SERVES 4
PREP TIME: 20 minutes (not including time
to make Mixed Herb Cheese Sauce)
ACTIVE TIME: 70 minutes
INACTIVE TIME: 40 minutes
crust
¼ cup unsweetened nondairy milk (soy-free if
necessary)
3 tablespoons aquafaba
1½ cups unbleached all-purpose flour (or
gluten-free flour blend, soy-free if necessary),
plus more for the work surface
1 tablespoon coconut sugar
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon xanthan gum (exclude if using allpurpose flour or if your gluten-free blend
includes it)
8 tablespoons very cold vegan butter (soyfree if necessary; see Tip)
filling
Olive oil spray
2 medium red beets, peeled and very thinly
sliced (see Tip)
2 medium golden beets, peeled and very thinly
sliced (see Tip)
6 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons coconut sugar
Salt and black pepper to taste
Mixed Herb Cheese Sauce, Spread Variation
Fresh thyme leaves
1. To make the crust : In a small cup or bowl, combine the milk and aquafaba. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, coconut sugar, salt, baking soda, and xanthan gum (if using).
Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut the butter into the flour until it’s evenly incorporated and the mixture
resembles small peas. Slowly pour in the milk mixture until the dough just comes together. Turn the
dough out onto a floured surface and work it into a roughly 2-inch-thick disk. Wrap the dough in plastic
wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. (This can be done 1 to 3 days in advance.)
3. While the dough is chilling, make the filling : Preheat the oven to 400°F . Lightly spray two 9 × 13-
inch (23 × 33-cm) baking dishes with olive oil. Spread out the red beet slices in one dish and the golden
beets in the other (you can do them all in one, but the red beets will stain the golden beets). Drizzle 3
tablespoons of the vinegar over each set of beets, then add 1 tablespoon coconut sugar per dish and top
with salt and pepper. Toss to coat, then spread out the slices again (it’s okay if they overlap). Bake for
about 15 minutes, flipping once halfway through. The beets will be undercooked, which is okay. Remove
them from the oven and set aside.
4. Reduce the temperature to 350°F. Line a baking sheet, pizza pan, or pizza stone with parchment paper
or a silicone baking mat.
5. Once the dough has chilled for at least 30 minutes, remove it from the refrigerator. Remove the
plastic wrap (set it aside for now) and place the dough on a floured surface. Turn it over so both sides are
lightly floured. If the dough is hard, knead it lightly with your hands to make it pliable. If it’s too dry and
begins to crack, sprinkle with a couple of drops of water. Lay the plastic wrap on top of the dough and use
a rolling pin to roll it out until it’s a circle about 10 inches in diameter and ¼ inch (6 mm) thick. Gently
transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet, pan, or stone. (I do this by scooting a thin, rimless
baking sheet under the dough to transport it to the other baking sheet; a pizza peel may also work.)
6. Spread the cheese on top of the dough, leaving about 1½ inches around the perimeter. Lay the beet
slices on top of the cheese. You can lay them out willy-nilly or in a pretty pattern—your choice. If there is
any liquid in the baking dish, pour it over the beets. Fold the edges of the dough over the beets.
7. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the dough is golden brown. Remove from the oven,
slice, and serve topped with fresh thyme. Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in
the fridge for up to 2 days.
TIP
About 10 minutes before using vegan butter, stick it in the freezer so it gets extra cold.
When slicing your beets, it’s best to use a mandoline to get superthin slices.
Balsamic-Roasted Beet & Cheese Galette
