You know this website has a series of galettes if you're looking for them! I will continue to add them to the repertoire, as they are easy to make, customizable and delicious. Also, if you are looking for a quick sure way to impress, I recommend these. Galettes naturally look sophisticated even though it's essentially a free form open-faced pie you can stuff with whatever you like. Try this Tomato, Thyme and Cheese, or this Pumpkin, Caramelized Onion, and Feta version for my savoury lovers. For my sweet lovers, you can find this Blackberry, Mint and Ricotta.

Since we're on the subject of ricotta, I love using it for both sweet and savoury recipes. It has a subtle yet distinct flavour that lends it's well to blend with other ingredients, adding a creamy element and moisture. From lasagna to pastry fillings, it should be no surprise you to see it used widely. If you're vegan or dairy-free, luckily, manufacturers now make a specific milk-free version (I use the one from Tofutti).

In this case, I add the ricotta as dollops to some juicy, sautéed shiitake mushrooms and caramelized onions. The mushrooms provide the umami which every dish needs, while the ricotta, along with the gruyere cheese, the creaminess and balance of sweet and salty wrapped up in a buttery, flakey crust. 

You can have this for breakfast, brunch, or as a light fare branch of dinner - so any time of the day!

Ingredients

1 pack (5-ounces) shiitake mushrooms

1 pie crust, thawed to room temperature

1 small yellow onion, sliced thinly lengthwise

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 green chili, chopped

1 teaspoon coriander

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried parsley

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon course salt and black pepper

1 teaspoon fresh parsley + extra for garnish

1 tablespoon Worcester sauce

1 tablespoon sherry

1/3 cup gruyere cheese

6-8 dollops or teaspoons ricotta cheese

1 egg + 1 teaspoon cold water (egg wash)

Truffle oil (optional)

Instructions

Wash and dry your mushrooms in a salad spinner or with paper towels; set aside.

In a large nonstick pan, sauté the onions in olive oil for about 2-3 minutes. Add the minced garlic, spices, salt, and pepper, then cook for another 2 minutes.

Add the mushrooms and sweat them out on medium-high heat (cook until much of the water is out and the mushrooms begin to brown, about 5 minutes), add the green chilli, cook for another minute.

Deglaze the pan with Worchester sauce and sherry by pouring each teaspoon around the mushrooms and edge of the pan before mixing in to finish, set aside.

Carefully unroll your thawed pie crust onto a parchment paper-lined baking tray. Leaving at least 1/2-1 inch border (remember you’ll need to fold this over before baking), add 3/4 of the gruyere cheese in the centre.

Top with the mushroom mixture, add dollops of ricotta cheese spaced out slightly. Use the remaining gruyere to fill in any spaces, making sure everything is in the centre, leaving some of the pie crust clean—season with additional salt and pepper and some fresh coarsely.

Gently fold over the pastry edges in your desired pattern. Brush the egg wash over the edges, then sprinkle a bit of salt and pepper (or sesame seeds if you have them and prefer).

Bake in the oven for at least 30 minutes at 425F, regularly checking to ensure you don’t burn the cheese and pie crust!

Set aside to cool and set for 10 minutes before serving. Drizzle a bit of truffle oil and enjoy!