Introduction
Welcome to our blog! In today's article, we will be exploring the delicious world of tomato pimento cheese galette. If you're a fan of savory pastries, this recipe will surely tickle your taste buds. We'll walk you through the process of making this mouthwatering galette, from preparing the dough to assembling the filling, and finally, baking it to golden perfection. So, grab your apron and let's get started!
What is a Galette?
Before we dive into the specifics of the tomato pimento cheese galette, let's take a moment to understand what a galette actually is. Galette is a French term that refers to a free-form, rustic pastry. Unlike traditional pies or tarts, galettes are typically made without a pie dish or tart pan. The dough is rolled out, the filling is placed in the center, and the edges are folded over to create a rough, exposed crust.
A Versatile Dish
One of the reasons galettes have gained popularity in recent years is their versatility. Galettes can be sweet or savory, depending on the filling you choose. From fruit-filled galettes for dessert to savory galettes filled with cheese and vegetables, the possibilities are endless. Today, we'll be focusing on a savory galette featuring tomatoes and pimento cheese.
Ingredients
Now that we have a clear understanding of what a galette is, let's gather the ingredients we'll need to make this delicious tomato pimento cheese galette:
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 1 cup pimento cheese
- 2-3 medium-sized tomatoes, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparing the Dough
The first step in making our tomato pimento cheese galette is preparing the dough. Follow these simple steps to achieve a flaky and buttery crust:
Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. This ensures that the salt is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 2: Cut in the Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The small chunks of butter will melt during baking, creating pockets of flakiness in the crust.
Step 3: Add the Ice Water
Sprinkle the ice water over the dough, one tablespoon at a time. Gently mix the dough with a fork until it starts to come together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough crust. The dough should be slightly crumbly but hold together when pressed.
Step 4: Form the Dough
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gather it together and shape it into a disk. Wrap the disk in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough allows the butter to firm up again, making it easier to roll out later.
Assembling the Galette
Now that our dough is chilling, let's move on to assembling the tomato pimento cheese galette. Follow these steps to create a beautiful and delicious filling:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the galette from sticking to the baking sheet and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Roll out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a circle that is approximately 12 inches in diameter. The edges don't have to be perfect, as the rustic look is part of the charm of a galette.
Step 3: Spread the Pimento Cheese
Spread the pimento cheese evenly over the center of the dough, leaving a border of about 2 inches around the edges. The pimento cheese adds a tangy and creamy element to the galette.
Step 4: Arrange the Tomato Slices
Place the tomato slices on top of the pimento cheese, slightly overlapping them. This not only adds vibrant color but also imparts a fresh and juicy flavor to the galette.
Step 5: Season and Drizzle
Sprinkle the fresh basil over the tomato slices and season with salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle the olive oil over the filling, ensuring that it is evenly distributed.
Step 6: Fold the Edges
Gently fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pleating them as you go. This creates a rustic, free-form crust that encases the filling. Don't worry about making it look perfect – the imperfections add to the charm.
Baking and Serving
With the galette assembled, it's time to bake it to golden perfection and serve it fresh out of the oven. Follow these final steps:
Step 1: Brush with Egg Wash
In a small bowl, beat an egg and brush it over the exposed edges of the galette. This will give the crust a beautiful golden color as it bakes.
Step 2: Bake to Perfection
Place the galette in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on it towards the end to prevent it from burning.
Step 3: Let it Cool
Remove the galette from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This allows the filling to set slightly and makes it easier to transfer to a serving platter.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Using a spatula, carefully transfer the galette to a serving platter. Slice it into wedges and serve it warm or at room temperature. The combination of the flaky crust, creamy pimento cheese, and juicy tomatoes is a true delight for the taste buds.
Conclusion
And there you have it – a delectable tomato pimento cheese galette that is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you're hosting a brunch or simply craving a savory treat, this galette is a perfect choice. The flaky crust, tangy pimento cheese, and fresh tomatoes come together in a delightful symphony of flavors. So, why not give it a try and enjoy the culinary journey that the tomato pimento cheese galette offers? Bon appétit!