French Cuisine – 4 Must-Try Dishes
French cuisine is famous around the world for its elegance and flavour, relying on simple combinations of natural, rich flavours that went put together come put to be a sum greater than its parts. French cuisine is so highly regarded that in 2010, UNESCO made it an intangible cultural heritage.
The world of French cuisine is massive so let’s explore it one step at a time with these 4 delicious dishes.
Soupe à l’oignon
This is a classic French soup made with onions and beef stock, usually topped with croutons and melted cheese. It was traditionally a peasant dish that dates back to Roman times, though the current version is a bit more recent, i.e the 18th century. The caramelization of the onions, which are frequently flavoured with brandy or sherry during the slow-cooking process, gives the soup its distinct flavour. Every morsel of this deeply flavoured dish is sure to take your taste buds for a ride.
Cassoulet
Cassoulet is a hearty stew made with white beans and meat. The dish is usually made with pork or duck, but can also be made with sausages, goose, mutton, or whatever else the chef has on hand.
This peasant dish is popular in Toulouse, Carcassonne, and Castelnaudary, and it comes from southern France. The dish’s name is derived from the baking pot in which it is traditionally prepared. This pot is a common sight in many French homes, demonstrating the dish’s popularity. When the cold fills the air, a serving of this hearty, rich dish is sure to get you all warmed up.
Bœuf bourguignon
Boeuf bourguignon is one of the most traditional French dishes, originating from eastern France. Boeuf bourguignon is a stew made with braised beef, beef broth, and seasoned vegetables such as pearl onions and mushrooms braised in red wine. This recipe, which originated as a peasant dish, is now a standard in French restaurants all over the world.
Although some shortcuts can be taken, the cheap cuts of meat are traditionally tenderized in wine for two days to intensify the flavours. It’s a dish that just oozes with flavour with every bite you take.
Confit de canard
Confit de canard is a delicious French duck dish, though some chefs use goose or pork instead. It is often considered to be one of the best French dishes you can have. The meat is prepared using ancient preservation techniques and a slow-cooking method. The duck meat is marinated for 36 hours in salt, garlic, and thyme before being slow-cooked in its own fat at low temperatures, as it is a better option than frying. On the side, it’s usually served with confit roasted potatoes and garlic. Today, this dish is popular throughout France, but you can find the best variations in the Gascony region.