Tropical Delight: Rustic Mango Pineapple Galettes with a Hint of Ginger
Step into a world of vibrant flavors with these delightful Mango and Pineapple Galettes. Imagine rustic, free-form pies, generously filled with the sweet, tangy notes of ripe mango and juicy pineapple, all subtly lifted by a warming hint of ginger. These galettes aren’t just a dessert; they’re an experience, offering a perfect blend of tropical sunshine and comforting homemade goodness. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this recipe promises an impressive yet approachable treat that will transport your taste buds to an exotic paradise.
The journey to creating these exquisite galettes began with an exciting culinary adventure, proving that the best recipes often emerge from unexpected inspirations. Let’s dive into the story and then straight into how you can bake your own batch of these irresistible tropical delights.
The Culinary Spark: An Unforgettable SLC Mixer Event
My friend Becky, a visionary in the local food scene, reached out for my help with an upcoming SLC Mixer event, and I didn’t hesitate to say yes. Her dedication to bringing together talented local food artisans and the community is truly inspiring, and I always leap at the chance to support her endeavors. This particular mixer promised something intriguing: a unique tasting event focused on red wine and fish pairings, a concept that immediately piqued my curiosity.
We had the pleasure of working with sommelier Jim Santangelo, whose expertise illuminated the surprising harmonies between red wines and various fish. The fish, sourced from the renowned Fog River Seafood, was of exceptional quality. I know what many of you might be thinking—fish and red wine? It’s a common misconception that fish only pairs well with white wines. However, Jim skillfully debunked this belief, opening our eyes (and palates!) to the rich and complex possibilities that red wines offer with seafood.
Becky and I immersed ourselves in the intricate process of planning and executing the menu. We prepared and served several exquisite fish dishes, including succulent salmon, delicate halibut, and flavorful steelhead, each thoughtfully paired with a selection of amazing red wines. It was a true test of our culinary adaptability, as we plated four sophisticated courses for a group of around twenty guests in a space that, while charming, lacked the conveniences of a true, fully-equipped kitchen. Despite the logistical challenges, or perhaps because of them, the entire experience was incredibly rewarding and, above all, a lot of fun. We learned so much about food and wine pairing, as well as the art of creating a memorable dining experience.
The Birth of a Tropical Dessert Sensation
Given my well-known affection for all things sweet, it probably comes as no surprise that, even amidst such an incredible array of fish and wine, my favorite course of the evening was, without a doubt, dessert. As we meticulously planned the menu, Jim, with his extensive knowledge, advised us that tropical flavors would be an exceptional complement to the dessert wine he intended to serve. This piece of advice ignited a spark.
Soon after, during a visit to the local market, Becky and I stumbled upon a truly spectacular display of ripe, aromatic mangoes. Their vibrant colors and intoxicating fragrance were impossible to resist. It was at that moment, surrounded by the promise of fresh tropical goodness, that the idea for these galettes was born. We envisioned a dessert that would not only perfectly align with the sommelier’s recommendation but also capture the essence of sun-drenched islands in a comforting, rustic form.
Crafting the Perfect Mango Pineapple Galettes
Inspired by the success of my blueberry galettes, I set about adapting the concept to showcase our newly acquired tropical treasures. The core idea remained: chunks of fresh, vibrant fruit cradled within a beautifully flaky, tender crust. For this, I turned to my go-to pie crust recipe, known for its buttery richness and impressive flakiness, which provides the perfect counterpoint to the sweet and tangy filling.
The filling itself is a simple yet exquisite blend of cubed fresh pineapple and luscious mango. To truly elevate these tropical stars, I decided on a unique finishing touch: a ginger simple syrup glaze. This syrup, gently brushed over the baked galettes, imparts a subtle warmth and a delicate spice that beautifully complements the fruit without overpowering it. The galettes were then served alongside fluffy whipped cream and a fresh sprig of basil, adding a refreshing, herbaceous note that surprised and delighted everyone.
Baking with mangoes was a new experience for me, and I admit I felt a little nervous about how the flavors would meld. However, the combination of sweet pineapple, creamy mango, and the unexpected zing of ginger came together in perfect harmony, creating an absolutely amazing dessert that received a flood of compliments. The success of these tropical galettes was undeniable, marking them as a new favorite in my recipe repertoire.
These galettes truly embody the spirit of rustic elegance. Unlike traditional pies that demand precise crimping and intricate lattice work, galettes embrace a more relaxed, free-form style. Their charm lies in their imperfect edges and slightly exposed fruit filling, which beautifully caramelizes as it bakes. This makes them not only visually appealing but also incredibly forgiving for home bakers. Each bite offers a delightful contrast between the crisp, buttery crust and the soft, juicy fruit, all brought together by that delicate ginger note.
