Lemony Walnut Raisin Galette

A Lemony Walnut-Raisin Galette is a rustic and delectable dessert that marries the bright, zesty flavors of lemon with the rich and earthy taste of walnuts and sweet raisins. Galettes are known for their free-form, open-faced pastry style, making them a perfect choice for those who appreciate the beauty of imperfection. In this dessert, a flaky and buttery pastry crust serves as the canvas for a luscious filling of toasted walnuts, plump raisins, and a lemony glaze. Whether served as a sweet ending to a meal or enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee, this galette offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures. Let’s delve into the history of galettes and learn how to make this wonderful dessert.

The word “galette” is derived from the Old French word “gale,” which means “flat cake.” Galettes have a long history in French cuisine and are known for their simplicity and versatility. They are thought to have originated in the region of Brittany, in the northwest of France, where they are often associated with savory buckwheat crêpes known as “galettes de sarrasin.”

Sweet galettes, like the Lemony Walnut-Raisin Galette, are inspired by their savory counterparts and have become a beloved part of French pastry tradition. They gained popularity as a rustic alternative to more intricate desserts, allowing home bakers to showcase seasonal fruits, nuts, and spices.

The concept of galettes has also transcended French borders, finding a place in the hearts of bakers and dessert lovers around the world. They are appreciated for their casual and approachable appearance, making them an ideal choice for both novice and experienced bakers.

The combination of lemon, walnuts, and raisins in this galette offers a delightful blend of flavors that complement each other beautifully. Lemon adds a burst of freshness and acidity, while toasted walnuts provide a satisfying crunch and rich nutty flavor. The plump raisins bring a natural sweetness to the filling, creating a harmonious balance of tastes and textures.

INGREDIENTS

For the Pastry Dough:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
• 3-4 tablespoons ice water

For the Filling:

• 1 cup walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

For Garnish:

• Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry Dough

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt.
2. Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix with a fork until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
4. Gather the dough into a ball, flatten it into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the toasted and coarsely chopped walnuts, raisins, granulated sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and melted unsalted butter. Toss to combine, ensuring that the filling ingredients are well mixed.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pastry dough into a circle about 12 inches (30 cm) in diameter. You can use a rolling pin to achieve an even thickness.

Step 4: Assemble the Galette

1. Transfer the rolled-out pastry dough to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
2. Spoon the walnut and raisin filling onto the center of the dough, leaving a border of about 2 inches (5 cm) around the edges.
3. Gently fold the edges of the pastry dough over the filling, creating pleats as you go. The center of the galette should remain exposed.

Step 5: Brush with Egg Wash

1. Brush the exposed edges of the pastry with the beaten egg. This will give the galette a beautiful golden-brown finish when baked.

Step 6: Bake

1. Place the assembled galette in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.

Step 7: Cool and Garnish

1. Remove the galette from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.
2. If desired, dust the galette with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

1. Slice your Lemony Walnut-Raisin Galette into portions and serve it warm or at room temperature, savoring the delightful combination of lemony freshness, toasted walnuts, and sweet raisins.

This Lemony Walnut-Raisin Galette is a beautiful tribute to the tradition of galettes and the art of rustic pastry-making. Its combination of flavors and textures creates a dessert that is both elegant and comforting, perfect for any occasion.