to hand I have used teaspoons in the past which has also worked fine - just remember they'll be hot when you take it out of the oven

[Jinwin]

Should have said - use greaseproof paper in between the rice and the pastry!

Aha! Thanks

[jampot]

duuno about pebbles might they not crack or explode in the oven ?? i use 1p coins from my penny jar they heat up and weigh the pastry down nicely so it cooks quicker

[hmk]

scraps of tin foil, screwed up. My mum reused the same 'snakes' of foil for years, I seem to remember.

Hazel

[loulou]

dry rice here, I just stick it in a jar to use over and over

[indy]

I have used dried pasta in an emergency and it worked well