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Zucchini and Ricotta Galette – A Rustic, Flavor-Packed Savory Tart

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Pie crust or galette dough: 1 sheet of all-butter puff pastry (thawed) or 1 homemade/ready-made pie dough
  • Zucchini: 2 medium (about 1 pound), thinly sliced
  • Ricotta cheese: 1 cup, whole milk preferred
  • Parmesan cheese: 1/3 cup, finely grated
  • Egg: 1 large (plus 1 for egg wash, optional)
  • Garlic: 1–2 cloves, minced
  • Lemon: 1, for zest
  • Fresh herbs: 2 tablespoons chopped (basil, parsley, or thyme)
  • Olive oil: 1–2 tablespoons
  • Salt and black pepper: to taste
  • Red pepper flakes: a pinch (optional)
  • Cornmeal or flour: for dusting the baking sheet

Method
 

  1. Prep the oven and pan: Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment and dust lightly with flour or cornmeal to prevent sticking.
  2. Salt the zucchini: Thinly slice the zucchini into coins. Toss with 1/2 teaspoon salt in a colander and let sit 10–15 minutes. This pulls out excess moisture. Pat dry with paper towels.
  3. Mix the ricotta filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, 1 beaten egg, minced garlic, lemon zest, herbs, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and several grinds of black pepper. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like heat. Stir until smooth.
  4. Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a rough 12-inch circle. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
  5. Add the filling: Spread the ricotta mixture in the center, leaving a 2-inch border all around. Don’t overfill; an even layer is best.
  6. Arrange the zucchini: Fan the zucchini slices over the ricotta in overlapping circles or a shingled pattern. Drizzle with a little olive oil and sprinkle with pepper.
  7. Fold and seal: Fold the dough edges up over the filling, pleating as you go. Press gently to secure. Brush the crust with beaten egg for shine, if using.
  8. Bake: Bake 35–45 minutes, until the crust is deep golden and the zucchini edges look lightly caramelized. If using puff pastry, start checking at 30 minutes.
  9. Rest and finish: Let the galette sit for 10 minutes before slicing. Drizzle a touch more olive oil, add extra herbs, or grate a little Parmesan on top. Serve warm or at room temperature.