A Slice of Summer Sky
Forget fussy pie dishes. This rustic galette celebrates the imperfect beauty of homemade baking. It’s a simple yet elegant dessert where the vibrant, jammy blueberries and fragrant lavender are the true stars, delivering a taste of a sun-drenched summer afternoon.
Prep Time
30 minutes (plus 1 hour for chilling dough)
Cook Time
35-40 minutes
Servings
6-8
Cuisine: French / American | Diet: None | Skill Level: Intermediate | Cost: Affordable
Ingredients
- For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water
- For the Filling:
- 4 cups fresh blueberries, picked over and rinsed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried culinary lavender
- For Assembly:
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar, for sprinkling
👨🍳 Chef’s Tips
- To guarantee a crisp bottom crust, you can sprinkle a tablespoon of fine breadcrumbs or ground almonds on the dough before adding the filling.
- If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them first. You may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
- The amount of lavender is subtle. If you love the flavor, you can increase it to 1 1/2 teaspoons, but be cautious as too much can taste soapy.
Preparation
- To make the crust, combine flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Scatter the cold butter cubes over the top and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour. Work quickly until the mixture resembles coarse meal with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. The butter must stay cold to create flaky layers.
- Drizzle 1/4 cup of ice water over the mixture and gently toss with a fork. Add more ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough just comes together. Do not overwork it. Form the dough into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- For the filling, in a separate bowl, gently toss the fresh blueberries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and dried lavender. The cornstarch is crucial as it will thicken the juices as they release, preventing a soggy bottom. The lemon juice brightens the berry flavor.
Cooking
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a sheet of parchment paper on a large baking sheet.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle. It doesn’t need to be perfect; rustic is the goal. Carefully transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet.
- Spoon the blueberry filling into the center of the dough, leaving a 2-inch border all around. The aroma should be fruity with a hint of floral lavender.
- Gently fold the edges of the dough up and over the filling, pleating as you go. This rustic border will hold in the delicious juices.
- Brush the folded crust with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle generously with coarse sugar. This will give the galette a beautiful, shiny, golden-brown finish and a delightful crunch.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is deeply golden and the filling is bubbly and thick. The sight of the dark purple juices bubbling is the key indicator of doneness. Let it cool on the baking sheet for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.
Serving
Serve warm, either on its own or with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The contrast of the warm, flaky tart and the cold, creamy ice cream is divine. Allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing to ensure the filling has set properly.
Storage
Store leftovers loosely covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to re-crisp the crust.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 50g |
| Fat | 16g |
Effortless Elegance
This galette proves that the most memorable desserts don’t require perfection, just quality ingredients and a little bit of love. It’s a versatile treat perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quiet evening enjoying the fruits of your local harvest.
Tags: blueberry galette, rustic tart, summer dessert, lavender recipe, berry pie
Hungry for more?
For more delicious northern recipes, check out our Melgund: Come Eat With Me Cookbook! Serving the communities of Dyment and Borups Corners in Melgund Township, Northwestern Ontario. This digital literacy and food security program is supported by Art Borups Corners and Melgund Recreation, Arts and Culture.
About the Author
