Cherry Tomato & Cheese Galette Recipe

Introduction

Hello, this is Chef John from Food Wishes with a recipe for a Cherry Tomato and Cheese Galette. Don't be intimidated by the French name; a galette is simply a free-form pie or tart made without a pan. While typically used for fruits, in this recipe, we highlight sweet cherry tomatoes, which, being fruits themselves, make for a delicious and visually appealing dish. This galette serves as a perfect example of how versatile and straightforward making a pastry crust can be, even when venturing beyond traditional sweet fillings.

Ingredients

• For the Crust:

  • All-purpose flour
  • Cornmeal (a couple of tablespoons)
  • Salt
  • Unsalted butter (1 stick, very cold, cut into cubes)
  • Cider vinegar
  • Ice water

• For the Filling:

  • Fresh goat cheese (about half a pound)
  • One egg yolk
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Cayenne
  • Freshly sliced basil
  • Cherry tomatoes (about 3 cups, halved)
  • Extra-virgin olive oil
  • Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon)
  • Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese for dusting
  • Fresh basil for garnish
  • Olive oil and sea salt for finishing

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Crust: Mix flour, cornmeal, salt, and cold butter in a food processor until coarse crumbs form. Add cider vinegar and ice water, pulse until the dough clumps together. Form into a disc, wrap in plastic, and chill.
2. Make the Cheese Filling: Combine goat cheese, egg yolk, salt, pepper, cayenne, and basil until smooth.
3. Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a circle about 1/8 inch thick. Place on a baking sheet and chill briefly.
4. Prep the Tomatoes: Toss halved cherry tomatoes with olive oil and Dijon mustard.
5. Assemble the Galette: Spread the cheese mixture on the dough, leaving a border. Arrange tomatoes on top. Fold the dough's edges over the tomatoes, pleating as necessary.
6. Bake: Brush the dough with egg wash, sprinkle with Parmigiano-Reggiano, and bake at 425°F until golden brown, about 30 minutes.
7. Cool and Serve: Let the galette cool to room temperature, garnish with basil, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with sea salt before serving.

Conclusion

This Cherry Tomato and Cheese Galette showcases the delightful combination of a buttery, flaky crust with a tangy, herbaceous cheese filling, topped with sweet, jammy tomatoes. It's a testament to the simplicity and beauty of using fresh, seasonal ingredients to create a dish that's both rustic and refined. Perfect for any occasion, from a casual lunch to an elegant brunch, this galette is sure to impress. Enjoy the process of making it and the even better experience of eating it!