Healthy Apple Galette Recipe: Made with almond flour and arrowroot for a grain-free crust. Filled with an assortment of apples and no added sugar.
Did fall just arrive with the blink of an eye? I could have sworn we were just ushering in the summer season with recipes for Strawberry Pie and grilled veggie kabobs. How did we move on to gluten-free apple galette so quickly? In our neighborhood, the trees are starting to turn colors, with some bright orange and yellow spots, mixed in with some red. Growing up in LA, we didn’t get a good glimpse at fall foliage so I certainly don’t take leaf peeping for granted.
Wholesome ingredients for a healthy crust. Vegan adaptable too.
Apple picking is another fall indulgence that I came to later in life and I must say, there something special about eating and baking with the apples that you picked yourself. Super satisfying, not to mention a wonderful family activity. We still go out to pick apples every year, even though the kids have moved out.
Apple picking is just one short step away from Apple Pie. Hard to swallow when you’re interested in healthy choices to lead your most vibrant life. Pie crust is generally made up of flour, sugar, butter (or even lard or other hydrogenated oil)…..generally not ingredients I indulge in, but that doesn’t mean I have to miss out on a fresh apple baked treat—and neither do you! This recipe for gluten-free apple galette will satisfy your need for apple pie yet still stay within the boundaries of the healthy goals you’ve made for yourself.
WHY ARROWROOT POWDER IN THIS CRUST AND WHAT IS IT ANYWAY?
Good question! Arrowroot Powder is a white, flavorless starchy powder that is naturally gluten-free, vegan, grain-free and paleo-friendly. It is made from starches extracted from the arrowroot plant. Arrowroot powder is widely available in super markets and specialty stores. Make sure to read the label when you buy arrowroot powder to be sure the ingredient list contains arrowroot starch and nothing else (common additives are potato starch or cassava starch).
Arrowroot: A Healthy Sub for Corn-Starch
Arrowroot powder is used primarily as a substitute for corn starch to thicken sauces, soups, gravies and other foods. It is extracted in simpler, more traditional methods than cornstarch, without the use of high heat or harsh chemicals. In addition to unhealthy processing methods, another reason to stay away from corn starch is because its’ often laden with pesticides and is genetically modified.
Arrowroot also has many health benefits. It’s easy to digest, contains a good amount of potassium, iron and B vitamins. Arrowroot powder is great for digestion, metabolism, blood circulation, prevention of anemia and heart health. It is beneficial in managing diabetes and boosts energy levels. Arrowroot powder is good for those watching their weight because it is low in calories and high in fiber. Now you know why I chose arrowroot powder as one of the ingredients in this gluten-free apple galette.
I’m more of an improvisational cook than one that follows recipes exactly….sort of a free spirit in the kitchen. I guess that’s why I gravitate toward making a galette rather than a pie with my apples. I’m all about the freedom to free form! I think you can learn a lot about a person based on their cooking style.
One of the reasons I wanted to post this recipe for gluten-free apple galette this week is because it’s a perfect dessert to make for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. A good time for self-reflection and introspection. A time to return to our authentic selves. One of the reasons I prefer to use wholesome ingredients in my recipes is because that is food as close to its original state as possible. Food at it’s most authentic tastes better and is better for you.
I know that I feel my best and most authentic when in the kitchen, where I can allow myself to because fully self-expressed, just like the free form of the galette. Just like food, people are more palatable and better when they’re closer to their most authentic selves.
For those of you celebrating, I wish you a sweet and healthy new year. A year full of good food and friends to share it with.
Gluten-free Apple Galette
Grain-Free Galette is nutritious, delicious and beautiful too. Almond flour dough is easy to work with and fun to make.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 cups blanched almond flour
- ¼ cup arrowroot powder
- ¼ cup avocado oil
- 2 Tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg (flax sub will work well too)
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Filling
- 5 apples*
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 Tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1/3 cup almonds
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
Optional Topping
- Almond Milk
- Cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 and line large rimmed baking sheet with unbleached parchment paper.
- Place all dough ingredients into bowl of food processor and process until ball of dough forms. Wrap with plastic and place dough in fridge while preparing filling.
- Slice apples in half, scoop out core with melon baller or spoon. Trim top and ends as needed and place cut side down to slice thinly. Place in bowl and mix well with lemon juice and maple syrup.
- Place almonds and spices into coffee grinder, spice grinder or bowl of food processor. Pulse until crumbly with nut pieces no larger than a small pea.
- Pour nut mixture onto apples and mix well.
- Sprinkle 1 Tablespoon of arrowroot powder onto unbleached parchment paper and roll dough into large circle about 1/8” thickness.
- Arrange apple slices on dough with equal amounts of nuts on them, leaving a 1” border. Continue to place apples in circles though out, stuffing them into creases until they’re all used. Fold edges of crust onto itself and the fruit, leaving the middle open.
- Optional, brush the edges of the dough with almond milk and sprinkle with cinnamon.
- Bake at 375 for 35 minutes.
Notes
I like to use a mix of apples when I bake. Some hold their shape better, others are too mushy. Some apples offer more tartness, others are sweeter. Keep in mind, often the best eating apples aren’t always the best for baking. Some of my favorites for making pies and galettes include: Cortland, Golden Delicious, Braeburn, Gala.
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 364Total Fat 25gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 21gCholesterol 23mgSodium 109mgCarbohydrates 32gFiber 7gSugar 20gProtein 9g
The nutrition calculations were done using online tools. To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in any given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients you used. You are ultimately responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information is accurate, complete and useful.
Comments