Lunch: Peach Pistachio Galette

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Honey

Health benefits of Peach Pistachio Galette

Honey, often hailed as a superfood, possesses a wealth of nutritional benefits that make it a valuable addition to a balanced diet. With a glycemic index (GI) of 55 for one tablespoon, honey is considered a moderate GI food. This means it does not spike blood sugar levels as high or as quickly as high-GI foods, making it a better choice for maintaining steady energy levels and supporting overall health.

Rich in antioxidants, including phenolic acids and flavonoids, honey offers protective benefits against oxidative stress and inflammation. These antioxidants can help combat the damage caused by free radicals, which are linked to chronic conditions such as heart disease and cancer. Furthermore, the natural sugars in honey can provide a quick energy boost, making it an excellent option for a pre-workout snack or a natural sweetener in beverages and meals.

Honey's benefits extend beyond its nutritional profile. Its antimicrobial properties make it a natural remedy for wounds and burns, promoting healing by providing a moist environment and acting as a barrier to infection. Additionally, honey has been used for centuries to soothe sore throats and coughs, thanks to its ability to coat the throat and reduce irritation.

However, it's important to consume honey in moderation. While it is a healthier alternative to refined sugar, it is still a form of sugar and can contribute to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in large amounts. For individuals with diabetes or those monitoring their blood sugar levels, it's crucial to account for honey's GI and its effects on blood sugar.

Choosing raw, unprocessed honey can also maximize its health benefits. Raw honey is more likely to retain its antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that can be lost during processing. Incorporating honey into your diet can be as simple as adding it to yogurt, drizzling it over oatmeal, or blending it into smoothies. Its natural sweetness and health-promoting properties make honey a superfood worth including in a healthy, balanced diet.

Ingredients

1-3/4 cup All-purpose Flour
1/3 cup Granulated Sugar
1/4 cup Coarse Cornmeal
1/4 teaspoon Salt
1/2 cup Cold Butter, Cut Into Small Pieces
1/3 cup Buttermilk
2 To 3 Large Ripe Peaches, Thinly Sliced
1/4 cup Chopped Pistachios, Shelled
2 Tablespoons Honey
1 Egg, Beaten, For Brushing Galette Dough
Vanilla Ice Cream, For Serving (optional)

Instructions

To make the dough, combine flour, sugar, cornmeal, and salt in a processor; pulse 2-3 times. Add butter and pulse 4-5 times, or until mixture resembles coarse meal. With the processor running, slowing pour the buttermilk through the chute, processing until the dough forms a ball. Remove dough ball and adhere any remaining pieces of dough to it, then wrap in plastic wrap or parchment paper. Refrigerate for at least 45 minutes before rolling out.
Center a rack in the oven and preheat to 350 ºF. Remove galette dough from the refrigerator and place on a sheet of parchment paper. Starting at the center of the dough, roll out, forming a 14- to 15-inch wide circle. Place the dough with parchment paper on a baking sheet.
Arrange peach slices on top of the dough, leaving a 2-inch border. Sprinkle chopped pistachios over peaches. Fold dough border over peaches, overlapping where necessary and pressing gently to adhere the folds. Drizzle peaches with honey. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the edge of the dough with the beaten egg.
Place galette on a large baking sheet, with the parchment paper. Bake galette for 45 minutes, or until crust is golden brown. Transfer baking sheet to a wire rack and let galette cool to room temperature before slicing. Slice and top with vanilla ice cream, if desired.
Note: You can make the galette dough in advance. It will keep in the refrigerator for 3 days. You can also freeze the dough for up to one month. Defrost the frozen dough before rolling out.