Today I’m going to share with you a recipe for Spinach and Feta Galettes, a recipe which I have been making since my school days. This is such an easy recipe that I almost overlooked it. Whilst deceptively simple, it is ideal as an appetiser, a light meal or perfect to serve at brunch.
Whilst this savoury vegetable tart is ideal for vegetarians, the robust flavours make it suitable for almost everyone. In fact, Galettes can be enjoyed by many people with specific dietary requirements. The recipe can be adjusted for vegans; vegan puff pastry is available in most supermarkets and the toppings adjusted accordingly. Further, for those who require a gluten-free diet, a suitable pastry is also available at most supermarkets. In this instance, the toppings would be suitable.
Another great advantage of these Spinach and Feta Galettes?
You are able to prepare all the components ahead of time and then assemble the pastries when ready to bake.
It is a recipe which is perfect for entertaining; it is a breeze to put together, taking just minutes to prepare.
What is a Galette?
A Galette is a rustic, free-form tart which can be either sweet or savoury. They are no-fuss pastries, ideal for novice and experienced bakers alike.
A Galette is, in fact, similar to a Crostata; the Galette is French and the Crostata Italian.
They are each free-form, rustic tarts, in which the edges fold up around the filling. Thin discs of pastry with sweet or savoury toppings are baked on a baking tray instead of in a pie or tart pan. They are ideal to customise; there are no rules and there is no limit to what you can use. Simply top the pastry with ingredients of your choice.
Galettes are frequently made in a circle from home-made, flaky, pie dough. I confess to taking a shortcut here; for ease of preparation, I use commercial, frozen, all butter puff pastry. The puff pastry that I use comes in a square sheet so to avoid wastage my Galettes are not round, they are square.
With puff pastry in the freezer, I am never far away from a quickly prepared meal.
How to make Spinach and Feta Galettes:
You will need a little advance preparation as you need to defrost both the puff pastry and the spinach. Ideally, I will defrost the required number of pastry sheets in the refrigerator but if I’m short of time I defrost the pastry on the kitchen bench. It is, however, essential that the pastry not become warm, it must stay chilled. I also defrost the spinach and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. Then, I add the spinach and some freshly grated parmesan to a medium size bowl. I crumble the feta into the bowl and season with freshly ground black pepper. I don’t add salt; the feta and parmesan contain sufficient salt. The topping is now ready to add to the pastry.
Meanwhile, if the pastry has defrosted and I’m not ready to immediately use it, I return it to the refrigerator. If left at room temperature too long the butter in the pastry will start to soften and melt. To obtain the pockets of air which give the pastry a much-desired flakiness it is essential to keep the pastry cold.
To begin, I cut the pastry squares into 4 pieces and place them on a baking tray which I line with non-stick baking paper. It is easier to assemble the tarts whilst they are on the tray than to move them after they have been assembled. I add the topping to the pastry, distributing the ingredients evenly, then top them with a slice of tomato. These Spinach and Feta Galettes are now ready to bake to golden crispiness.
You could, if you prefer, make one large Galette and cut into slices for serving or you could make mini Galettes to serve with drinks.
Tips for success with Galettes:
There would be few baking projects simpler or easier than the low-stress Galette. However, there are a few things to bear in mind for the most successful outcome.
Firstly, the most important point to remember when working with puff pastry is to keep it chilled. If the pastry becomes warm the butter it contains will begin to soften and melt. This will mean that the pastry will become sticky, almost impossible to work with and may result in the pastry not holding its shape whilst baking. Pastry which becomes warm will not produce the crispy, light airiness which makes puff pastry so irresistible. If it defrosts and you are not ready to immediately use it place the pastry in the refrigerator until ready.
Further, it is important that your topping is not too damp. This is why it is important to squeeze out as much of the spinach liquid as possible. A damp topping will mean pastry with a soggy bottom – and nobody wants that!
For instance, if you are making a sweet Galette ensure that the fruit you choose will not release too much juice. Apples, for instance, are ideal, cut in very thin slices. If you are not sure of the moisture content of the fruit you can crumble some cookies onto the pastry before adding the fruit. I like to use some of my Amaretti Cookies. They add texture, flavour and help to soak up the fruit juices.
Additionally, a Galette, unlike some tarts and pies, is not piled high with toppings so you will need to exercise some restraint. Some ingredients for Galettes will be raw, such as the tomato in this recipe, and they will need time to properly cook.
However, bear in mind that a Galette is far more forgiving than a traditional tart or pie.
The fact that a Galette is a rustic preparation means that flaws are almost an advantage.
The reason to try Spinach and Feta Galettes:
After making numerous Galettes, I remain a huge fan of this rustic tart. If you have not previously tried making a savoury Galette I encourage you to try this recipe. Serve your Galette with a good salad, a bottle of wine and settle back and enjoy your easily prepared meal.
And for easy entertaining, these Spinach and Feta Galettes are ideal.
The fact that they can be made in advance is a definite plus. You just need to warm them before serving.
Once you try them you will understand the virtues of savoury Galettes and there will be no holding back your creative streak as you imagine the many ways to top the puff pastry.
More uses for these ingredients:
Puff Pastry is also used in these recipes:
- Bacon and Egg Galettes
- Mini Plum Tartlets
- Bacon and Onion Tarts
- Blue Cheese Puff Pastry Tarts
- Tuna Puff Pastry Pin Wheels
- Pepperoni Pastries
My friend Sylvie from The Foodie Journey makes another delicious Tomato Galette with Basil Whipped Feta – divine!
