11 Culinary Treats from Provence you MUST Try

There are many reasons why French cuisine is highly regarded as some of the most delicious and upscale type of food in the world. Chefs around the world often aspire to learn traditional French techniques to hone their skills. Where things get interesting is when you break down the best food to try in each region of France. Today we will take a look at 11 delicacies that the residents of Provence, France swear by – and so should you!

Nougat

This is the perfect treat to satisfy any sweet tooth. A yummy confection made with honey or sugar combined with roasted almonds and egg whites, nougat is traditionally a treat during the Christmas holidays, but it has become so popular that you can find it in Provence all year round!

Omelette Aux Truffles

Truffles are a rare enough treat all on their own. However, something special happens when eggs are infused with truffles. The flavors are just amplified to the max! You’ll find many restaurants that have a focus on gastronomy serving this mouth-watering dish during the winter months.

Ratatouille

Yes, this is also now a famous cartoon that stole many a child’s heart, but well before that, Ratatouille was a very famous dish from Provence. It’s a very delicious and easy to make staple that is often compare to a veggie casserole. Common ingredients you’ll find in traditional ratatouille are onions, aubergines, garlic, herbs, courgettes and peppers.

Aioli

Aioli is one of the simpler dishes from Provence, and it is also one of the most popular. This is likely because you can add variations of aioli to multiple types of dishes. Much like a garlic mayonnaise, minus the eggs, this treat is perfect as a dipping sauce for veggies or a topping on a burger or sandwich. It should also be noted that aioli is typically eaten on Fridays, and you’ll be able to find it in most Provence restaurants on that day every week.

Tapenade

Tapenade is a delicious olive dip made with olive oil, anchovies, black olives, garlic and capers. It is served traditionally with a crouton toast. Some variations incorporate sun-dried tomatoes or green olives as well.

Fougasse

You will likely find multiple variations of fougasse across the country of France, but Provence definitely put a unique spin on this popular treat. Basically, fougasse in Provence means a delectable flatbread stuffed with a hearty helping of cheese, anchovies and olives. Many people refer to it as Provençal pizza!

Soupe Au Pistou

This dish is a result of Provence’s close proximity to the Mediterranean Sea, which boasts multiple types of fresh fish. Combined with a bounty of summer veggies, pasta, beans, and ‘pistou,’ which is the French version of Italian pesto sauce, Soupe Au Pistou is a delicious Provence specialty that you’ll want to enjoy again and again!

Bouillabaisse 

Yum! Known as the King of regional dishes, bouillabaisse is a very unique dish that is never made quite the same. It consists of a flavorful broth, combined with various types of fish (there are no specific types of fish for a traditional bouillabaisse, which adds to its uniqueness), and topped off with croutons and rouille, which is a spicy garnish made with saffron. The things you can always count on with this dish? Every type is made with at least four types of fish, and then cooked in a rockfish stock along with garlic, onions, saffron, tomatoes and herbs.

Petit Farcis

In Provence, if you want something “farcied” then that means you would like it stuffed. So, Petit Farcis is basically stuffed vegetables. In Provence, the dish is usually made with vegetables like courgette, peppers, aubergines, tomatoes and onions all stuffed with seasoned minced meat and roasted slowly in the oven.

Anchoïade

Similar to tapenade, anchoïade is a popular French spread that varies from region to region. The Provence version of this spread is typically made with garlic and anchovies and served with raw veggies or on toast.

Calissons d’Aix en Provence

To end your meal with a sweet treat Calissons d’Aix are petal-shaped cookie-type sweet topped with white icing. The cookie is actually a sweet paste made with almonds and candied fruit to create a fresh tasting candy.

Wow! Now we’re feeling hungry! But first we need to get to France. Book your vacation to France now through At Home in France, and you’ll be on your way to trying all of these delectable treats. With many country homes offering access to full kitchens and beautiful dining areas, you can host your own Provençal dinner party!