There’s something magical about wandering through the countryside in autumn, the air crisp and invigorating, as the vibrant leaves swirl around your feet like a kaleidoscope. The scent of apples wafts gently from nearby orchards, beckoning you to partake in the bountiful harvest. It was during one of these enchanted afternoons that I stumbled upon a small farmhouse, where the elderly owner was preparing a rustic galette filled with freshly picked apples and fragrant sage. The comforting aroma and the promise of warm sweetness drew me in, inspiring me to recreate this delightful dessert with a gourmet twist.

This Rustic Apple and Sage Galette is an ode to those memories, combining the sweet-tartness of seasonal apples with the earthy warmth of sage, all encased in a flaky, buttery pastry. It’s a dessert that feels both familiar and elevated, perfect for cozy gatherings or a quiet evening at home.

Ingredients

For the Pastry:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 6-8 tablespoons ice water

For the Filling:

  • 4 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (a mix of tart and sweet, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

Start by preparing the pastry. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough starts to come together. You want it to be moist but not sticky. Once combined, form it into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

While the dough chills, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with the chopped sage, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour until well combined. Allow the mixture to sit for about 20 minutes, which will help soften the apples and meld the flavors.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pastry into a rough circle about 12 inches in diameter. Don’t worry about it being perfectly round; rustic is the way to go!

Transfer the rolled pastry onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spoon the apple filling into the center of the pastry, leaving a 2-inch border around the edges. Gently fold the edges of the pastry over the filling, pleating it as you go to create a beautiful, rustic look.

Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg to give it a lovely golden sheen while baking. If desired, sprinkle a little extra sugar over the crust for added sweetness.

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the apples are tender. The enticing aroma of baked apples and sage will fill your kitchen, reminiscent of those autumn afternoons spent in the countryside.

Once baked, allow the galette to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream, and relish the comforting blend of flavors that bring back memories of family gatherings and the beauty of nature’s bounty.

Enjoy your Rustic Apple and Sage Galette, a dessert that warms the heart and satisfies the soul!