Mango and Pineapple Galettes
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Ingredients
For the crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (315 grams)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter , cold and cut into cubes (226 grams)
- ½ cup buttermilk , cold (118 ml)
- 1-2 tablespoons vodka or water , cold
- Egg wash
- Sanding Sugar
For the filling:
- 1 pineapple , peeled and cubed
- 3 mangoes , peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
For the ginger simple syrup:
- ½ cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
- 1 ginger root , peeled and sliced
- ½ cup water (175 ml)
Instructions
To make the crust:
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Combine the flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Add the cubed butter and toss to coat. Dump the mixture out onto a clean surface and use a rolling pin to roll the butter into thin sheets, combining it with the flour. Use a bench scraper to scrape the rolling pin and to bring the mixture back into a pile as necessary. Continue until all of the butter is incorporated into the flour.
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Add the buttermilk. Use a spoon and then your hands to stir the mixture until it comes together into a ball. If mixture is too dry, add the water or vodka a tablespoon at a time. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and flatten into disks. Wrap each disk in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
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On a lightly floured surface, use a rolling pin to roll out each disk of dough into a rough 6 inch circle.
To make the simple syrup:
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Combine the sugar, water, and chopped ginger in a small saucepan over medium high heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and cover pan and let sit until cooled to room temperature. Store in the fridge until ready to use.
To make the filling:
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Toss the chopped pineapple and mango with the sugar, cornstarch, and ground ginger. Divide equally among the dough rounds, leaving one inch space around the edges. Fold edges of the dough up over the fruit.
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Brush with the egg wash and sprinkle with sanding sugar. Place on parchment paper lined sheet pans and bake at 425°F for 30-35 minutes until golden.
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Let cool to room temperature, then brush with simple syrup. Store leftover galettes in the fridge.
Notes
Tips for Galette Perfection
Achieving a perfect galette is simpler than you might think, but a few key tips can elevate your baking from good to truly exceptional:
- Choose Ripe, Firm Fruit: While soft mangoes are great for eating fresh, for baking, you want mangoes that are ripe but still hold their shape when cubed. The same goes for pineapple – fresh, firm, and juicy is best.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: The secret to a flaky pie crust (and by extension, a flaky galette) is to handle the dough as little as possible. Overworking develops gluten, leading to a tough crust. Embrace the “rustic” aspect!
- Chill Time is Crucial: Don’t skip the chilling step for the dough. This allows the butter to firm up and the gluten to relax, resulting in a tender, flaky crust.
- The Art of the Fold: When folding the edges of the dough over the fruit, don’t worry about perfection. The charm of a galette is its rustic, free-form appearance. Aim for a roughly even border, but let its natural folds and creases shine.
- Pre-Bake (Optional but Recommended): For particularly juicy fruits or if you prefer a crispier bottom crust, consider blind baking your galette crust for about 10-15 minutes before adding the filling. This helps prevent a soggy bottom.
- Serving Suggestions Beyond Basics: While whipped cream and basil are fantastic, consider serving your mango pineapple galettes with a scoop of coconut ice cream, a dollop of crème fraîche, or even a light drizzle of honey for an extra touch of sweetness.
Why You’ll Love These Tropical Galettes
These Mango and Pineapple Galettes are more than just a recipe; they are an invitation to create something truly special in your kitchen. Here’s why they deserve a spot in your baking repertoire:
- A Burst of Tropical Flavor: The combination of sweet mango, tangy pineapple, and spicy ginger creates a vibrant, multi-layered flavor profile that’s incredibly refreshing and satisfying. It’s a taste of the tropics, no matter the season.
- Impressively Simple: Despite their elegant appearance, galettes are remarkably easy to make. No need for pie plates or intricate decorating skills; their free-form nature makes them approachable for bakers of all levels.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Perfect for a casual weeknight dessert, an elegant brunch, or as the stunning finale to a dinner party. They adapt beautifully to any setting.
- A Unique Twist on a Classic: While fruit pies are beloved, the addition of ginger and the rustic galette form elevate this dessert beyond the ordinary, offering a fresh perspective on a comforting classic.
- Customizable: Feel free to experiment with other spices like a pinch of cardamom or a dash of nutmeg, or even a hint of lime zest in the filling for an extra citrusy kick.
I hope you’re inspired to try these incredible Mango and Pineapple Galettes. They truly are a testament to how simple, fresh ingredients, combined with a touch of culinary curiosity, can result in a dessert that is both memorable and deeply satisfying. Get your ingredients ready, embrace the rustic charm, and enjoy the delicious journey!
If you make them, please come back and share your experience. I’d love to hear how these tropical pies brighten your day!