France is known for its delectable cuisine and good reason. From rich and savory sauces to fresh and perfectly-seasoned meats, French dishes are some of the most mouth-watering and complex in the world.
History of French Cuisine
The history of French cuisine dates back to the middle ages. French cuisine was developed during the reign of King Louis XIV, when chefs from all over Europe came to work in his kitchens. The most famous French dish, the Croque-Monsieur, was invented in this period.
French cuisine reached its height in the 18th century under renowned chef Auguste Escoffier. Escoffier is credited with inventing many of the classic French dishes that are still popular today, such as Beef Bourguignon and Chicken Lyonnaise.
In the 20th century, French cuisine was further developed by famed chefs such as Julia Child and Paul Bocuse. Modern French cuisine has been influenced by both traditional and international influences. Today, French cuisine is considered to be among the best in the world.
French Cuisine Basics
French cuisine has been shaped by several factors over the centuries.
- The country’s geographical location has played a role in its development, as France is situated between the Mediterranean and Atlantic seas. This has resulted in a climate that is ideal for growing a variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
- French cuisine has also been influenced by the country’s history and culture. For instance, during the Middle Ages, dishes such as coq au vin and pâté de foie gras were developed due to the popularity of hunting and eating wild game. Similarly, the French Revolution led to the creation of new dishes such as ratatouille and bouillabaisse, which were designed to be affordable and accessible to all citizens.
French cuisine is known for its use of fresh ingredients, classic cooking techniques, and rich flavors. Common ingredients in French cooking include;
- butter,
- cream,
- garlic,
- onions,
- wine.
French dishes are often complex and take time to prepare. They are typically served in multiple courses, each designed to showcase a different flavor or cooking technique.
5 Traditional French Foods You Need To Try in France
If you’re looking to add a little je ne sais quoi to your cooking repertoire, check out these five classic French dishes.
Coq Au Vin
This dish translates to “rooster in wine,” and it’s a French classic for a reason. Tender chicken is cooked in a red wine sauce until it’s fall-off-the-bone delicious, making it the perfect comfort food for a winter evening. Serve coq au vin with some boiled potatoes and a side salad for a complete meal.
Crème Brûlée
For a special treat, try your hand at crème brûlée, a classic French dessert. This custard is made with heavy cream, eggs, vanilla bean, and sugar, then baked until it’s smooth and creamy.
The top is then caramelized with a blow torch (or you can put it under the broiler) until it’s nice and crispy. Serve crème brûlée with a fresh Berry or some chocolate shavings.
Boeuf Bourguignon
Boeuf bourguignon is another comforting stew made with beef that has been braised in red wine until it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Aromatic vegetables like onions, carrots, garlic, mushrooms, bacon, and thyme give this dish its rich flavor. Serve boeuf bourguignon over some mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a hearty meal.
Cassoulet
This dish hails from the southwestern region of France and is traditionally made with duck, pork sausage, and white beans. The beans are cooked slowly until they’re nice and creamy, while the meat is roasted to perfection.
While cassoulet may take some time to make, it’s well worth the effort. Serve this dish with a green salad and some crusty bread for dipping into the delicious sauce.
French Onion Soup
This soup is the perfect way to warm up on a chilly day. Caramelized onions are simmered in beef broth until they’re nice and sweet, then topped with a piece of crusty bread and melted cheese. Serve French onion soup with a side salad for a light meal.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for a comforting stew or a decadent dessert, there’s a French dish out there for you. Ready to try your hand at cooking some classic French dishes? So get cooking and enjoy the flavors of France! Bon appetit!