A delightful twist on the classic galette, this fresh strawberry basil version combines the sweetness of ripe strawberries with the aromatic freshness of basil, all encased in a buttery, flaky crust. Perfect for a light dessert or a sweet treat with a hint of savory flavor.

FULL RECIPE

Ingredients

• 1 sheet of refrigerated pie dough or homemade dough
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
• A pinch of salt

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the pie dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch circle.
3. In a large bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, basil, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and salt. Stir to combine.
4. Spoon the strawberry mixture into the center of the pie dough, leaving a 2-inch border around the edges.
5. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pleating the dough as you go around the circle.
6. Dot the filling with small pieces of butter.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk to create an egg wash. Brush the edges of the dough with the egg wash.
8. Place the galette on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
9. Let the galette cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 250-300 per serving
• Protein: 3-4g
• Carbohydrates: 35-40g
• Fat: 12-15g
• Fiber: 2-3g
• Sugar: 20-25g

Choosing the Right Strawberries for Your Galette

When making a strawberry galette, it’s important to select ripe, sweet strawberries. Look for strawberries that are deep red in color with no white or green areas. These will offer the best flavor and texture for your galette. Overripe strawberries, while sweet, can become too mushy during baking and may affect the final texture of the galette. Choose strawberries that are firm yet ripe for a better balance between flavor and structure.

The Role of Basil in Strawberry Galette

Basil is an unexpected but delightful addition to a strawberry galette. Its aromatic, slightly peppery flavor enhances the sweetness of the strawberries and adds depth to the overall taste. Fresh basil pairs well with fruit, making it an ideal herb for desserts. It’s important to chop the basil finely to ensure its flavor infuses the entire galette without overwhelming the sweetness of the strawberries.

Pie Dough vs. Puff Pastry: Which is Better?

For the crust of your galette, you can either use traditional pie dough or puff pastry. Pie dough offers a tender, flaky texture that complements the soft fruit filling. On the other hand, puff pastry creates a more airy, crisp texture, with layers that become beautifully golden in the oven. Both options are delicious, but the choice depends on the texture you desire for your galette.

Making Your Own Pie Dough for the Galette

While store-bought pie dough is convenient, making your own dough from scratch allows you to control the texture and flavor of the crust. A homemade dough typically has a richer flavor, with a buttery and flaky finish that enhances the galette’s overall taste. Use cold ingredients and handle the dough minimally to ensure the best texture.

The Importance of Chilled Dough

Chilled dough is crucial for achieving a flaky, crisp crust. When the dough is cold, the butter remains solid, which creates air pockets when baking. These air pockets lead to a lighter, flakier texture. Be sure to chill your dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out, and consider chilling the dough again after assembling the galette for the best results.

The Benefits of Cornstarch in the Filling

Cornstarch serves as a thickening agent in the strawberry filling, preventing the galette from becoming too watery during baking. As the strawberries release their juices, the cornstarch helps bind the liquid and gives the filling a pleasant, pie-like consistency. Without cornstarch, the galette may turn soggy, compromising the texture of the crust.

Balancing the Sweetness of the Filling

Strawberries can range in sweetness, so it’s essential to balance the sugar in the filling. If your strawberries are especially sweet, you may need to reduce the sugar slightly to avoid an overly sweet galette. On the other hand, if your strawberries are tart, you may want to increase the sugar slightly to enhance the natural sweetness of the fruit. Taste testing the filling before assembling the galette can help achieve the perfect balance.

How to Prevent the Crust from Becoming Soggy

One common issue with fruit-filled desserts is a soggy crust. To prevent this from happening, sprinkle a small amount of cornstarch or flour on the center of the dough before adding the strawberry filling. This layer acts as a barrier and absorbs excess moisture from the filling, ensuring that the crust remains crisp and flaky.

Why You Should Use Fresh Basil Over Dried

While dried basil can work in certain recipes, fresh basil is essential for this galette. Fresh basil has a vibrant, aromatic flavor that dried basil lacks. It also releases oils that enhance the fruit’s flavor, adding complexity to the galette. Using fresh basil helps ensure that the flavor is bright and lively, contributing to a more balanced dessert.

