This rustic strawberry basil galette is a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors, featuring juicy strawberries and aromatic basil encased in a flaky, buttery crust. Perfect for summer gatherings or a cozy dessert at home, this galette is both impressive and easy to make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and Elegant: Combines the ease of a free-form tart with the sophistication of fresh herbs.
- Versatile: Suitable for various occasions, from casual get-togethers to special celebrations.
- Flavorful: The combination of sweet strawberries and fresh basil offers a unique and refreshing taste.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable with different fruits or herbs to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 cup pastry flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold
- 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening (or additional butter)
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Directions
- Prepare the Pie Crust:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add cold butter and shortening, cutting them into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add cold water, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Shape the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a bowl, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Toss gently to mix.
- Assemble the Galette:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle.
- Transfer the dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Arrange the strawberry mixture in the center of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
- Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pleating as needed.
- Brush the crust with beaten egg and sprinkle with additional sugar if desired.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly.
- Allow the galette to cool for at least 10 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped fresh basil before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8 slices
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour
Variations
- Fruit Substitutions: Replace strawberries with other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or a mix.
- Herb Alternatives: Swap basil with mint or thyme for a different flavor profile.
- Sweetness Adjustments: Add more or less sugar based on the sweetness of the fruit used.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to restore crispness.
FAQs
What is a galette?
A galette is a free-form tart made without a pie dish, characterized by its rustic appearance and folded edges.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
It’s best to use fresh strawberries, as frozen ones can release excess moisture, making the crust soggy.
How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?
Ensure the filling isn’t too wet and avoid adding excess juices when assembling the galette.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be prepared and refrigerated up to 2 days in advance.
Is it necessary to chill the dough?
Chilling helps relax the gluten and solidify the fats, resulting in a flakier crust.
Can I add other fruits to the filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other fruits like peaches or plums for a unique twist.
What can I serve with the galette?
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.
Can I make this galette gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
Can I freeze the galette?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the baked galette. Thaw and reheat in the oven before serving.
Conclusion
This Easy Strawberry Basil Galette is a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the aromatic touch of basil, all encased in a flaky crust. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding. Enjoy it warm with your favorite topping for a truly satisfying treat.
Description
This Easy Strawberry Basil Galette is a rustic, free-form tart that’s bursting with sweet strawberries and fresh basil. It’s the perfect summer dessert that looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to make. With a buttery, flaky crust and juicy fruit center, this treat is as delicious as it is beautiful.
For the filling:
For the crust:
For assembly:
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Make the crust: In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing just until the dough comes together. Form into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
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Prepare the filling: In a bowl, toss strawberries with chopped basil, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Set aside.
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Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Assemble the galette: Spoon the strawberry mixture into the center of the dough, leaving a 2-inch border. Fold the edges over the filling, pleating as needed. Brush crust with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar if using.
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Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake galette for 3540 minutes, or until crust is golden and filling is bubbly.
Notes
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You can swap basil for mint if preferred.
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Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Delicious served with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
