Plum Galette

Plum Galette - A Sweet and Aromatic Delight

Total preparation time: 2 hours and 30 minutes (including refrigeration time)
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Who doesn't love the sweet aroma of baked plums, wrapped in a tender and crispy crust? Plum galette is a quick and simple dessert recipe, perfect for days when you want to indulge in something delicious but don't have much time. This combination of flavors and textures will delight your taste buds, and each bite will bring a smile to your face.

A Brief History of Galette

Galette is a term derived from French, designating a type of open tart that can be filled with various fruits. Over time, the versatility of this recipe has made it popular in many culinary cultures, each adding its own ingredients and preparation methods. Whether served warm or cold, galette remains a dessert that brings joy and comfort.

Ingredients

For the Dough:
- 125 g flour
- 50 g powdered sugar
- 5 g butter (cold, cut into cubes)
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 vanilla extract

For the Filling:
- 300 g plums (washed, pitted, and sliced)
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons semolina

Preparing the Dough

1. Mixing the Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Add the cold butter cut into small cubes. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix the ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly.

2. Adding the Liquids: Add the two tablespoons of milk and mix quickly until the dough starts to come together. Avoid overmixing, as you want a tender dough.

3. Refrigerating the Dough: Form a ball from the dough, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 2 hours. This step is essential to achieve a crispy crust.

Preparing the Filling

1. Preparing the Plums: Wash the plums, remove the stems and pits, then slice them thinly. These will add a sweet-tart flavor that perfectly contrasts with the crust.

2. Mixing the Sugar: In a small bowl, mix the sugar, vanilla sugar, and cinnamon. This mixture will enhance the flavor of the plums and create a delicious syrup during baking.

Assembling the Galette

1. Preparing the Baking Tray: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

2. Rolling Out the Dough: After the dough has chilled, remove it and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a round shape about 5 mm thick.

3. Adding the Semolina: Sprinkle the semolina evenly over the dough. This will absorb the juices from the plums and keep the crust crispy.

4. Arranging the Plums: Place the plum slices in the center of the dough, leaving a margin of about 5 cm. Sprinkle the sugar and cinnamon mixture on top.

5. Folding the Edges: Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pressing gently to secure them. This will create a rustic and delicious look.

6. Brushing the Edges: Beat an egg yolk and brush the edges of the dough to achieve a beautiful golden color when baking. You can also sprinkle some granulated sugar or vanilla sugar on top for extra sweetness.

Baking the Galette

1. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the dough is golden and the plums start releasing their syrup.

2. Cooling: After baking, let the galette cool for a few minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to stabilize.

Serving the Galette

Plum galette can be served warm or cold. You can accompany it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a contrast of textures and flavors. If you want to add a touch of elegance, you can sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top before serving.

Variations and Practical Tips

- Other Fruits: Instead of plums, you can try this recipe with apples, peaches, or cherries, each offering a different flavor.
- Spices: Add a dash of nutmeg or ginger for a more complex taste.
- Serving: Serve the galette alongside green tea or a fruity white wine for a perfect culinary experience.

Nutritional Benefits

Plums are rich in vitamins A and K, as well as antioxidants, making them a healthy choice for desserts. They also contain fiber that aids digestion. The galette dough, while sweet, can be adapted with whole wheat flour for added nutrients.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, if time doesn't allow you to make the dough from scratch, a good quality puff pastry is an excellent alternative.

2. How can I store the galette?
You can keep the galette at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you want to keep it longer, it is recommended to freeze it.

3. What other desserts can I make with plums?
Plums are also excellent in tarts, crumbles, or even in moist cakes.

Plum galette is a recipe that combines tradition with simplicity, offering you a delicacy that will impress every time. Try it and let yourself be carried away by its enticing flavors!