How to Make a Delicious Blueberry Galette

A blueberry galette is a delightful and rustic dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. This versatile pastry is celebrated for its simplicity and the vibrant flavor of fresh blueberries encased in a buttery, flaky crust. Unlike a traditional pie, a galette has a more relaxed, free-form shape, making it a great choice for both casual and elegant gatherings. The ease of preparation combined with its stunning presentation makes it an appealing option for both novice and experienced bakers.

Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert for a summer barbecue or a comforting treat for a cozy evening at home, this blueberry galette fits the bill. It’s not only delicious but also visually striking, with its golden-brown crust and juicy blueberry filling. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few simple ingredients and minimal effort.

In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the process of creating a perfect blueberry galette from scratch. You’ll learn how to make a tender and flaky pie crust, prepare a luscious blueberry filling, and bake everything to perfection. Let’s get started on this sweet and satisfying dessert!

Ingredients for Blueberry Galette

For the Dough:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
• 1/4 cup ice water (more if needed)

For the Filling:

• 2 cups fresh blueberries (you can use frozen blueberries if fresh are unavailable)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

For Assembling:

• 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (for sprinkling on top)

How to Make Blueberry Galette

1. Prepare the Dough:

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
3. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just begins to come together. You may need to adjust the amount of water depending on the humidity and your flour.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it forms a cohesive ball. Flatten the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Filling:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon (if using).
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture begins to thicken and bubble. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Remove the saucepan from heat and let the filling cool to room temperature.

3. Assemble the Galette:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a rough 12-inch circle. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet.
3. Spoon the cooled blueberry filling into the center of the dough, leaving a 2-inch border around the edges.
4. Gently fold the edges of the dough over the filling, creating a pleated, rustic border. The center will remain exposed.
5. Brush the exposed dough with the beaten egg and sprinkle coarse sugar over the edges.

4. Bake and Serve:

1. Bake the galette in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
2. Remove the galette from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

About the Main Ingredients

1. Blueberries: These small berries are the star of the galette, offering a burst of natural sweetness and a vibrant color. Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making them not only delicious but also nutritious. Fresh blueberries are preferred for their plumpness and flavor, but frozen blueberries can be used as a substitute.

2. All-Purpose Flour: This versatile flour is used to create the galette’s crust. It provides structure and a tender texture. The addition of cold butter ensures a flaky texture in the finished pastry.

3. Unsalted Butter: The butter contributes to the richness and flakiness of the crust. Using cold butter helps to achieve a desirable texture by creating pockets of fat that result in a light and crispy crust.

4. Granulated Sugar: Sugar enhances the sweetness of both the crust and the filling. It helps to balance the tartness of the blueberries and contributes to the overall flavor.

5. Cornstarch: This thickening agent helps to stabilize the blueberry filling, preventing it from becoming too runny during baking.

6. Lemon Juice: Lemon juice adds a touch of acidity that brightens the flavor of the blueberries and balances the sweetness.

7. Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the filling, adding a subtle depth and warmth.

This blueberry galette is a simple yet elegant dessert that is sure to impress. Enjoy the process of baking, and savor the delicious results!