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Home » Recipes » Entree

Heirloom Tomato Galette with Sweet Onions

Published: Sep 18, 2012 · Modified: Jan 27, 2023 by Rose McAvoy · This post may contain affiliate links · 12 Comments

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I always thought a pie was a pie, it needed a crust, a filling, and a pan to hold the pastry and give it that classic pie shape. Recently I have noticed pictures of a different way to make pie without the iconic pie pan. The rustic functionality of baking a pie on a sheet pan appealed to me.  Something about pulling the crust up and around the pie filling seemed more approachable than neatly fitting everything into a dish. These free form pies are called "galettes" and an heirloom tomato galette turned out to be just the thing to turn a selection of sweet summer produce into a show stopping meal.

Tomato & Sweet Onion Galette | Our Lady of Second Helpings

It all began when my mother asked me to, "bring a substantial vegetarian side dish." to a family BBQ.  An interesting challenge that I happily accepted.

I brainstormed meatless summery foods and substantial side dishes, creating a sort of mental Venn diagram. The summery circle had items like corn on the cob and fruit salad. The substantial circle included baked potatoes or quinoa with beans.  Any of this ideas would have been welcome contributions to the meal however, I added a third criteria: whatever I made had to come from ingredients already in my kitchen.

At the time I had a sack of fragrant heirloom tomatoes, a monstrous Walla Walla Sweet onion, and a stocked pantry.

Walla Walla Sweet Onions

Heirloom Tomatoes

Honestly, I didn't think piling everything up and baking it would work but I gave the technique a try and the result was an heirloom tomato galette that immediately became one of our favorite summer recipes.

As a novice pie baker I fretted my way through the process of forming the dough (what if it tears?) then preparing the filling (are the slices to thick, too thin, too juicy?). Mercifully, the finished galette was stunning. The combination of pastry and bubbling tomato and onion created an aroma that was instantly mouth watering. I called Mike into the kitchen so we could both stare at my glorious creation while it cooled. Of course, I Instagramed the beautiful pie, then I called my sister to share the news - the logical next step following a major life event.

Tomato & Sweet Onion Galette | Our Lady of Second Helpings

The initial success has inspired me to revisit the recipe heirloom tomato galette with sweet onions several more times. Each time I became more confident working with the ingredients. Using the same method I experimented with the ingredients adding or adjusting to improve the success and taste. Two of our favorite additions to the basic tomato galette have been pesto spread just on the bottom and a layer of zucchini and summer squash. We also discovered tomato galette makes an exceptional breakfast.

The funny part is, though I was charged with preparing a side dish, this tomato galette with sweet onions has proven itself as a full fledged entree. That first attempt went to the BBQ and though the grilled chicken was perfectly cooked, the meat became the side dish and the vegetarian option took center stage.

Tomato & Sweet Onion Galette | Our Lady of Second Helpings

Tomato Galette with Sweet Onions

Before we go to the recipe, let's talk crust: For this hearty galette, you want a sturdy crust, leaning ever so gently toward cracker rather than airy pastry. This method of pie baking creates a different relationship between the crust and filling than a traditionally baked pie. The open top means the flavor and texture of this savory pie changes from bite to bite. The thick slouchy pleats made by folding the crust up and around the filling make little nooks and crannies that perfectly hold the tasty tomato sauce.

Tomato & Sweet Onion Galette | Our Lady of Second Helpings

Whole Wheat Pie Crust step by step

More tips for making the perfect tomato galette:

  • Avoid very juicy over ripe tomatoes for this recipe. The extra liquid will make the filling leak and the crust soggy.
  • Make sure all the ingredients are prepared before rolling out the crust so that the dough stays cool.
  • Don't be shy with the seasonings, salt and pepper are essential for bringing out the sweet onion and tomato flavors.
  • When baked the finished crust should be firm enough to make a sharp satisfying sound when tapped.
  • Give the flavor even more pizzazz with a drizzle of fresh citrus or white balsamic vinegar just before serving.

