Directions
<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Begin by making the pastry dough. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the cold cubed butter and use your fingertips to quickly rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter still visible. These butter pockets will create steam during baking, resulting in those beautiful flaky layers we're after. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> Sprinkle the lemon zest over the mixture, then gradually add the ice-cold water, mixing gently with a fork until the dough just starts to come together. The dough should be shaggy but hold together when pressed. Avoid overworking it, as this develops gluten and results in a tough pastry. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently press it into a disk about 2cm thick. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours. This resting period allows the gluten to relax and the butter to firm up, ensuring a flakier crust. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> While the dough is chilling, prepare your berry filling. If using strawberries, hull and quarter them. Keep smaller berries like blueberries whole. In a large bowl, gently toss the berries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla, and salt. The cornstarch will thicken the juices as the galette bakes, preventing a soggy bottom. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Preheat your oven to 190°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and let it sit for about 5 minutes to slightly soften. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a circle approximately 30cm in diameter and about 3mm thick. Don't worry about achieving a perfect circle – the rustic, imperfect edges are part of a galette's charm! </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Carefully transfer the rolled dough to your lined baking sheet. Arrange the berry mixture in the center, leaving a 5cm border around the edges. Avoid adding excess liquid from the bowl, as this can make your pastry soggy. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> Gently fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pleating as you go around. The center of the galette should remain open, showcasing your beautiful berries. Brush the folded edges with beaten egg, then sprinkle generously with coarse sugar. This will give your crust a beautiful golden shine and delightful crunch. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4> Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, until the crust is deeply golden and the filling is bubbling. If you notice the edges browning too quickly, loosely cover them with foil. The bottom of the galette should be browned and crisp – this ensures your pastry won't be soggy from the fruit juices. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4> Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for at least 15 minutes. For an extra touch of shine, warm the apricot jam slightly and brush it over the exposed berries. This creates a beautiful glaze and adds a subtle complementary flavor. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4> Serve warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream. The galette is best enjoyed the day it's made, but can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm in a 150°C oven for about 10 minutes to restore some of that wonderful crust crispness. </li> </ol>