And how fantastic is it that they are meant to be rustic and not picture-perfect? It’s almost too good to be true for the busy home cook.
Please let me know in the comments below if you try my Spinach and Feta Galettes.
Alex xx
Spinach and Feta Galettes
Recipe Measurements:
For accuracy, when weights are provided, we recommend weighing your ingredients. This will produce the best results.
Ingredients
- 3 sheets of frozen butter puff pastry * 22 ½ cm/9” square
- 500 g frozen spinach defrosted, excess water drained
- 2 large tomatoes
- 300 g feta cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 egg beaten, for glazing
Instructions
- If time permits, defrost the pastry in the refrigerator. However, this is not always suitable so you can defrost the pastry on the kitchen bench if necessary. Just ensure that the pastry remains chilled. Return it to the refrigerator if the pastry defrosts before you are ready to add the topping.
- Preheat your oven to 200 Degrees C (390 F).
- Defrost the frozen spinach. Squeeze out as much moisture as possible. Crumble the feta.
- Mix the spinach and feta together in a bowl. Add the Parmesan and season with pepper to taste.
- Line two trays with baking paper. Cut your pastry into squares that are approximately 12.5cm/5 ".It is easier to assemble pastries on the baking tray.
- Distribute the topping evenly on the puff pastry squares.
- Flatten the topping slightly, ensuring you leave a border of approximately 1cm.
- Top each pastry with a slice of tomato. Season the tomato with pepper.
- Brush the edges of the pastry with beaten egg.
- Fold over the sides of the pastry. Brush the sides with more beaten egg.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden on the top and bottom of the pastry. Enjoy straight away hot, or cool down and reheat later. They are also delicious at room temperature.
Video
Notes
Nutrition Estimate:
Nutritional Disclaimer:
The nutritional information is an estimate only, and is derived from online calculators. For accurate results, we recommend calculating the nutritional information based on the ingredients and brands you use.
Gavin
The perfect midweek dinner and/or Sunday brunch w/ friends and family. Thanks for sharing your tips on how to perfect them too!
Alexandra
Gavin, these are great for the time-poor – and that’s most of us, right? 😉
Sally
I love anything made with puff pastry! Having it in the freezer always ensures there is a meal available and the topping ideas really are endless!
Alexandra
I do agree Sally. With puff pastry in the freezer, I am never far away from an appetiser, a main meal or dessert. It is a busy cook’s secret weapon. 🙂
Kristine Nicole Alessandra
These galetes are so visually appealing. I thought they’d take hours to make! I love this recipe. These would make great appetizers, or a healthy snack. What I love most is that you can just put in any filling of choice!
Alexandra
I am so pleased that you like the recipe Kristine. They are ideal to customise. I do hope that you try them. 🙂
Michal con delight
The galette looks wonderful and really loved your step-by-step photos. Great idea when you don’t have much time and need to make things ahead, thank you!
Alexandra
Thank you so much. There are times when we all appreciate a dish we can make ahead. 🙂
Talya Stone
I love that spinach and feta combination – it’s always a winner, and these look super easy to make.
Alexandra
They are very easy Talya, I do hope that you try them. 🙂
David @ Spiced
What is it about spinach + feta? They go so well together! In fact, these galettes kinda remind me of spanikopita…delicious! And I’m totally digging the savory galettes here, Alex! I can see why you’ve been making this recipe for years. It’s simple. but the flavors are excellent! I definitely want to make this one ASAP!
Alexandra
Aren’t they a great combination David? And yes, there is a Greek influence here. I do hope that you try them, they are so quick and easy to put together. 🙂
Fiona Cambouropoulos
This looks very like a traditional Greek pasty I make. I love the open top nature of this and the added tomato that my recipe doesn’t have.
Alexandra
How interesting that you have a similar recipe. There is definitely a Greek influence with the flavours. I love that there are so many ways to put these together. 🙂
Cristina Petrini
These biscuits are a great idea for a drink with friends maybe on a summer evening!
Alexandra
These are perfect for entertaining; you can make them ahead and reheat for serving. 🙂
Danielle Wolter
puff pastry is such an amazing product! these look so delicious and perfect for little appetizers or even dinner!
Alexandra
These are great Danielle; as you say, they make a great light meal or appetiser. Enjoy! 🙂
Lyndsey OHalloran
This looks like a great recipe for summer and not hard to make either.
Alexandra
Hi Lyndsey, they are a great, quickly and easily made meal. Perfect for summer eating. 🙂
Amy | The Cook Report
Spinach and feta is such a delicious combination, love the sound of this recipe!
Alexandra
It’s a great flavour combination Amy. I do hope that you try the galettes. 🙂
Dannii
A great way to get some extra veggies in your diet. Perfect for parties too.
Alexandra
Yes Danni, they are ideal for parties. I very pleasant way to eat veggies. 🙂
Brian
A big fan of these – and a dish I will be continuing to make on the regular.
Alexandra
I’m so pleased that you like them, Brian, thanks for letting me know. 🙂
Brian Jones
Such a fun and simple way of creating a snack for big numbers, and that topping sounds heavenly, delicious!
Alexandra
Yes, it is so easy to convert for large numbers. I’m so pleased that you like the recipe. 🙂
Alice
So impressive to look at, but so simple to make – are these not the best kinds of food? I love it!
Alexandra
When something is easy to make and it tastes good it is definitely a winner. 🙂
Emmy
OH MY GOODNESS. These look amazing! I know they will be a hit at my dinner party tonight – and I love how simple they are to make.
Alexandra
Have a great time at your dinner party; I hope that you all enjoy them. 🙂