Spiced Pear & Ginger Galette: An Autumn Harvest Delight

Every autumn, the promise of crisp air and vibrant colors draws our family to Miller's Orchard. The scent of ripe fruit hangs heavy in the air, a symphony of sweetness that signals the changing season. Amongst the familiar rows of apples, we discovered a hidden gem this year: a bountiful pear orchard, overflowing with varieties I’d never even heard of before! The Bartlett pears, with their classic shape and delicate sweetness, stood in stark contrast to the plump, russet-colored Bosc pears, promising a more complex, subtly spiced flavor. It was a pear lover's dream. This Spiced Pear & Ginger Galette is a direct result of that delightful visit – a celebration of the harvest and a tribute to the humble, yet incredibly versatile, pear.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Spiced Pear & Ginger Galette is the perfect dessert for those crisp autumn evenings. Unlike a traditional pie, which can be a bit daunting, this galette is incredibly simple to make, making it perfect for a weeknight treat. The combination of sweet, spiced pears, the warmth of fresh ginger, and the nutty crunch of the hazelnut crust is simply divine. It's a delightful way to showcase the best of seasonal produce, and it's incredibly versatile – serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or enjoy it at room temperature with a dollop of Greek yogurt. Plus, using fresh ginger really takes this dessert to the next level, offering a zingy freshness that compliments the sweetness of the pears beautifully.

Ingredients List: The Seasonal Bounty

Here's what you'll need to create this delicious autumnal galette:

For the Hazelnut Crust:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (about 2 ounces) toasted hazelnuts, finely ground
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
• 1/4 cup ice water

For the Pear Filling:

• 4 medium-sized pears (Bosc or Anjou recommended), peeled, cored, and sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, finely grated
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (or maple syrup for a more rustic sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash, optional)
• Turbinado sugar, for sprinkling (optional)

When selecting your pears, I recommend Bosc or Anjou. Bosc pears hold their shape well during baking and have a subtle, spicy flavor that complements the ginger and cinnamon beautifully. Anjou pears are a bit softer but equally delicious. The fresh ginger is really key here; it provides a brightness and warmth that ground ginger simply can't replicate. However, if you only have ground ginger on hand, use about 1 teaspoon. Toasting the hazelnuts before grinding really brings out their flavor. You can find pre-toasted hazelnuts at most grocery stores, or you can toast them yourself by spreading them on a baking sheet and baking at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes, until fragrant. For a seasonal twist, consider adding 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries or blackberries to the filling. Use eggs from a local farm to get the richest flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Baking Your Galette

Follow these simple steps to create your own Spiced Pear & Ginger Galette.

1. Hazelnut Crust Preparation:

In a food processor, combine the flour, ground hazelnuts, and salt. Pulse a few times to combine. Add the cold butter cubes and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, pulsing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix the dough. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, form it into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours). This chilling process is crucial for preventing the gluten from over-developing and giving you a tough crust!

2. Pear Filling Preparation:

In a large bowl, combine the sliced pears, grated ginger, granulated sugar (or maple syrup), cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and lemon juice. Gently toss to coat. The lemon juice prevents the pears from browning and adds a touch of brightness to the flavor.

3. Galette Assembly:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled hazelnut crust into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer the crust to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Arrange the pear filling in the center of the crust, leaving a 2-inch border around the edges. Dot the filling with the small pieces of butter. Fold the edges of the crust over the filling, pleating as you go. Brush the crust with beaten egg (or milk) and sprinkle with turbinado sugar, if desired.


4. Baking and Cooling:

Bake the galette in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Let the galette cool slightly on the baking sheet before slicing and serving. Cooling is important before cutting because it helps the filling set up more.


Serving Suggestions: The Finishing Touches

This Spiced Pear & Ginger Galette is delicious served warm, slightly cooled, or even at room temperature. For an extra touch of indulgence, top each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. A drizzle of maple syrup or honey adds a touch of extra sweetness and complements the flavors beautifully. This galette is also wonderful paired with a cup of hot tea or coffee, making it the perfect treat for a cozy afternoon. It even works well as a sweet treat for brunch alongside some scrambled eggs and bacon!

Sustainability Tips

Here at Better Homes and Harvests, we are passionate about minimizing food waste. Don't discard those pear peels! You can use them to make homemade pear cider vinegar, adding a tangy twist to your salad dressings. And remember to compost any vegetable scraps to enrich your garden soil, creating a closed-loop system that benefits both your kitchen and your garden. You can also use any extra hazelnut crust dough to make small hazelnut cookies.

Recipe Card

Recipe: Spiced Pear & Ginger Galette with Hazelnut Crust

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Yields: 8 servings

Ingredients:

Hazelnut Crust:
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (about 2 ounces) toasted hazelnuts, finely ground
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
1/4 cup ice water

Pear Filling:
4 medium pears (Bosc or Anjou), peeled, cored, sliced
2 tablespoons fresh ginger, finely grated
1/4 cup granulated sugar (or maple syrup)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1 egg, beaten (optional, for egg wash)
Turbinado sugar (optional, for sprinkling)

Instructions:

1. Make the crust: In a food processor, pulse flour, hazelnuts, and salt. Add butter; pulse until coarse crumbs form. Add ice water slowly, pulsing until dough comes together. Form a disc, wrap, and chill for 30 mins.
2. Prepare the filling: Combine sliced pears, ginger, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and lemon juice in a bowl.
3. Assemble galette: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out crust to a 12-inch circle on a floured surface. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Arrange filling: Place pear mixture in the center of the crust, leaving a 2-inch border. Dot with butter. Fold edges over filling, pleating as needed.
5. Bake: Brush crust with egg wash (optional), sprinkle with turbinado sugar (optional). Bake for 35-40 mins, until golden and bubbly.
6. Cool and serve: Let cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature with ice cream or whipped cream.

A Season of Sharing

I hope you enjoy this simple yet comforting Spiced Pear & Ginger Galette as much as we do. The aroma of baking spices filling the kitchen is truly magical and embodies the autumn season. Experiment with different types of pears or nuts in the crust to create your own unique version. And be sure to share your creations with us in the comments below! Happy baking and happy harvesting! We appreciate seasonal cooking and from-scratch recipes, especially cozy food in the autumn. Consider this your perfect harvest meal.