Savory Phyllo Galette with Labneh, Tomatoes and Olives

PREP TIME: 20 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 30 MINUTES | SERVINGS: 1 10-INCH GALETTE |  AUTHOR: MAUREEN ABOOD

This galette makes a glorious appetizer cut into small wedges, and can be served warm or at room temperature. To make ahead by a day, store the cooled galette in the refrigerator, then warm in a low oven for a few minutes before serving. Double the recipe and make two, so you can use up more of the phyllo from the opened sleeve. Phyllo dough typically comes in two sizes: 9x14-inch sheets or 14x18-inch sheets. For this recipe, the smaller sized sheet is preferable. If you have the larger phyllo, simply trim the long side down a few inches so that there isn’t too much phyllo dough around the edges of the galette. 

INGREDIENTS

3/4 cup labneh

1 clove garlic, minced or grated

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for finishing

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

8 sheets phyllo dough

1/2 cup clarified butter

5 pitted olives, such as kalamata or castelvatrano

1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs, such as chives, mint, or basil

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a heavy sheet pan with parchment paper.

2. In a small bowl, combine the labneh, garlic and salt. Set aside.

3. In a large sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sear the tomatoes cut-side down for about five minutes, or until the tomatoes are caramelized and golden brown. Using tongs, gently place the tomatoes on a plate. Set aside.

4. If you're using 14x18" phyllo, trim the long side of one stack by a few inches. Cover the opened phyllo dough immediately with plastic wrap and a clean kitchen towel to prevent it from drying out as you work (quickly!). Place one sheet of phyllo on the prepared sheet pan and dab with a thin coat of butter. The butter need not coat every bit of the phyllo perfectly. Place another sheet of phyllo on top of the buttered sheet, but turned a half-turn so that the edges hangs over the straight side of the first sheet. Brush with butter, and repeat with the remaining sheets of phyllo, turning each one a half-turn as it is placed over the last sheet.

5. Spoon the labeh into the center of the buttered phyllo stack and spread to a 10-inch circle. Arrange the tomatoes, cut-side up, in concentric circles on top of the labneh. Scatter the sliced olives over the tomatoes. 

6. Fold the phyllo edges up over the labneh, tomatoes, and olives to form a rustic 3-inch edge around the top. Dab the phyllo edges generously with the remaining butter.

7. Bake the tart until the phyllo is golden brown, 25-30 minutes. Drizzle with olive oil and top with herbs. Cool for a few minutes before cutting in wedges.