Forget fussy pies! This fresh tomato galette is the epitome of easy elegance. It's a rustic, free-form tart that showcases the vibrant flavors of summer tomatoes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering, this recipe is a testament to how delicious and healthy meals can be incredibly simple to make. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this stunning and flavorful dish! It’s one of those best recipes that’s surprisingly quick and perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave homemade cooking but don't have a lot of time.
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet (14.1 ounces) ready-made puff pastry, thawed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound assorted ripe tomatoes, sliced about 1/4 inch thick (a mix of colors and sizes looks beautiful!)
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
Assembling the Galette:
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Unfold the puff pastry onto the prepared baking sheet. Gently stretch it out slightly to create a roughly 12-inch circle. Leave about a 1-inch border.
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Drizzle the olive oil over the pastry, leaving the border bare. This will help the pastry crisp up.
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Arrange the tomato slices, red onion, and minced garlic artfully over the pastry, slightly overlapping. Season generously with salt and pepper.
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Sprinkle the chopped basil and Parmesan cheese evenly over the tomatoes. This adds a burst of fresh flavor and beautiful color.
Baking and Serving:
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Fold the edges of the puff pastry over the filling, pleating gently as you go. Don’t worry about making it perfect; a rustic look is part of the charm!
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Brush the pastry edges with the beaten egg. This creates a lovely golden-brown crust.
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Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is tender. Keep an eye on it – ovens can vary!
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Let the galette cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy this delicious dish warm or at room temperature.
Tips for the Best Tomato Galette:
- Choose ripe tomatoes: The flavor of your galette hinges on the quality of your tomatoes. Opt for a variety of colors and sizes for a more visually appealing and flavorful result.
- Don't overcrowd the pastry: Give the tomatoes some space to prevent the galette from becoming soggy.
- Adjust baking time: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your galette and adjust the baking time accordingly.
Variations:
- Add herbs: Experiment with other herbs like thyme, oregano, or rosemary.
- Include other vegetables: Roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers would be a delicious addition.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Cheese variations: Try using different cheeses like goat cheese or mozzarella.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used, but a general estimate per serving would be around:
- Calories: 350-400
- Fat: 20-25g
- Protein: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This fresh tomato galette is a quick dinner idea, a healthy meal, and one of the best recipes for showcasing seasonal ingredients. It’s a delicious dish that is easy enough for beginner cooks, while still offering plenty of room for experienced cooks to experiment and add their own creative touch. Enjoy!