I can still remember the first time I made this Rustic Peach and Basil Galette. It was a sweltering summer day, and I had just come back from the farmer’s market with a bountiful basket of juicy, ripe peaches. As I stood in the kitchen, the aroma of the fresh basil leaves wafting through the air, I knew I had to do something special with these seasonal treasures. That’s when I stumbled upon this Rustic Peach and Basil Galette recipe, and let me tell you, it was love at first bite.
The way the buttery, flaky crust perfectly complements the sweet, fragrant peaches, all brought together with the herbaceous notes of the basil – it’s a flavor explosion that transports me back to those carefree summer days. And the best part? It’s so easy to make, taking just 50 minutes from start to finish. Trust me, once you try this Rustic Peach and Basil Galette, it’s going to become your go-to summertime dessert.
Why This Rustic Peach and Basil Galette Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Rustic Peach and Basil Galette
What makes this Rustic Peach and Basil Galette recipe so special is the way it balances the sweet, juicy peaches with the fresh, herbaceous basil. The key is in the flaky, buttery crust, which provides the perfect canvas for the vibrant flavors to shine. By chilling the butter and using just the right amount of ice water, you end up with a dough that’s easy to work with and bakes up beautifully golden brown.
But the real magic happens when you toss the sliced peaches with a touch of sugar and cornstarch. This simple step helps to create a luscious, syrupy filling that doesn’t become watery or soggy. And the fresh basil? It adds a lovely complexity that elevates the whole dish, making it truly unforgettable.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Rustic Peach and Basil Galette, you’ll need a few key ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the foundation for the flaky, buttery crust. The all-purpose flour gives the dough the perfect texture and structure.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: A small amount of salt helps to balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed: Cold butter is essential for creating that signature tender, flaky crust. Cubing it ensures it incorporates evenly into the dough.
- 1/4 cup ice water: Just the right amount of ice-cold water helps to bring the dough together without making it too wet.
- 4 cups sliced fresh peaches: The star of the show! Ripe, juicy peaches are the heart of this galette.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: This helps to bring out the natural sweetness of the peaches and creates a lovely caramelized filling.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: A touch of cornstarch helps to thicken the peach filling, preventing it from becoming too runny.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves: The fresh, herbaceous notes of the basil complement the sweetness of the peaches perfectly.
- 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water for egg wash: This creates a beautiful golden sheen on the crust.
Step-by-Step Rustic Peach and Basil Galette Instructions
Preparing Your Rustic Peach and Basil Galette
With a total time of just 50 minutes – 15 minutes of prep and 35 minutes of cooking – this Rustic Peach and Basil Galette comes together in a flash. All you’ll need is a rolling pin, a baking sheet, and a little elbow grease.
1- Start by making the dough. In a large bowl, combine the 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Cut in the 1 cup of chilled, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the 1/4 cup of ice water, mixing just until the dough comes together.
2- Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch round circle, about 1/4 inch thick. Carefully transfer the dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3- In a separate bowl, gently toss the 4 cups of sliced fresh peaches with the 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Arrange the peach mixture in the center of the dough, leaving a 2-inch border.
4- Fold the edges of the dough over the peach filling, creating a rustic, free-form tart. Brush the dough with the egg wash made from the 1 beaten egg and 1 tablespoon of water.
5- Sprinkle the 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil leaves over the peach filling, making sure to distribute them evenly.
6- Bake the Rustic Peach and Basil Galette in a preheated 375°F oven for 35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for Success
1- For the flakiest crust, make sure to keep all your ingredients as cold as possible. Chill the butter and use ice water to ensure the dough doesn’t become too warm while you’re working with it.
2- Don’t be afraid to fold the dough over the filling in a free-form, rustic way. The imperfections are part of the charm of this galette.
3- Tossing the peaches with sugar and cornstarch is crucial for creating that perfect balance of sweet and syrupy filling. Don’t skip this step!
4- Keep a close eye on the galette towards the end of the baking time. The crust can go from golden brown to burned quickly, so be ready to remove it as soon as it’s done.
