Blind baking:
For blind baking, line the shortcrust pastry-lined tart mold with a piece of parchment paper, then fill it with dried lentils or beans.
This helps prevent the sides of the tart from sliding down during baking and keeps the bottom in place instead of puffing up and leaving a gap between the tart mold and the pastry.
There are also ceramic baking beans, which are small, bean-shaped ceramic balls that can be used over and over.
Available in well-stocked kitchen supply stores.