Growing up, I have so many fond memories of my grandmother’s homemade fruit galettes. The flaky crust, the juicy fruit, and the fragrant herbs – it was always a treat that brought the family together. One of my absolute favorites was her Rustic Peach and Basil Galette. The way the sweetness of the peaches mingled with the fresh, aromatic basil was simply divine. I can still remember the sound of the crust crackling as I took that first bite, the flavors bursting in my mouth. It’s a recipe that has been passed down through generations, and it’s one I’m so excited to share with you today.
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 so special is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The buttery, flaky crust provides a beautiful contrast to the juicy, sweet peaches and the fragrant, herbal basil. The cornstarch in the filling helps to thicken the juices, creating a delightful, gooey consistency. But the real secret? The addition of just a touch of sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the peaches without making the filling overly cloying. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked!
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: The foundation of the flaky crust, providing structure and a tender crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed: The fat that gives the crust its rich, buttery flavor and tender texture.
- 1/4 cup ice water: Helps to bind the dough and ensure a perfect consistency.
- 5 medium peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced: The star of the show, providing the juicy, sweet filling.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Enhances the natural sweetness of the peaches.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Thickens the fruit filling, creating a gooey, luscious texture.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves: Adds a fragrant, herbal note that complements the peaches beautifully.
- 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water for egg wash: Gives the crust a beautiful golden sheen.
Step-by-Step Rustic Peach and Basil Galette Instructions
Preparing Your Rustic Peach and Basil Galette
With a total prep and cook time of just 50 minutes, this Rustic Peach and Basil Galette is the perfect summertime treat. You’ll need a rolling pin, a baking sheet, and a pastry brush to get started.
1- Begin 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 3/4 cup of chilled, cubed unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add the 1/4 cup of ice water, mixing just until the dough comes together.
2- Roll the dough out into a 12-inch circle on a lightly floured surface. Transfer the dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet. In a separate bowl, toss the 5 sliced, peeled, and pitted peaches with the 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch.
3- Arrange the peach mixture in the center of the dough, leaving a 2-inch border. Fold the dough over the filling, pleating it as you go to create a rustic, free-form shape.
4- Brush the dough with the egg wash, made by beating 1 egg with 1 tablespoon of water. Sprinkle the 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil leaves over the filling.
5- Bake the galette at 375°F for 35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
6- Remove the Rustic Peach and Basil Galette from the oven and let it cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy this summertime delight with family and friends!
Pro Tips for Success
- Chill your butter: Making sure your butter is well-chilled is the key to achieving that perfectly flaky crust. I like to cube it and pop it in the freezer for 15 minutes before using.
- Don’t overwork the dough: Overworking the dough can result in a tough, chewy crust. Be gentle when mixing and rolling to keep the dough tender and light.
- Use ripe, juicy peaches: The quality of your peaches will make all the difference in the world. Look for ones that are fragrant, slightly soft, and bursting with juicy sweetness.
- Don’t skimp on the basil: The fresh, herbal notes of the basil are essential to balancing the sweetness of the peaches. Be sure to use a generous 1/4 cup for maximum flavor.
- Serve it warm: This Rustic Peach and Basil Galette is best enjoyed straight out of the oven, when the crust is still crisp and the filling is warm and gooey.
Serving and Storing Your Rustic Peach and Basil Galette
Perfect Pairings for Rustic Peach and Basil Galette
This Rustic Peach and Basil Galette serves 6 and is the ultimate summertime dessert. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of sweetened whipped cream. For a refreshing contrast, try serving it with a light, fruity white wine or a crisp, dry rosé. And if you’re looking for a more casual pairing, it’s delicious with a cup of strong coffee or a glass of lemonade.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
If you have any leftovers (which I doubt you will!), you can store the Rustic Peach and Basil Galette in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it back in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until it’s warm and the crust is crisp.
For make-ahead convenience, you can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance and store it wrapped in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply roll it out, add the filling, and pop it in the oven. You can also bake the entire galette in advance and freeze it for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Rustic Peach and Basil Galette
Creative Rustic Peach and Basil Galette Variations
While the classic Rustic Peach and Basil Galette is a summer showstopper, you can easily adapt it to different seasons and flavors. Try swapping the peaches for other juicy, seasonal fruits like plums, nectarines, or even a mix of berries. For a fall twist, use apples and cinnamon instead of the basil. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can experiment with different herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or even a touch of lavender.
Making Rustic Peach and Basil Galette Diet-Friendly
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend. For a vegan version, use chilled vegan butter or coconut oil in place of the regular butter, and swap the egg wash with a plant-based milk. If you’re watching your carbs, you can reduce the sugar in the filling and opt for a sugar-free sweetener instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh?
A: Absolutely! Frozen peaches work great in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before using.
Q: How long does the Rustic Peach and Basil Galette take to make?
A: The total time to prepare and bake this galette is 50 minutes, with 15 minutes of prep time and 35 minutes of cook time.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the dough up to 3 days in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and bake the galette.
Q: How many servings does this Rustic Peach and Basil Galette make?
A: This recipe yields 6 servings of the delicious Rustic Peach and Basil Galette.
Q: What if my dough is sticking to the rolling pin or counter?
A: If you’re having trouble with sticking, try lightly flouring your work surface and rolling pin before rolling out the dough. You can also try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before rolling to firm it up.
Rustic Peach and Basil Galette
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of this Rustic Peach and Basil Galette, a delightful homemade treat that’s sure to impress. With juicy peach slices and fragrant basil leaves nestled in a flaky crust, this galette is the perfect summer dessert.
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 3/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
– 1/4 cup ice water
– 5 medium peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced
– 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, pulse the flour and salt together. Add the chilled butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining.
2. Add the ice water and pulse just until the dough starts to come together. Gather the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
4. In a large bowl, combine the peach slices, sugar, and cornstarch. Toss gently to coat.
5. On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle, about 1/8-inch thick. Transfer the dough to a parchment-lined 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 2-inch border of dough over the peaches, pleating the dough as you go.
8. Brush the dough with the egg wash.
9. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the peaches are bubbly.
10. Allow the galette to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For a more rustic look, you can leave the peach skins on. The galette can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This Rustic Peach and Basil Galette is a true summertime gem, bursting with juicy, sweet peaches and fragrant, herbal basil. The flaky, buttery crust is the perfect vehicle for these incredible flavors. Whether you’re enjoying it as a dessert, a brunch treat, or an afternoon snack, this galette is sure to become a new family favorite. So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and get baking – your taste buds are in for a real treat!
