Christmassy Brussel Sprout Galette, A Delicious Appetizer

Well, colour me surprised – another Christmas and another Brussels Sprout dish! But this Brussel Sprout galette is one of those dishes you wish you had on hand all year round because it is delicious. Savoury, cheesy and crunchy too, it does look so pretty so it will be the perfect appetizer to have on your Christmas table this year.

This delightful dish not only showcases the beauty of Brussels sprouts but also combines them with caramelized onions and a flaky shortcrust, resulting in a culinary masterpiece that’s both comforting and bursting with flavour. And since you know we have had some sort of addiction to Brussels Sprouts, then it should come as no surprise! I mean, do you remember our Asian Brussel Sprout satay roast? Or even the Brussel Sprout wreath?! Both are extremely delicious and as savoury as this Brussel Sprout galette!

The Christmas Season and a Brussel Sprout galette recipe

We all know it, full well. Brussels sprouts often get a bad rap, but fear not! When prepared with love and creativity, these little green gems transform into a star ingredient that steals the show. Packed with nutrients and a unique nutty flavour, brussels sprouts are a must-have in your culinary repertoire.

And always served on a Christmas table, why not make sure this year you’ll be serving something your family will rave about?

Brussels Sprouts – A Nutrient-Packed Powerhouse

Before we delve into the history of galettes, let’s take a moment to appreciate the health benefits that our star ingredient, Brussels sprouts, brings to the table. These tiny cruciferous veggies are not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious.

• Rich in Nutrients: Brussels sprouts are a treasure trove of essential vitamins and minerals. Packed with vitamin K, vitamin C, folate, and manganese, they contribute to overall health and well-being;
• High in Fibre: If you’re looking to boost your fibre intake, look no further. Brussels sprouts are an excellent source of fibre, aiding digestion and promoting a healthy gut;
• Antioxidant Powerhouse: These little green wonders are loaded with antioxidants, including kaempferol. Antioxidants help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body;
• Supports Heart Health: The high fibre and antioxidant content of Brussels sprouts contribute to heart health by lowering cholesterol levels and promoting healthy blood vessels;
• Aids in Weight Management: With their low-calorie and high-nutrient profile, Brussels sprouts are a fantastic addition to a weight-conscious diet. The fibre content also helps you feel full, supporting weight management (Healthline).

So, not only does our Brussels Sprout Galette taste amazing, but it also provides a nutritious boost that your body will thank you for. And around Christmas, it’s not always a given.

The Galette Chronicles – A Culinary Journey Through History

Now that our Brussels sprouts have taken the spotlight let’s explore the intriguing history of galettes. Originating from France, galettes have a rich culinary heritage that spans centuries.

• French Roots: The term galette is derived from the Norman word gale, meaning flat cake. Originating in the French countryside, galettes were traditionally simple, rustic, and made with local, seasonal ingredients;
• Versatility Personified: Galettes, in their essence, are free-form, open-faced pies. They can be sweet or savoury, depending on the ingredients used. From fruit-filled galettes to savoury creations like our Brussels Sprout Galette, these delightful pastries have evolved to suit a variety of tastes;
• Rustic Elegance: The beauty of a galette lies in its simplicity. Unlike the precision required for traditional pies, galettes embrace imperfection. The rustic, free-form nature of galettes showcases the natural beauty of the ingredients;
• Celebrating Seasons: Historically, galettes were a celebration of the seasons. Local produce, grains, and fruits were incorporated into these delicious creations, making them a reflection of the bounties each season had to offer.

The Art of Galette-Making

Now that we’ve unravelled the history of galettes let’s delve into the art of making this delightful dish that is the Brussel sprout galette.

• The Crust: Whether store-bought or homemade, the shortcrust is the canvas for your Brussel Sprout galette. Its flakiness is the perfect complement to the savoury goodness within. If you have the time, trying your hand at a homemade shortcrust can be a rewarding and therapeutic experience;
• The Filling: Galettes are incredibly versatile. From sweet to savoury, the filling possibilities are endless. Our Brussel Sprout Galette showcases the savoury side, blending the nutty flavour of Brussels sprouts with the sweetness of caramelized onions and butternut squash;
• The Technique: Galettes are forgiving. The free-form nature means no need for perfection. Simply mound the filling in the centre, leaving an inch or so of crust to fold over. The result is a visually appealing, rustic creation that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate;
• The Baking: Galettes are meant to be enjoyed fresh out of the oven. Baking time may vary but aim for that golden-brown crust. The aromas that fill your kitchen will be an irresistible teaser for the feast that awaits.

The Galette Revolution – Modern Twists and Culinary Creativity

As the culinary world continues to evolve, so does the humble galette. Chefs and home cooks alike have taken this classic dish and infused it with modern twists and creative flair. From experimenting with alternative flours for the crust to innovative flavour pairings for the filling, galettes have become a canvas for culinary expression.

So what ingredients do I need to make this Brussel sprout galette?

In the world of gastronomy, it’s the unique combination of ingredients that transforms a dish from ordinary to extraordinary. Let’s take a closer look at some exciting ingredients from our Brussel Sprout Galette.

