Beyond Baguettes and Croissants: Lesser-Known French Recipes to Try
When you think of French cuisine, dishes like escargot, ratatouille and crème brûlée might come to mind. But France’s culinary landscape is vast, with many regional and lesser-known dishes that deserve just as much attention. Combining cooking and language learning is not only a tasty hobby, but it also gives you access to an advanced vocabulary and allows you to completely immerse yourself in your chosen language’s culture. Because learning a language is more than simply being able to read and write. So, if you're looking to expand your cooking repertoire and level up your French skills, here are some delicious yet underrated recipes to try at home.
1. Pounti (Savory Prune and Pork Loaf)
A specialty from the Auvergne region, Pounti is a unique combination of savoury and sweet flavours. This dish features ground pork mixed with Swiss chard, onions, eggs and flour, with the surprising addition of prunes. The prunes add a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the richness of the pork. Typically served in slices, it’s a hearty meal best enjoyed with a fresh green salad.
2. Tourin (Garlic Soup)
Originating from southwestern France, Tourin is a simple yet flavourful garlic soup made with an abundance of garlic, onions and sometimes egg whites for a velvety texture. It’s often thickened with a bit of flour and enriched with duck fat or butter. Traditionally served with toasted bread, it’s the perfect comfort food for chilly evenings.
3. Tarte Tatin Salée (Savoury Tarte Tatin)
While Tarte Tatin is best known as an upside-down caramelised apple tart, a lesser-known variation is its savoury counterpart. This dish replaces apples with ingredients like tomatoes, shallots or endives, caramelised in butter and sugar before being topped with a buttery pastry crust. Once flipped, it reveals a beautifully golden, glistening top that pairs perfectly with a crisp white wine.
4. Pompe à l'Huile (Olive Oil Bread)
A Provençal specialty, Pompe à l’Huile is a soft, slightly sweet bread made with olive oil and flavoured with orange blossom water. It’s traditionally served during Christmas as part of the ‘13 Desserts’ in Provence but is delicious any time of the year. Its delicate, fragrant flavour makes it a perfect accompaniment to cheese or jam.
5. Le Pâté de Pommes de Terre (Potato Pie)
This rustic dish from central France consists of layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked inside a flaky pastry crust. Often made with crème fraîche and seasoned simply with salt, pepper and nutmeg, it’s a humble yet satisfying dish that showcases the beauty of simple ingredients.
6. Merveilleux (Delicate Meringue Pastry)
A northern French specialty, Merveilleux is a light, airy dessert made with layers of meringue and whipped cream, often coated in chocolate shavings. Though it looks extravagant, it’s surprisingly easy to make at home and is sure to impress any guest.
7. Flamiche aux Poireaux (Leek Tart)
Hailing from northern France, this delightful tart features leeks sautéed in butter and combined with cream, eggs and sometimes cheese, all nestled in a flaky pastry crust. It’s similar to quiche but focuses entirely on the delicate, sweet flavour of leeks. Serve it warm with a side of fresh greens for an elegant yet simple meal.
8. Truffade (Cheesy Potato Dish)
A comforting dish from the Auvergne region, Truffade is made by cooking thinly sliced potatoes in goose fat or butter and then melting in generous amounts of local cheese, usually Tomme fraîche. The result is a rich, gooey and utterly satisfying potato dish, often served with cured meats and a crisp green salad.
9. Canistrelli (Corsican Biscotti)
Hailing from Corsica, Canistrelli are crunchy, lightly sweetened biscuits typically flavoured with anise, lemon, or almonds. Unlike Italian biscotti, these are made with olive oil, giving them a unique texture and flavour. They are perfect for dunking in coffee or enjoying as a light snack.
10. Matefaim (Savoury Thick Pancake)
A specialty from the Rhône-Alpes region, Matefaim (meaning ‘hunger killer’) is a thick pancake made with flour, eggs, milk and sometimes cheese or vegetables. It can be enjoyed either sweet or savoury, making it a versatile and filling dish perfect for breakfast or a light meal.
Bring a taste of France to your kitchen and try some of these recipes at home – or we welcome you to our ‘French and Cookery’ immersion course to improve your French skills with the help of experienced French chefs. With elite school, French in Normandy, and friendly teachers to help you through your language learning journey, take up to three pâtisserie classes a week alongside your language classes offered at all abilities. Whether you're in the mood for something savoury or sweet, these underrated dishes offer a fresh perspective on French culture. Every dish tells a story; which one will you try first?
Link for our ‘French and Cookery’ course: https://gowiseward.com/study-abroad/french/france/rouen/french-in-normandy/french-and-cookery