About the Recipe
Get ready to embark on a culinary journey to the sunny shores of Greece with a delightful twist on a classic recipe. Today, I'm thrilled to share with you my Greek Inspired Galette, a savory delight that combines the flavors of feta, onions, tomatoes, olives, and a zesty hint of lemon. It's a party for your taste buds, so let's dive right in!
But before we get into the recipe, let's have a little fun with some galette trivia! Did you know that galettes have a fascinating history? Originating from the French countryside, these rustic, free-form pastries were traditionally made with a simple dough filled with fresh fruits or vegetables. They were often enjoyed as a humble yet delicious treat by farmers and locals alike.
Fast forward to the present day, and galettes have become a beloved culinary trend, transcending borders and inspiring endless creative combinations. From sweet to savory, the possibilities are endless! And that's where our Greek Inspired Galette comes in, infusing the classic galette with Mediterranean flair.
Now, let's talk about the star ingredients of our Greek Inspired Galette. First up, we have crumbly, tangy feta cheese, adding a delightful creaminess and depth of flavor. Combined with the sweetness of caramelized onions, the juiciness of ripe tomatoes, and the briny bite of olives, this galette is a symphony of Mediterranean flavors that will transport you straight to the Greek islands.
To brighten things up and add a refreshing twist, we'll incorporate a hint of lemon, lending a citrusy zing that perfectly balances the richness of the other ingredients. The result? A savory galette that bursts with the vibrant colors and flavors of the Greek culinary heritage.
As you bite into this delectable galette, imagine yourself lounging by the azure waters of the Aegean Sea, savoring the tastes and aromas of the Mediterranean. It's a delightful fusion of cultures and flavors, a culinary adventure right in the comfort of your own kitchen.
So, grab your aprons and let's get baking! With its golden, flaky crust, savory filling, and a touch of Greek magic, this Greek Inspired Galette is bound to impress your family and friends. Whether you're hosting a casual get-together or simply treating yourself to a flavorful meal, this galette is a showstopper that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
Dough:
2 cups All-Purpose Flour
1 tablespoon Red Wine Vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons Salt
1/2 Unsalted Butter (chilled)
3/4 cup Cold Water
Topping:
2 Tomatoes
1 Red Onion
1 cup Feta Cheese
1 Lemon
1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/4 cup Kalamata Olives (pitted)
Salt and Pepper
Fresh Oregano
Preparation
Start by preparing your dough. I love this dough because it is straight forward and easy to make and is wonderful for sweet or savory dishes. I especially love using it for galettes, but also to make meat pies or tasty pastry pockets.
In a large bowl mix together the flour and salt. Add in the vinegar and the butter. I like to cube my butter before adding it in. Using your hands, mix the butter and flour mixture together to create a coarse sand-like consistency. I like to make sure that my butter is really nicely chilled before doing this so that it doesn't start melting in my hands during this kneading process.
Once you have your coarse mixture slowly add in the cold water.
Keep kneading with your hands until all the ingredients have come together and you have a smooth dough.
Shape the dough into a sphere and wrap in in some plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. You will want to chill your dough for about 45 minutes before rolling it out. (You can always make this dough ahead of time and either chill it in the fridge overnight or keep it in the freezer until you are ready to use it. Once ready, thaw it in the fridge overnight the day before).
As the dough chills, start preparing your toppings.
In a medium bowl, mix together your feta, lemon rind, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, olive oil and salt and pepper. I like to use the back of a fork to really break up the feta and get it all combined.
Thinly slice your tomatoes and onions.
Once your dough has chilled, generously flour your work surface and use a rolling pin to roll out your dough into a large circle. The dough should be quite thin (2mm thick).
Leaving about a 4-5cm border all around, spread your feta mixture over the center of your dough. You will be folding the border over the edge of your toppings, so make sure to leave enough to do so, but don't leave too much of an edge or you will have a really thick doughy border. Over time you will see how much edge you like to have.
Next, neatly place your tomatoes and onions over the feta. I like to layer mine crossing one over the other. Top with the kalamata olives and some fresh oregano leaves.
Next, it is time to make this into a neat little package and ensure that none of the toppings escape during the baking process.
Slowly, fold the edge of the dough towards the center of the galette, moving around the edge in sections, each section slightly overlapping the previous.
Next, using a pastry brush, paint the dough edge of the galette with an egg wash or a little bit of olive oil.
Preheat the oven to 400F and bake for 40-50 minutes or until the crust is golden.
Remove the galette from the oven and let cool for 15 minutes before serving.
What I love so much about Galettes, is their versatility. Sweet or savory, pretty much anything goes. Hope you have fun with this recipe and that it inspires you to come up with your own galette flavors.
Enjoy!