Festive Pear & Gorgonzola Galette
As the festive season approaches and Christmas is close, the anticipation of delightful family gatherings, warm celebrations, and delicious meals fills the air. Amidst the hustle and bustle of organizing the perfect holiday feast, I'm thrilled to share a new recipe that will surely add a touch of warmth and flavor to your Christmas menu: the Pear and Gorgonzola Galette. This delightful dish is not only easy to make but is also a savory treat that captures the essence of the season.
The Galette's Roots:
Before we delve into the mouthwatering details of our recipe, let's take a moment to appreciate the galette itself. This rustic and free-form pastry has its roots deeply embedded in French culinary tradition. Originating from the Brittany region, galettes have been a staple in French cuisine for centuries. Traditionally, galettes were made with buckwheat flour and were filled with a variety of ingredients, both sweet and savory.
Now, let's turn our attention to the star of the show – the Pear and Gorgonzola Galette. This recipe seamlessly blends the sweetness of ripe pears with the bold and tangy flavor of Gorgonzola cheese, creating a delightful harmony of tastes. The golden, flaky crust envelops the rich filling, making each bite a journey through layers of festive goodness.
For 6 Galettes
Ingredients:
For the Galette:
buckwheat flour
1 egg
450 ml water
2 pinches of salt
For the filling:
Pear
Gorgonzola
Jam (any of your choice - here we took a homemade rhubarb-raspberry jam)
60 g Walnuts (caramelized)
60 g of sugar
Honey
Thyme
Steps:
start off by caramelizing your walnuts. For this, bring water and sugar to the boil until the sugar begins to brown slightly. But don't let the caramel get too brown.
chop your walnuts and add the walnuts, reduce the heat and roll the walnut halves in the caramel, stirring constantly until a nice caramel coating has formed.
Remove the walnuts from the pan and let them cool, spread individually on baking paper.
For the galette
In a bowl mix the flour and the salt. Then while whisking slowly add water to it to obtain a smooth and thick dough to which you add an egg to give a nice color to the cooking and a better texture to the dough.
Grease the crepe maker/pan with a kitchen towel soaked in oil. Pour in a ladle of batter, wait for the galette to brown, remove it with a spatula and turn it over. Let it cook for about 1 more minute.
Serve on a plate and continue with other ones. Eventually cover the plate to keep the galettes warm.
For the topping
Cut the pears and start topping your galette with jam (or only with honey), pears, gorgonzola pieces, caramelized walnuts and thyme.
What's on a Galette:
The beauty of a galette lies in its versatility. From sweet to savory, the possibilities are endless. In France, sweet galettes often feature fillings like frangipane, fresh berries, or apple compote. On the savory side, ingredients like goat cheese, caramelized onions, and, of course, Gorgonzola take center stage. The galette provides a canvas for culinary creativity, making it the perfect dish to customize for your holiday table.
Fun Fact:
Serve this Pear and Gorgonzola Galette as a stunning centerpiece for your holiday table, or slice it into smaller portions for a delightful appetizer. The sweet and savory combination is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, making it an ideal choice for festive family gatherings and celebrations.
Conclusion:
As you immerse yourself in the joy of holiday preparations, consider adding the Pear and Gorgonzola Galette to your Christmas menu. This easy-to-make, delicious pastry pays homage to the rich tradition of galettes while offering a modern twist that captures the essence of the season. May your Christmas be filled with love, laughter, and the delightful flavors of this festive galette. Enjoy!
