What are the popular foods in France is a common question asked by all those who are desirous of eating the best of the French cuisine. French cuisine is famous all over the world for its delicious recipes and the distinct flavor and aroma. In fact, France is credited with being the culinary capital of the world with many tourists coming over to experience the yummy French cuisine. Some of the best French food items are also the most easily available at restaurants and food joints. This article attempts to find out the most popular of these French dishes for you.
Popular Foods in France
Appetizers
This is a category of foods that is served before the main meal and served mainly as appetizers.
1. Tapenade
This is a puree that is made using capers and olives in olive oil and mainly used as a spread over several food items.
2. Rillettes
Nibble on this delicious food item that is made using chopped pork, fish or some other meats. It is cooked slowly and seasoned to be eaten by spreading it over toast.
3. Gougeres
Increase your appetite while sipping on your French wine by eating gougeres that are nothing but cheese puffs, but feel divine.
Starters
This category of food items is placed on the table to nibble upon before starting your main meal.
1. Baguettes
These are loaves of bread that remain on the table until dessert is served. Eat them while waiting for the main course.
2. Escargots
These are snails that French love to eat after cooking them in garlic and butter.
3. Foie Gras
This is the liver of a duck that is considered a delicacy in France. You can eat it with the famous French toast.
4. Ratatouille
If you are looking for something with gravy, you can enjoy ratatouille that is a mix of vegetables like onions, eggplant, tomatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers prepared through sautéing.
5. Truffes
The French love Truffes before a meal. These are actually black mushrooms that they nibble upon to increase their pleasure of eating.
Main course
1. Confit de Canard
This is a French delicacy that is made using duck legs. It takes nearly 36 hours to prepare this dish as legs of the duck are marinated for a day using onions, thyme, and garlic. It is later grilled or fried and served along with garlic and potatoes.
2. Boeuf bourguignon
This is a traditional food item from France that is actually a stew made from beef that is braised in red wine. It is seasoned using onions, garlic, herbs, and mushrooms.
3. Roast chicken
This is not a typical French food item but loved by the French. It is different in the sense that there is no stuffing inside but braising that is done using butter and oil. Onions are added in the pan used for roasting. This food item is usually served in France along with green beans and roasted potatoes.
4. Mussels Mariniere
This is very popular seafood from France that is made using clams and molluscs found in the sea. Fresh mussels are cooked in white wine sauce with thyme, onions, garlic, and parsley.
5. Pot au Feu
This is a beef stew that is very popular as a family meal. Beef is boiled along with chicken, pork, and other vegetables. The dish has to simmer for more than four hours to allow for full extraction of the juices of the beef.
Desserts
1. Clafoutis
These are baked custards that contain a wide variety of fruits. Clafoutis containing cherries are most popular in France.
2. Mousse au chocolat
This is a popular dessert that is made from chocolate and famous all over the world.
Images Courtesy:
- Baguette image by Julie Kertesz from Paris neighbourhood, France (CC BY 2.0 )
- Boeuf bourguignon image by DC (CC BY 3.0 )
- Mousse au chocolat image by Bin im Garten (CC BY-SA 3.0)
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