The Role of Egg Wash in Achieving a Golden Crust

An egg wash, made by whisking an egg with a little milk, gives the galette its beautiful golden color when baked. It also adds a glossy sheen to the crust, making it look more appealing and appetizing. Brushing the edges of the dough with the egg wash before baking helps ensure an even, golden-brown finish.

Why Lemon Juice Enhances the Flavor

Lemon juice is often added to fruit fillings to brighten the flavor and provide a subtle tartness. In the case of this strawberry basil galette, the lemon juice balances the sweetness of the strawberries and enhances the fresh basil flavor. The acidity in lemon juice also helps cut through the richness of the buttery crust, creating a more harmonious overall taste.

How to Serve the Strawberry Basil Galette

This strawberry basil galette can be served in several ways. For a casual dessert, simply slice and serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a more refined presentation, dust the galette with powdered sugar and serve with a fresh sprig of basil. It’s a versatile dessert that can fit many occasions, from a family dinner to a special celebration.

Pairing Drinks with Your Strawberry Basil Galette

To complement the strawberry basil galette, consider pairing it with a light, refreshing beverage. A glass of chilled white wine, such as a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a fruity Moscato, pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the strawberries. For a non-alcoholic option, a cold glass of iced tea or sparkling water with a splash of lemon is equally refreshing.

How to Store Leftover Galette

If you have any leftover galette, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The crust will remain crisp for a while, but the fruit filling may become slightly softer. For longer storage, you can refrigerate the galette for up to 5 days. To reheat, place slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore some of the crust’s crispiness.

Freezing Strawberry Basil Galette

If you want to prepare the galette in advance, you can freeze it before or after baking. To freeze an unbaked galette, assemble it and place it on a baking sheet in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply remove it from the freezer and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Making the Galette Ahead of Time

If you’re planning a gathering or dinner party, you can prepare the galette ahead of time. Assemble the galette in the morning and refrigerate it until it’s time to bake. This way, you can enjoy a freshly baked galette without the stress of last-minute preparations. The flavors will also have time to meld, enhancing the overall taste of the dessert.

The Versatility of Galettes

Galettes are incredibly versatile and can be filled with a variety of fruits and flavors. While this recipe uses strawberries and basil, you can easily substitute other fruits such as raspberries, blueberries, or peaches. Herbs like thyme or mint can also be swapped in for basil to create new flavor profiles. The galette’s rustic, free-form nature makes it easy to adapt to different tastes and seasonal ingredients.

How to Make a Vegan Strawberry Basil Galette

To make a vegan version of the strawberry basil galette, substitute the pie dough with a vegan-friendly option and replace the egg wash with a plant-based alternative. For the egg wash, use a mixture of almond milk and maple syrup or agave nectar to brush over the dough. This allows you to enjoy the same delicious flavor while accommodating dietary preferences.

The Health Benefits of Strawberries and Basil

Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, making them a nutritious addition to your diet. Basil, while often used as an herb in savory dishes, also offers health benefits. It contains essential oils with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Together, these ingredients provide a healthy boost while still offering a delicious dessert.

Perfecting the Galette Texture

Achieving the perfect texture in a galette relies on the balance between the crust and the filling. The crust should be golden and crisp, while the filling should be juicy but not overly runny. Properly handling the dough, chilling it before and after assembling, and ensuring that the filling is thickened with cornstarch will help you reach that perfect texture.

Conclusion

The Fresh Strawberry Basil Galette is a simple yet elegant dessert that combines the natural sweetness of strawberries with the aromatic brightness of basil. It’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit various tastes and dietary needs, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether served warm with a scoop of ice cream or enjoyed as a standalone treat, this galette is sure to impress with its fresh flavors and beautiful rustic presentation. By following the tips and techniques outlined above, you can create a perfect galette that will become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.