Rustic Spiced Pear Galette

Preparation

1️⃣ Prepare the Dough

1. Mix the flour and salt in a medium bowl until evenly combined. This ensures the salt is well dispersed throughout the dough, helping the crust season evenly.
2. Add the cold diced butter. Using fingertips or short pulses in a food processor, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with small pea-sized pieces. These bits of butter are essential—they melt during baking and create the galette’s flaky layers.
3. Drizzle in 3 tablespoons of ice water, adding the final tablespoon only if needed. Gently knead just until the dough comes together. It should feel cool and pliable, not sticky, and should hold when pressed without crumbling.
4. Shape the dough into a ball, flatten slightly into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Resting firms the butter and relaxes the gluten, making the dough easier to roll without tearing.

2️⃣ Prepare the Pear Filling

• In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced pears with the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and optional cornstarch. Toss gently so each slice is lightly coated.

The pears should begin to glisten as the sugar draws out a little moisture. If using cornstarch, it will help thicken these juices during baking, preventing the crust from becoming soggy.

3️⃣ Form the Galette