Blueberry Galette Recipe

Imagine a warm summer evening, the sun setting over a lush garden filled with vibrant blueberries. The air is filled with the sweet aroma of freshly baked pastry, and the first bite of your Blueberry Galette transports you to a world of rustic charm and delightful flavors. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving something deliciously homemade. The combination of fresh blueberries, lemon zest, and a hint of sugar creates a symphony of sweet and tart flavors that will leave everyone asking for more.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons ice-cold water
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Coarse sugar (for topping)
• 4 cups fresh blueberries
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pastry Crust:

   • In a food processor, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Pulse until the mixture resembles wet sand.
   • Add the cold butter and pulse until the mixture forms pea-sized clumps.
   • Drizzle in the ice-cold water while pulsing until the dough comes together in a ball.
   • Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it a few times to help it come together. Flatten it into a one-inch thick disk, cover it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Blueberry Filling:

   • In a large bowl, combine the blueberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the blueberries are evenly coated.

3. Assemble the Galette:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly.
• Roll out the dough to a 12-inch circle on a lightly floured surface.
• Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet.
• Place the blueberry mixture in the center of the dough, leaving a 2-3 inch border around the edges.
• Fold the edges of the dough up and over the blueberries, pleating as needed to create a rustic look.

4. Brush with Egg Wash and Sprinkle with Sugar:

   • In a small bowl, mix the beaten egg with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash.
   • Brush the egg wash over the pastry edges to give it a golden brown finish.
   • Sprinkle coarse sugar over the pastry for added crunch and sweetness.

5. Bake the Galette:

   • Bake the galette in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the blueberry filling starts to bubble.
   • If the crust is getting too golden before the filling bubbles, cover it with aluminum foil for the remaining time.

6. Cool and Serve:

• Remove the galette from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for 10-15 minutes.
• Transfer the galette to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Top Tips:

1. Use High-Quality Ingredients: Fresh blueberries and high-quality butter make a significant difference in the flavor and texture of your galette.
2. Don’t Overfill: Leave enough space around the blueberries to allow for even cooking and to prevent the filling from overflowing during baking.
3. Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough ensures that it holds its shape better in the oven and results in a flakier crust.
4. Adjust Sugar Levels: Taste the blueberry mixture before assembling the galette and adjust the sugar levels to your liking.
5. Add a Twist: Experiment with different spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to give your galette a unique flavor.
6. Reheat with Care: If reheating leftovers, do so gently to avoid burning the crust.

Variations:

1. Strawberry Galette: Replace blueberries with fresh strawberries and adjust the sugar levels accordingly.
2. Mixed Berry Galette: Combine blueberries with raspberries or blackberries for a colorful and flavorful twist.
3. Lemon-Ginger Galette: Add a teaspoon of grated ginger to the blueberry mixture for an extra zesty flavor.
4. Cinnamon-Sugar Crust: Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the pastry before baking for an extra sweet and spicy kick.
5. Peach Galette: Use fresh peaches instead of blueberries for a summer dessert that’s perfect for peach season.

Nutritional Guide:

Additional Nutritional Notes: This galette is relatively low in calories and fat but high in fiber and antioxidants from the blueberries. The granulated sugar adds a touch of sweetness, but you can reduce it if you prefer a less sweet dessert. The cornstarch helps thicken the filling, making it less runny and more jam-like. Enjoy your homemade Blueberry Galette