Serving and Storing Your Rustic Peach and Basil Galette
Perfect Pairings for Rustic Peach and Basil Galette
This Rustic Peach and Basil Galette is the perfect summertime dessert, serving up to 8 people. For a truly indulgent experience, try it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The cool, creamy contrast is simply divine.
If you’re looking for a more refreshing pairing, a chilled glass of white wine or a crisp, sparkling lemonade would be a lovely complement to the sweet, fragrant flavors of the galette.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Rustic Peach and Basil Galette can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. To reheat, pop it in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until it’s warmed through.
For longer-term storage, the galette can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.
You can even make the dough in advance and keep it chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling it out and assembling the galette.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Rustic Peach and Basil Galette
Creative Rustic Peach and Basil Galette Variations
While this classic Rustic Peach and Basil Galette is a summertime showstopper, you can easily adapt it to suit your tastes and the seasons. Try swapping in different fruits, like plums, nectarines, or even a mix of berries. You can also experiment with other fresh herbs, such as mint, thyme, or rosemary, to create unique flavor combinations.
For a more autumnal twist, try using a mixture of peaches and apples, and add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Or, for a winter version, swap the peaches for pears and the basil for rosemary.
Making Rustic Peach and Basil Galette Diet-Friendly
To make this Rustic Peach and Basil Galette more diet-friendly, you can try a few simple substitutions. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular all-purpose flour. For a vegan option, replace the butter with cold, cubed vegan shortening or coconut oil, and use a flax or chia egg instead of the traditional egg wash.
If you’re watching your carb intake, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling, or even use a zero-calorie sweetener instead. And for a low-carb twist, you can swap the all-purpose flour for almond flour or a keto-friendly baking mix.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh?
A: Absolutely! You can use 4 cups of frozen, sliced peaches in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them and pat them dry before tossing them with the sugar and cornstarch.
Q: How do I know when the Rustic Peach and Basil Galette is done baking?
A: The galette is ready when the crust is a beautiful golden brown and the peach filling is bubbling. You can also use a toothpick or knife to check that the peaches are tender all the way through.
Q: Can I make the Rustic Peach and Basil Galette ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can! The fully assembled and baked galette can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving.
Q: How many people does this Rustic Peach and Basil Galette recipe serve?
A: This recipe makes 8 generous servings, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Q: What if the crust gets too brown before the filling is done?
A: If you notice the crust is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover the galette with foil to prevent further browning while the filling finishes baking.
Rustic Peach and Basil Galette
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
This rustic peach and basil galette is a delightful summertime treat. The flaky, buttery crust perfectly complements the juicy peach slices and the fragrant fresh basil.
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
– 1/4 cup ice water
– 4 cups sliced fresh peaches
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
– 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water for egg wash
Instructions
1. In a food processor, combine the flour and salt. Add the chilled butter cubes and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Add the ice water and pulse until the dough just begins to come together. Dump the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently shape it into a disk. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
3. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. In a large bowl, toss the peach slices with the sugar and cornstarch until well coated.
5. On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle, about 1/4-inch thick. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet.
6. Arrange the peach slices in the center of the dough, leaving a 2-inch border. Sprinkle the chopped basil over the peaches.
7. Fold the dough border over the peaches, pleating it as you go. Brush the dough with the egg wash.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the peaches are bubbly. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Serve the galette warm or at room temperature. Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream make a delicious accompaniment.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Pies & Pastries
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This Rustic Peach and Basil Galette is truly a taste of summer in every bite. With its flaky, buttery crust and its sweet, juicy peach filling, accented by the fresh, herbaceous notes of basil, it’s a dessert that’s sure to impress. And the best part? It’s so easy to make, taking just 50 minutes from start to finish.
So why not give this Rustic Peach and Basil Galette a try? I guarantee it’ll become your new go-to summertime treat. Don’t forget to share your creations and tag me – I’d love to see your beautiful bakes! Happy cooking!
