Baking blind?

[Ikeameatballs]

Hi,

I'm making a pie for a party this afternoon. I'm using ready roll short crust pastry and the filling will be leek, asparagus, pea, feta and creme fraiche. Do I need to bake the inner blind? I have no baking beans so if I do need to do this what can I use?

Thanks!

I would as it seals the pastry and prevents a "Soggy bottom". If you don't have baking beans, screw up greaseproof paper that has been cut a little bigger than the inside of your pastry (stops it sticking to the pastry) and then cover it with raw rice. It's just something to weigh it down and stop the pastry rising. HTH :)