
A stunning vegan centerpiece featuring tender, caramelized celeriac roasted in a smoky maple glaze, nestled on a creamy herb-infused cheese base and wrapped in flaky puff pastry. This savory tart combines earthy flavors with a hint of sweetness for a truly sophisticated meal.
Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan/gas 6). In a large mixing bowl, toss the celeriac wedges with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, smoked paprika, chipotle chili flakes, maple syrup, and most of the thyme leaves. Season generously with salt and pepper, ensuring every wedge is evenly coated.
Arrange the seasoned celeriac in a single layer on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Roast for 30-35 minutes until the wedges are tender when pierced with a knife. Turn them halfway through the cooking time and brush with any glaze remaining on the tray. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
While the celeriac is roasting, heat a drizzle of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped shallots and a pinch of salt, sautéing for 5-6 minutes until soft and translucent. Set aside to cool.
In a medium bowl, mash the dairy-free soft cheese with the chopped dill, chives, sautéed shallots, a few more thyme leaves, and a pinch of chili flakes. Season with black pepper and mix until well combined. Place a large, flat baking sheet in the oven to preheat.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry into a large rectangle, approximately 38 x 28cm and 3mm thick. Carefully transfer the pastry onto a large sheet of baking parchment.
Spread the herbed cheese mixture over the center of the pastry, leaving a clear 5cm border around the edges. Arrange the roasted celeriac wedges on top of the cheese in an even layer. Gently fold the pastry border over the edges of the filling, pleating it slightly to create a rustic crust that overlaps the celeriac.
Brush the pastry border with dairy-free milk. Using the parchment paper to assist, slide the galette onto the preheated hot baking sheet. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the pastry is deep golden and crisp on the bottom. Serve warm, scattered with fresh chives, the remaining thyme, and extra chili flakes if desired.
To prevent a soggy bottom, ensure the roasted celeriac and sautéed shallots are completely cool before assembling the galette. Preheating the baking sheet is a professional trick that helps the pastry crisp up immediately upon contact. If you can't find celeriac, parsnips or butternut squash make excellent substitutes.