1. Puff Pastry: The hero of our Brussel sprout galette’s crust, puff pastry, is like a magical carpet that elevates our culinary journey. Its layers of buttery goodness create a light, airy texture that perfectly complements the heartiness of our Brussel Sprout galette filling. Whether store-bought or homemade, puff pastry ensures a crisp and golden finish, turning our Brussel sprout galette into a masterpiece;
2. Butter: Butter, the unsung hero of many delicious dishes, brings a rich, savoury undertone to our galette. As we sauté the Brussels sprouts in butter, its golden touch adds a luxurious depth, making each bite a velvety delight. It’s a small but mighty player that contributes to the overall decadence of our creation;
3. Anchovy Fillets: Anchovy fillets may seem like an unexpected addition, but trust me on this one. These tiny fish pack a punch of umami, enhancing the savoury profile of our Brussel sprout galette. Finely chopped and melted in the butter, anchovies add a subtle complexity that will leave your taste buds pleasantly surprised;
4. Lemon Juice: Amidst the savoury notes, a touch of citrusy brightness is introduced with the addition of fresh lemon juice. The acidity cuts through the richness, adding a zesty zing to our Brussel Sprout Galette. It not only balances the flavours but also lends a refreshing quality that makes each bite a delightful experience;
5. Garlic: Ah, garlic – the aromatic alchemist that transforms any dish into a flavour powerhouse. As it dances in the skillet alongside Brussels sprouts and anchovies, its intoxicating aroma infuses the filling with a depth that’s hard to resist. Garlic brings warmth and complexity, making our Brussel Sprout galette an irresistible treat for the senses;
6. Chives: Enter chives, the fresh herbal notes that cut through the richness and add a touch of elegance to our Brussel Sprout galette. Finely chopped and sprinkled atop the finished masterpiece, chives contribute a burst of colour and a mild onion flavour that complements the rest of the ingredients within;
7. Brown Sugar: Brown sugar, a sweet symphony amid savoury ingredients, plays a crucial role in the caramelization process. As it melts and combines with the other ingredients, a luscious, slightly sweet undertone emerges, balancing the overall flavour profile of our galette;
8. Chilli Flakes: For those who appreciate a bit of heat, chilli flakes come to the rescue. A pinch adds a subtle kick that tantalizes the taste buds without overpowering the other flavours. It’s the spicy serenade that keeps each bite exciting and dynamic;
9. Eggs: Eggs serve as the golden crown atop our Brussel Sprout galette. Also brushed onto the flaky crust before baking, the egg wash creates a beautiful, shiny finish that not only enhances visual appeal but also adds a final touch of richness;
10. Parmesan: Last but certainly not least, Parmesan cheese graces our galette with its nutty, salty goodness. Sprinkled generously over the filling, it undergoes a transformative journey in the oven, creating a golden, crispy layer that crowns our Brussels Sprout Galette with unmatched flavour.

How do I MAKE THE bRUSSEL sPROUT GALETTE?

Preparing this Brussel Sprout galette is as easy as it gets. We pre-cook the sprouts a little to get the flavour going, but otherwise it requires minimal effort. Let’s see how together.

Start by preparing your Brussels sprouts: trim them and then halve them and set aside.

In a pan, melt the butter then add the chopped anchovy fillets and let them melt in it, roughly 2 to 3 minutes. Add the sprouts and toss them, leaving them to cook for roughly one minute. Turn down the heat to medium-low and add the lemon juice, sliced garlic, half of the chopped chives, brown sugar and chilli flakes. Cook everything for 2 minutes or so, until the liquid is reduced. turn off the heat and set aside.

In a small bowl whisk the eggs and parmesan, then season with salt and pepper and set aside.

Roll out your shortcrust pastry, and fill it with the Brussels sprout mix leaving a gap of 3-4 centimetres on each side. Fold the sides in, then pour the egg mixture and use some of it to brush the crust.

Preheat the oven to 180C and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the puff pastry is puffed up and golden in colour. Serve the Brussel sprout galette warm as a side or appetizer.

Christmassy Brussel Sprout Galette

Simona

Savoury, cheesy and crunchy too, it does look so pretty so it will be the perfect appetizer to have on your Christmas table this year. Meet the Brussel sprout galette!

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Course Savoury

Ingredients

  

• 1 round rolled puff pastry
• 40 g butter
• 4 anchovy fillets
• 300 g Brussels sprouts
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 bunch chives
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp chilli flakes
• 2 eggs
• 30 g parmesan

Instructions

 

• Prepare your Brussels sprouts: trim them and then halve them and set aside.
• In a pan, melt the butter then add the chopped anchovy fillets and let them melt in it, roughly 2 to 3 minutes.
• Add the sprouts and toss them, leaving them to cook for roughly one minute.
• Turn down the heat to medium-low and add the lemon juice, sliced garlic, half of the chopped chives, brown sugar and chilli flakes. Cook everything for 2 minutes or so, until the liquid is reduced. turn off the heat and set aside.
• In a small bowl whisk the eggs and parmesan, then season with salt and pepper and set aside.
• Roll out your shortcrust pastry, fill it with the Brussels sprout mix leaving a gap of 3-4 centimetres on each side.
• Fold the sides in, then pour the egg mixture and use some of it to brush the crust.
• Preheat the oven to 180C and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the puff pastry is puffed up and golden in colour.
• Serve warm.

Keyword brussel sprout galette, brussels sprout galette

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Our Brussel Sprout Galette is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavours, a nod to the rich history of galettes, and a testament to the culinary creativity that brings joy to our kitchens. So, as you savour each bite of this delicious creation this coming Christmas, remember that you’re not just enjoying a meal but participating in a gastronomic adventure that spans cultures and centuries. So here’s to the Brussel Sprout Galette – a modern masterpiece with roots deep in history.

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