This beautiful Pesto Tomato Spelt Galette is inspired by my recent trip to France, which reminded me of how much I love simple food that really lets the ingredients shine, especially with summer recipes!
The dough is made with wholesome, good-for-you ingredients and comes together in 5 minutes; there’s no need for a food processor or other fancy equipment, and there’s no need to rest or chill it in the fridge either. It could not be simpler, yet it’s the perfect crispy base for our delicious juicy heirloom tomato slices and vibrant pesto toppings. The added toasted pine nuts and fresh basil leaves create a delightful, rustic dish that is as nourishing as it is delicious.
Not only is this galette easy to make, but it also boasts a beautiful presentation that makes it perfect for any meal, whether it’s a casual lunch or a special dinner. I know you’re going to love it as much as we do!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Nutritious: The dough is packed with fiber and made from wholesome ingredients with wholemeal spelt flour and soy yogurt being the show’s stars. Did you know thyme has one of the highest scores as an anti-inflammatory food?
- Flavorful: The combination of fresh thyme, pesto, and heirloom tomatoes creates a burst of flavor in every bite.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is simple and straightforward, perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks. It only takes minutes to assemble.
- Versatile: This galette can be enjoyed as a main course, a side dish, or an appetizer.
- Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant colors of the heirloom tomatoes make this galette a show-stopper Pinterest-worthy on any table.
Ingredient Notes
- Wholemeal Spelt Flour: A nutritious alternative to regular flour, spelt flour adds a rich, nutty flavor and is packed with fiber and essential nutrients.
- Dairy-free yogurt: This provides moisture and binds the dough. You can use any plant-based yogurt. I used soy for added protein.
- Fresh Thyme: Adds a fragrant flavor to the dough. You can substitute with rosemary.
- Heirloom Tomatoes: These juicy tomatoes are not only beautiful but also incredibly flavorful. You can use a mix of colors for a stunning presentation. If heirloom tomatoes are not available, regular tomatoes will work, too.
- Pesto: Adds a rich, savory layer to the galette. You can use store-bought pesto or make your own at home. For an oil-free option try this delicious almond pesto.
- Pine nuts: I like to toast a large batch of pine nuts ahead of time, as it really brings out all their flavors (and as pine nuts are often very expensive, we want to make the most out of them!). To toast pine nuts, add them to a pan on low to medium heat and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until golden, stirring regularly. Remove from the hot pan once golden to avoid them continuing to cook. Keep an eye on them as they burn quickly! Almonds can also be used in this recipe.
How to make this recipe (summary)
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C, fan-forced). Combine the wholemeal spelt flour, dairy-free yogurt, fresh thyme, sea salt flakes, and olive oil in a large mixing bowl. The mixture will be crumbly but knead it together until it forms a compact dough ball, adding more olive oil if necessary. Flatten the dough in a rough circle on a floured parchment paper to about 1/10 inch (2 to 3 mm) thickness, and trim the edges if desired. Layer the pesto on the dough, leaving a border for the crust, and top with sliced heirloom tomatoes. Bake for 30 minutes, rotating halfway through. Cool slightly before topping with toasted pine nuts, lemon zest, and fresh basil. Slice and enjoy! View recipe card below for detailed instructions.
Variations and Tips
- Swap fresh thyme for rosemary or oregano to add a different flavor.
- For a sweeter taste and a pop of color, use red and orange cherry tomatoes (chop in half) instead of heirloom tomatoes.
- Add a sprinkle of dairy-free feta or mozzarella for a cheesy touch.
- Mince a couple of garlic cloves over the pesto for a deeper garlic flavor.
- Toast pine nuts in advance and store them in an airtight container to save time during preparation.
- Swap regular pesto for pesto rosso for a delicious alternative.
- This galette is perfect when served with a side of fresh greens. I personally loved it with a side of arugula, lentils (for extra fiber and protein), and finely diced shallots, with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar and olive oil dressing.
- If you love this recipe, you will also like our Olive Oil Shortcrust Pastry and Caramelized Onion Mushroom Galette.
Why You’ll Love This Pesto Tomato Spelt Galette TLDR
- Nutritious
- Flavorful
- Easy
- Versatile
- Beautiful
Pesto Tomato Spelt Galette
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups (200 g) wholemeal spelt flour
- ½ cup (120 g) dairy-free yogurt - (I used soy)
- 2 tsp (4 g) fresh thyme
- 1 pinch sea salt flakes
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
- 3 tbsp (45 g) pesto
- 14 oz (400 g) heirloom tomatoes - sliced, stems removed
- 2 tbsp (20 g) pine nuts - toasted
- lemon zest - optional
- 10 leaves fresh basil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C, fan-forced).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the wholemeal spelt flour, yogurt, fresh thyme, a pinch of sea salt flakes, and olive oil using a spatula. You will get a crumbly result. Then using your hand, knead the dough together for about a minute until all the ingredients are incorporated and form into a ball. Use a little extra olive oil if necessary. The dough will be hard and compact and should not be sticky.
- Lightly flour a sheet of baking paper, and transfer the dough to the middle. Using a rolling pin, flatten the dough to your desired shape, approximately 1/10 inch (2 to 3 mm). If you want a perfectly shaped dough, you can trim the edges with a knife; otherwise, embrace the rustic look!
- Layer the pesto on the dough, leaving about 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) of the outer layer bare for the crust. Top with the sliced heirloom tomatoes.
- Bake in the preheated oven, on the middle to top rack, for 30 minutes, rotating halfway.
- Allow to cool down slightly, top with toasted pine nuts, some lemon zest if using, and fresh basil. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
Video
FAQ
Yes, you can substitute wholemeal spelt flour with whole wheat flour if spelt flour is not available.
No, this recipe uses spelt flour, which contains gluten. Some people who do not tolerate wheat well do better with spelt, as it has a slightly lower fructans content.
You can use any plant-based yogurt, such as soy or coconut yogurt.
Yes, you can prepare it a few hours in advance and bake just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
This galette pairs well with a fresh green salad or a bowl of hearty vegetable soup for a complete meal. I love mine with some arugula, lentils, finely diced shallots and a simple olive oil and balsamic dressing.
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