How to Bake Sweet and Savory Galettes

Galettes are the quintessential rustic French pastry, celebrated for their versatility and simplicity. The beauty of galettes lies in their unpretentious nature. Unlike pies, which require intricate techniques and sometimes complicated pastry dough, galettes are forgiving and forgiving, making them the perfect choice for both novice and experienced bakers. The best part? They can be filled with an array of ingredients, from sweet fruits to savory vegetables and meats, making them an excellent choice for any occasion.

In this article, we'll dive into the process of baking both sweet and savory galettes, examining the key ingredients, tips for success, and detailed instructions on how to achieve a golden, crispy crust that envelopes a delicious filling. Whether you're making a fresh fruit galette for dessert or a savory galette for a hearty lunch or dinner, you will learn the techniques that turn a simple dish into something special.

Understanding Galettes: A Brief Introduction

A galette is a free-form, flat, round pastry. In its simplest form, it's a type of French pastry that's usually made with a buttery, flaky dough. The term "galette" can refer to a variety of baked goods, but in this context, we are referring to the rustic, open-faced tarts that are either sweet or savory. The dough for a galette can be made from scratch or bought pre-made, but the heart of the dish is in the filling. Unlike pies, galettes are not encased in a pan. Instead, they are folded over the edges of the filling, creating a rustic and charming look that doesn't need to be perfect.

There are two main types of galettes: sweet and savory. A sweet galette typically features fruits like apples, berries, or peaches, often with a touch of sugar or spice. A savory galette, on the other hand, might be filled with vegetables like squash, tomatoes, and spinach, or meats like chicken or bacon.

Essential Ingredients for Galettes

Before jumping into the process of making galettes, it's important to understand the key ingredients that go into both the dough and the filling. The essential ingredients are relatively simple and can be easily found at most grocery stores.

For the Dough

The dough for both sweet and savory galettes is similar and is based on the basic principles of making pie dough. It's made with:

• Flour: All-purpose flour works best for galette dough, creating a light and flaky texture.
• Butter: Cold unsalted butter is essential for creating a tender, flaky dough. The butter should be cut into small cubes and kept cold to prevent it from melting prematurely during mixing.
• Water: Ice-cold water helps bring the dough together without activating the gluten too much, which could make it tough.
• Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavor of the dough.
• Sugar (optional): For sweet galettes, sugar can be added to the dough to give it a slightly sweet flavor. This is especially useful if you're filling the galette with fruit.

For the Sweet Fillings

The filling of a sweet galette typically features fruits, sometimes combined with sweeteners and spices to create a well-balanced and flavorful dessert. Common fruits include:

• Apples
• Berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries)
• Peaches
• Pears
• Plums

Additionally, for extra flavor, you might include ingredients like:

• Sugar: Granulated or brown sugar can be used to sweeten the fruit filling.
• Cinnamon or Nutmeg: These spices pair wonderfully with fruits like apples and pears.
• Lemon Juice: A dash of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavor of the fruit.
• Cornstarch: Helps to thicken the filling, especially with juicier fruits like berries or peaches.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a layer of fragrance and sweetness.

For the Savory Fillings

A savory galette can include a wide variety of vegetables, meats, cheeses, and herbs. Some common ingredients include:

• Vegetables: Root vegetables (like sweet potatoes or carrots), squash, mushrooms, spinach, and tomatoes.
• Cheese: Soft cheeses like goat cheese or ricotta, or hard cheeses like cheddar or Parmesan.
• Herbs and Spices: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, basil, and oregano work particularly well in savory galettes.
• Egg: Sometimes an egg is cracked in the center of a savory galette to create a delicious baked egg filling.
• Meats: Bacon, ham, or sausage are excellent savory filling options.
• Olive Oil or Butter: To sauté vegetables or lightly coat the filling.

Steps to Make a Galette

Now that we have an understanding of the essential ingredients, let's go step-by-step through the process of making both sweet and savory galettes.

Step 1: Make the Dough

The first step in any galette recipe is to prepare the dough. This is the base of the pastry and is what gives it that delicate, flaky texture.

1. Mix the dry ingredients: Combine the flour, salt, and sugar (if using) in a large mixing bowl.
2. Cut the butter into the flour: Use a pastry cutter or two knives to cut the cold, cubed butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. It's important that the butter remains in small chunks---this will create the flaky texture when the dough bakes.
3. Add the water: Slowly drizzle in the ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, stirring gently after each addition. Stop when the dough just begins to come together. Avoid overworking the dough to keep it tender.
4. Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps prevent the butter from melting, which is key for a flaky crust.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

While the dough chills, you can prepare your filling. The process will depend on whether you're making a sweet or savory galette.

For a Sweet Galette:

1. Prepare the fruit: Slice your fruit and remove any pits or seeds. If you're using apples or pears, make sure to peel them if you prefer.
2. Season the fruit: Toss the fruit with sugar, spices, and lemon juice to enhance the flavors. If your fruit is particularly juicy, add a tablespoon of cornstarch to help thicken the filling.
3. Set aside: Once the fruit is prepared, set it aside to allow the flavors to meld.

For a Savory Galette:

1. Prepare the vegetables and/or meat: Slice or chop the vegetables and cook them slightly if necessary (for example, sauté spinach or caramelize onions).
2. Season: Add your herbs, salt, and pepper to the mixture, adjusting the seasoning to taste. If using cheese, set it aside to be added later.
3. Prepare an egg (optional): For some savory galettes, a raw egg can be cracked in the center before baking to create a rich, runny filling.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

1. Flour your work surface: Lightly dust your countertop with flour and roll out your chilled dough into a rough 12-inch circle. Don't worry about perfection---the rustic, uneven edges are part of the charm of a galette.
2. Transfer the dough: Carefully transfer the dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza stone.

Step 4: Assemble the Galette

1. Add the filling: For a sweet galette, spread the fruit filling evenly across the center, leaving about 2-3 inches of space around the edges. For a savory galette, spread your vegetable, cheese, and/or meat mixture in the center.
2. Fold the edges: Gently fold the edges of the dough over the filling, overlapping slightly as you go around the galette. Don't worry if it looks a little uneven---this adds to the rustic appeal.
3. Brush with egg wash: For a golden, shiny crust, brush the exposed dough with an egg wash (one beaten egg mixed with a tablespoon of water). This is especially important for savory galettes.

Step 5: Bake the Galette

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat ensures a crisp and flaky crust.
2. Bake the galette: Place the galette in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crisp and the filling is bubbling and cooked through. If making a savory galette with an egg, check for doneness by making sure the egg is cooked to your desired level of firmness.
3. Cool before serving: Let the galette cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the filling to set and make it easier to cut.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your galette warm or at room temperature. A sweet galette is perfect with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, while a savory galette can be paired with a light salad or a dollop of sour cream.

Tips for Success

• Use cold ingredients: The key to a flaky galette dough is keeping the butter and water cold.
• Don't overfill: Galettes are meant to have a rustic appearance, but overstuffing can cause the filling to spill out during baking.
• Experiment with flavors: Galettes are versatile, so don't hesitate to try different combinations of sweet or savory ingredients.
• Try different crusts: While traditional galette crust is buttery and flaky, you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free versions if desired.

Conclusion

Galettes are a fantastic and versatile way to enjoy both sweet and savory pies. They're simple to make, easy to customize, and can be adapted to suit any occasion or dietary preference. With a flaky crust and a variety of delicious fillings, galettes are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Happy baking!

View Product