France is known to be the city of food, art, architecture, and luxury. French cuisine and its mouth-watering appearance are known far and wide. People from all over the world wish to try its authentic food during their time in the ‘Country of Romance’. But what is the first thing that pops into your mind when you hear ‘French cuisine’? Croissants or Bagels dipped in hot chocolate, or maybe crepes and macarons? Sure, these are the most famous and widely available French dishes, but there is so much more to this haute cuisine that you should know. Here are 7 classic French dishes you must try, beyond croissants.
Discover 7 Classic French Dishes You Must Try
1. Ratatouille
One of the most beloved dishes among French locals is Ratatouille. It is a French stew made with vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, peppers, and onions. Sometimes garlic is also added to enhance its taste. The fresh and robust flavors are like a whole feast together. It can be served along with a rolled omelette. Ratatouille also pairs well with a variety of grilled meats. It can be served either as a side dish or a main dish. It is seasoned with herbs like basil, thyme, and bay leaf. Once you’ve tasted this exotic dish, there’s no going back.
2. Tarte Tatin
Tarte Tatin is a French dessert often consumed at various French festivals and occasions. To make it, you need to follow these steps:
- Peel the apples and cut them in half.
- Caramelize with butter and sugar in a skillet. A skillet has a base like a fry pan but has high curved sides and is a bit deeper.
- After caramelizing the apples until they are light brown.
- Arrange the apples in concentric circles in the cake pan and pour the leftover caramel on it, and refrigerate it for an hour after baking it for 45-50 minutes.
You can serve it with a pastry or vanilla ice cream. Make sure you try it. We assure you that once you taste it, you’ll crave having this specialty after your time in France.
3. Baguettes
A visit to France is incomplete without having Baguettes. Baguettes are a staple in French cuisine and are consumed by the locals throughout the day. This long, thin bread is made with basic ingredients like flour, yeast, salt, and water. The main characteristic of this dish is that its crust is crisp while the insides are as soft as the petals of a flower. This versatile bread can be eaten alone or with spreads, toppings, or fillings, which is a popular choice for sandwiches and is loved among the natives. You can find it in any bakery shop, so make sure you don’t miss trying this delicious bread.
4. Cassoulet
The most loved and admired dish in the Southwest of France is cassoulet. There are three versions to make true cassoulets, namely, Castelnaudary, Carcassonne, and Toulouse. Castelnaudary is made with pork, beans, ham, sausages, and fried pork skin, the simplest and easiest version of a cassoulet. Carcassonne is exactly like Castelnaudary but with added lamb or sometimes partridges. A Toulouse is made with lamb, bacon, sausages, and goose confit. The vast flavors are definitely a treat to one’s tongue.
5. Coq au Vin
Another French speciality is Coq au Vin, which is a must-try speciality in French cuisine. Chicken braised with wine, lardons, mushrooms, and sometimes garlic. The wine usually used is a Burgundy wine, which is available in many regions of France. It is usually seasoned with salt, pepper, parsley, thyme, and bay leaf. This classic French stew is rich in flavor with tender chicken and braised veggies in red wine, perfect for a brisk day. Remember to try it, or you will kick yourself later.
6. Beef Bourguignon
Beef Bourguignon is considered to be the god of all stews. If you wish to experience this magnificent dish, try it from a local bistro, and it will melt in your mouth. The stew is made with beef, bacon lardons, carrot, onions, and mushrooms, which are slowly cooked in red wine sauce. This dish requires a lot of patience because first the beef is marinated in red wine, and then the stew is slowly cooked so every flavor bursts on your tongue. One thing’s for sure: your patience would be worth it.
7. Bouillabaisse
Bouillabaisse is a fish stew which includes a number of seafoods other than fish like mussels, clams, shrimp, crabs, or prawns. The key ingredients include fennel, garlic, leeks, onion, saffron, tomatoes, along with bay leaf, olive oil, and thyme. The sauce rouille served with this is prepared 1 or 2 days prior to serving and is stored in an airtight container. The broth of Bouillabaisse is rich in protein, minerals, and essential vitamins. Bouillabaisse deserves to be on your food checklist for France if you are someone who does not like compromising on your health as well as your taste.
Also, read this:- Winter Comfort Foods in Europe: Traditional Dishes You Must Try
Bottom Line
These were the top 7 classic French dishes, a food guide beyond croissants and bagels. It is rightly said that one cannot think well, sleep well, or love well if not dine well. Do not limit yourself to the food that only makes it to your ‘for-you-pages’, instead hunt high and low on the internet and study the country you plan on visiting. There is more to the world than you see on social media. The stew dishes like Ratatouille, Cassoulet, Bouillabaisse, Coq au Vin, and Beef Bourguignon are definitely a must-try. But, what about the sweet tooth? Make sure you try the world-famous Tarte Tatin and Baguettes. France has something for everyone!
