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Use Up Summertime Fruit to Make a Delicious Plum Galette

As the warm embrace of summer begins to wane, our gardens and markets brim with an abundance of luscious fruit. Among the bounty of seasonal delights, plums often shine brightly, offering a sweet-tart flavour that is perfect for embodying the essence of the season. If you’re looking for a simple yet delectable way to use up your summertime fruit, look no further than a rustic plum galette.

What is a Galette?

A galette is a free-form tart that celebrates simplicity. Its origins can be traced back to traditional French cuisine, where it was often made with various fillings, from sweet fruit to savoury vegetables. The beauty of a galette lies in its lack of fussiness; it’s all about the stunning fillings and the flaky, buttery crust. This makes it an ideal dessert for both novice bakers and experienced chefs alike.

Ingredients

For the dough:

• 200g plain flour
• 100g unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 50g caster sugar
• A pinch of salt
• 4-5 tablespoons ice water

For the filling:

• 600g ripe plums, pitted and sliced (you can mix different varieties for added flavour)
• 60g brown sugar (adjust based on the sweetness of the plums)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon cornflour (to thicken)
• Zest of half a lemon
• A pinch of salt
• An egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Method

1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain flour, caster sugar, and salt. Add the chilled butter and rub it into the flour mixture using your fingertips until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Avoid overworking the dough. Form it into a disc, wrap it in cling film, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C for fan ovens) or gas mark 6. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

3. Prepare the Filling:
In a bowl, mix the sliced plums with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, cornflour, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Allow the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes, which helps the flavours meld and the sugar to draw out some of the juice from the fruit.

4. Roll Out the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a circle, roughly 30cm in diameter. Don’t worry too much about it being perfectly round; the rustic look is part of the charm!

5. Assemble the Galette:
Transfer the rolled dough onto the prepared baking tray. Arrange the plum mixture in the centre, leaving a 5cm border around the edges. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pleating it as you go to create a beautiful border. Brush the exposed crust with beaten egg to give it a golden finish.

6. Bake:
Place the galette in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling.

7. Serve:
Once baked, remove the galette from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. It can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, and pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of clotted cream.

A Celebration of Summer

Making a plum galette is not only a fantastic way to use up summertime fruit but serves as a reminder to savour the fleeting moments of the season. This dish showcases the natural sweetness of the plums while allowing the buttery crust to shine. So, gather your family and friends, and delight in a slice of this rustic treat. Whether you’re serving it at a summer gathering or as a comforting end to a quiet evening, it’s sure to become a cherished recipe in your baking repertoire. Enjoy the last of summer with a taste of pure fruit-filled bliss!

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