Assembling a Tomato & Sweet Onion Galette | Our Lady of Second Helpings

Tomato & Sweet Onion Galette | Our Lady of Second Helpings



Heirloom Tomato Galette with Sweet Onions

Rose McAvoy
Heirloom tomato galette with sweet onions baked in a whole wheat crust. This rustic savory pie turns simple summer produce into a show stopping meal.
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 40 mins
Total Time 55 mins
Servings 8
Calories 222 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 whole wheat pie crust
  • ¾ pounds sweet onion
  • ¾ - 1 pounds tomatoes sliced into ¼ inch rounds or thin wedges.
  • ¼ cup basil leaves sliced into ribbons
  • 2 oz. goat cheese plain or with herbs
  • salt and pepper
  • egg wash 1 egg and 1 tablespoon of milk

Optional additions

  • ⅓ cup pesto
  • yellow summer squash or zucchini reduce the amount of tomato and onion proportionately

Instructions
 

  • While the crust dough is chilling prepare the vegetables as noted above.
  • Preheat oven to 350
  • Quickly roll the dough into a circle working from the middle to the edges changing direction with every pass. Work the dough into an 11 inch circle (or roundish shape) it should be about ⅛ of an inch thick.
  • Transfer dough to a baking stone or parchment lined baking sheet. Pinch closed and smooth any tears if needed.
  • Leaving a 2 ½ to 3 inch margin all the way around - Layer the ingredients on top of the crust overlapping as needed: onion, sprinkle of seasoning, tomato, seasoning, goat cheese, basil ribbons.
  • Bring the crust up and around the filling pleating and pinching as needed. The filling may need to be "hugged" a little to allow more crust to come up the sides. Once all the dough has been pleated it may slouch a bit but it should stay. The cooler the dough the better it will hold its shape.
  • Brush the outside of the galette with the egg wash. - This step provides the "wow" factor to the finished pie.
  • Bake for 25 -30 minutes until filling is steamy and bubbly. Then increase the temperature to 425 for 5 - 10 additional minutes to give the pie its deep amber color.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 222kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 5gFiber: 3g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. thefamilyfeed

    April 24, 2013 at 10:08 am

    Very nice to be mentioned in your bog. We've enjoyed yours as well. How about the Seattle weather today?! Best, Kevin and Angie.

    Reply
    • Rose

      April 24, 2013 at 10:10 am

      Thanks guys :) I am about to head into the yard and spend the rest of the day digging in the dirt and soaking up the sun! I hope you get to enjoy it too!

      Reply
  2. Laura Chandler

    September 18, 2012 at 10:49 pm

    I have eaten this and can attest to its scrumptiousness! Mom

    Reply
  3. Conscious Consumer (@korkin14)

    September 18, 2012 at 7:23 pm

    So pretty! I will totally duplicate this one at home. I'll send you my take on it next week :)

    Reply
    • Rose

      September 18, 2012 at 7:40 pm

      Awesome! Can't wait to see it recreated.

      Reply
  4. webster

    September 18, 2012 at 5:45 pm

    Rose, do you ever use white whole wheat flour? I know, it sounds like an oxymoron, but they do sell it. I just wonder if it would work well in a crust like this. Your galette looks marvelous, BTW! Did you remove some of the tomato seeds? A tablespoon of those candied jalapenos would probably taste good in it, too. I can see how this would be a show-stealer.

    Reply
    • Rose

      September 18, 2012 at 5:53 pm

      I haven't tried white whole wheat. Is it for the color? I am partial to the heartier look of brown whole wheat flour.

      I didn't remove any seeds so there was liquid at the bottom but not much. Resting for a bit helps.

      Yes the jalapeños could be good. It would take the flavors in a new direction.

      Reply
  5. Heidi @ lightlycrunchy

    September 18, 2012 at 5:30 pm

    That looks so beautiful! I bet it was a hit.

    Reply
    • Rose

      September 18, 2012 at 5:48 pm

      It was! It has been hard not to make another as soon as we finish the last. Perhaps this would be a good alternative to sauce for some of your remaining crop.

      Reply
      • Heidi @ lightlycrunchy

        September 18, 2012 at 5:50 pm

        Absolutely! I was thinking the same thing.

        Reply
  6. emmycooks

    September 18, 2012 at 4:47 pm

    The step by step photos are so pretty that I think I'd want to just dig in to the unbanked pie! I have never tried a crust with so much whole wheat flour, but it looks like I should! And thanks for the intro to another Seattle blog. :)

    Reply
    • Rose

      September 18, 2012 at 4:52 pm

      Oh you should - you really really should.

      Reply

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