Galette

A galette is a delightful term in French cuisine that refers to various types of flat, round, or free-form crusty cakes. One popular version is the Breton galette, a savory pancake made from buckwheat flour, often filled with delectable ingredients. Another renowned galette is the Galette des Rois, a special cake enjoyed during Epiphany celebrations. In French Canada, "galette" typically describes pastries that resemble large cookies.

One of the most cherished forms of galette is the fruit galette, which looks like a single-crust, free-form pie with a fruit filling. The edges of the crust are folded over the top, giving it a rustic appearance. These can be filled with a variety of fruits such as apples, berries, or stone fruits, and often include spices and other flavorings. You can make the pastry base from scratch or use a store-bought one. Fruit galettes are known for being effortlessly impressive and visually appealing, with their imperfections adding to their rustic charm.

The Breton galette, also known as a savory buckwheat crepe, hails from the Brittany region in France. Buckwheat became a staple in this area due to its ability to thrive in poor soil conditions, at times replacing bread in the local diet. These galettes can be topped with a variety of ingredients such as eggs, meat, cheese, vegetables, or fruits. One popular version is the galette complète, which includes Emmental cheese, ham, and an egg. Another favorite is the galette saucisse, a hot sausage wrapped in a galette, akin to a hot dog, which originated in Rennes, Brittany.

Whether sweet or savory, galettes offer a delicious and visually appealing option for any meal.