France is a country synonymous with decadent wines, expensive cheeses, and of course, extraordinary cuisine. Whether you’re cooking for a romantic candle-lit date night dinner or just looking for a cozy, comforting home-cooked meal, French cuisine is perfect for any occasion. With these four easy and delicious dishes, you can introduce French cooking into your own kitchen, no matter where you live.
Coq au Vin
This is a delicious, flavorful dish consisting of chicken braised in wine and brandy, onion, garlic, bacon, and a variety of vegetables. Mushrooms and pearl onions mingle with tender meat and crispy bacon to create a truly decadent dish. Most versions will use Burgundy for braising, but variations may use Jura, Alsace, or even Champagne. Coq au vin is a staple of traditional French cooking and should find a place in every home cook’s recipe book.
Ratatouille
This famous dish is indicative of the French’s dedication to creating amazing meals from simple ingredients. Ratatouille is a simple but delicious mix of fresh vegetables that have been shallow-fried, layered, and baked. You’ll often find ratatouille made with squash, tomatoes, and eggplant. An incredibly versatile dish, you can serve ratatouille as an entree, an appetizer, or a side dish. Pair with red wine for an authentic French experience.
Cassoulet
Cassoulet is a hearty dish of vegetables, your choice of meats, and white beans. Perfect for the winter months, this dish is a remnant of peasant life in southern France. You’ll often find cassoulet made with pork or duck, but it is also commonly prepared with goose, sausages, or mutton. This dish is named after the round earthenware cooking vessel it is cooked in, called a cassoulet. Cassoulet is popular among French home chefs for its simplicity, versatility, and comfort-food qualities.
Soupe à l’Oignon
Soupe à l’Oignon, or French Onion Soup, is incredibly popular and for a good reason. This deliciously salty onion and beef broth is chock full of caramelized onions and topped with crusty bread and melted cheese. The caramelized onions take on a distinctive flavor from brandy or sherry that has been added during cooking. Perfect for a rainy day, Soupe a l’Oignon can bring rustic, French charm into your home and kitchen.