Are you craving a delicious dessert that's both beautiful and easy to make? Look no further! This blueberry galette recipe is the perfect answer for those busy weeknights or special occasions. Forget fussy pie crusts; this rustic galette boasts a simple, free-form crust that's incredibly forgiving, making it ideal for beginner bakers and experienced cooks alike. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this stunning and incredibly tasty homemade treat! This easy recipe is a perfect addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, very cold and cut into cubes
- ½ cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 4 cups fresh blueberries
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (optional)
Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in butter: Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Work quickly to prevent the butter from melting.
- Add water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix.
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This crucial step prevents shrinkage during baking.
Assembling and Baking the Galette:
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, gently toss the blueberries with the sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and lemon zest (if using).
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle.
- Assemble the galette: Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet. Pile the blueberry filling into the center, leaving a 2-inch border.
- Fold the edges: Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pleating as you go. Don't worry about making it perfect; a rustic look is charming!
- Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Let the galette cool slightly on the baking sheet before slicing and serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream!
Tips for the Best Blueberry Galette:
- Use very cold butter: This is key for a flaky crust.
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing develops the gluten, resulting in a tough crust.
- Chill the dough thoroughly: This prevents shrinkage and ensures a tender crust.
- Don't overcrowd the galette: Leave enough space between the blueberries for even baking.
Variations:
- Add other berries: Mix in raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries for a delicious berry medley.
- Use different spices: A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg adds warmth to the filling.
- Make it a crumble galette: Top the galette with a buttery oat crumble for extra texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: 18-20g
- Carbohydrates: 45-50g
- Sugar: 25-30g
- Protein: 4-5g
This delicious blueberry galette is a perfect example of easy recipes and healthy meals that don’t compromise on taste. It's sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection of delicious dishes and best recipes. Enjoy!