Introduction
When the leaves start falling and the air turns crisp, it’s time to welcome autumn with cozy and hearty meals. And what better way to celebrate the season than with a Butternut Squash & Leek Galette? This rustic, free-form tart is the epitome of comfort food, combining the nutty sweetness of roasted butternut squash and the mild, savory flavor of leeks, all wrapped in a buttery, flaky crust.
It’s not just delicious—it’s also visually stunning, making it perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or even a simple, relaxed dinner at home. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to the kitchen, this easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through creating the perfect autumnal dish that celebrates the best seasonal ingredients.
Why Butternut Squash and Leek?
Butternut squash is the darling of fall produce. Its natural sweetness pairs beautifully with savory ingredients, and it’s packed with nutrients like fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium. Leeks, on the other hand, bring a subtle, slightly sweet onion flavor that complements the squash without overpowering it.
These two together create a harmony of flavors that feel like a warm hug on a chilly autumn evening. Plus, both are in season, so they’re readily available at farmers’ markets or your local grocery store. Now, let’s jump right into the recipe!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into cubes)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 1 small butternut squash (peeled, seeded, and cut into ½-inch cubes)
- 2 leeks (white and light green parts, thinly sliced)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- ½ cup crumbled goat cheese or feta (optional but recommended)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional for drizzling)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a food processor or large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Add the cold butter cubes and pulse (or use a pastry cutter) until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Slowly drizzle in the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing just until the dough comes together. You want it to hold together without being sticky.
- Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step ensures a flaky crust by keeping the butter cold.
2. Roast the Butternut Squash
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the butternut squash cubes with olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
- Roast for about 20-25 minutes, until the squash is tender and lightly caramelized, stirring halfway through.
3. Sauté the Leeks
- While the squash is roasting, heat a little olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced leeks and cook, stirring frequently, until soft and slightly caramelized—about 10 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper, then set aside.
4. Assemble the Galette
- Roll out your chilled dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch circle. Don’t worry about making it perfect—the rustic look is part of the galette’s charm!
- Transfer the dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Spread the roasted butternut squash and sautéed leeks evenly over the dough, leaving a 2-inch border around the edges.
- If you’re using goat cheese or feta, crumble it on top of the vegetables.
- Gently fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pleating as you go. It doesn’t need to be perfect—just cozy and rustic.
5. Bake the Galette
- Brush the edges of the crust with the beaten egg for a beautiful golden-brown finish.
- Bake the galette for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crisp.
- Once out of the oven, let it cool for about 10 minutes.
- If desired, drizzle the top with a little honey for a touch of sweetness that enhances the butternut squash.
Serving Suggestions
This Butternut Squash & Leek Galette is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette.
- Roasted root vegetables or Brussels sprouts for an extra dose of fall flavors.
- A warm bowl of soup like butternut squash soup, for a complete fall-themed dinner.
You can enjoy it as a main dish or serve it as a side at a festive gathering. Either way, this galette is a showstopper on any autumn table.
Customization Tips
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Here are a few ideas to make it your own:
- Cheese Swap: If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, try blue cheese, sharp cheddar, or even a sprinkle of parmesan.
- Add Protein: To make this galette heartier, you can add cooked bacon, sausage, or even roasted chicken to the filling.
- Herbs & Seasoning: Swap out thyme for rosemary, sage, or a mix of your favorite autumn herbs.
How to Store & Reheat
If you have leftovers (which is rare because this galette is so delicious!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
- Storing: Keep the galette in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To maintain that flaky crust, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy.
Why Make This Galette?
Not only is this Butternut Squash & Leek Galette delicious and visually appealing, but it’s also a great way to use up seasonal produce in a creative way. The combination of flavors, textures, and the easy-to-follow recipe makes it perfect for both beginners and experienced home cooks alike.
This galette is a surefire crowd-pleaser, ideal for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or a quiet evening at home. Plus, it’s a beautiful way to welcome the cozy vibes of autumn into your kitchen.
FAQs
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and keep it refrigerated. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Q: Is there a gluten-free option for this galette?
A: Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour for the crust.
Q: Can I make this galette vegan?
A: Yes, substitute the butter in the crust with a plant-based alternative, and skip the egg wash. For the filling, use vegan cheese or leave out the cheese altogether.
Wrapping Up
This Butternut Squash & Leek Galette is the perfect autumn recipe that brings comfort, flavor, and a little bit of elegance to your table. It’s a fantastic way to celebrate the season’s bounty while impressing your guests or simply treating yourself to a cozy meal at home.
So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and enjoy the warm, savory-sweet flavors of fall wrapped in a perfectly golden crust!