The Delicious World of Galette

Hey, Lykkers! Have you ever tried making a galette at home? Today, we're diving into the delightful history and simplicity of this French classic, along with an easy recipe that'll fill your kitchen with the comforting aroma of fresh pastry.

Origin of the Galette

Galettes come from France, where they originally started as a rustic, open-faced pastry filled with fruits, vegetables, or savory ingredients. Unlike a typical pie, a galette doesn't require a pan or special mold; it's a free-form tart that's simply folded around the edges to keep the filling in place.

This French tradition began in Brittany, a region known for its delicious buckwheat pancakes, which are also called "galettes." Over time, the fruit-filled dessert galette gained popularity, especially as it allowed home bakers to craft a beautiful pastry without much fuss. Today, the galette is a symbol of simplicity and elegance in French cooking, perfect for any occasion.

Simple Galette Recipe for Home

Let's bring a bit of France to our kitchens! We're making a simple fruit galette, and you won't believe how easy it is. With just a few ingredients, we can have a crispy, golden crust filled with juicy fruit. Here's how:

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

¼ cup ice water

1 tbsp sugar (optional, for a sweet dough)

A pinch of salt

2 cups of fruit (like apples, berries, or peaches), sliced

2 tbsp sugar (for the fruit filling)

1 tbsp cornstarch (to prevent a soggy bottom)

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Steps:

Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar (if using). Add the cold butter and mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water and mix until the dough just holds together. Shape it into a disc, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.

Prepare the Fruit Filling: In another bowl, combine your choice of fruit, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Toss gently to coat the fruit evenly.

Roll and Shape: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle on a floured surface. Transfer it to a baking sheet.

Assemble the Galette: Place the fruit filling in the center of the dough, leaving about a 2-inch border. Fold the edges over the fruit, pleating as you go.

Egg Wash and Bake: Brush the folded edges with beaten egg for a golden finish. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the crust is golden and the fruit is bubbling.

Cool and Serve: Let the galette cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm, ideally with a scoop of ice cream!

Why We Love Galette

One of the best things about a galette is its versatility. We can fill it with apples in the fall, berries in summer, or savory vegetables for a unique dinner option. The rustic edges and golden, crispy crust give the galette a unique charm that's irresistible.