Summer is a great time to be a foodie here in France. There's just something about the hot weather that has you feeling hungry. And while ice cream is the perfect antidote to the summer heat, there are a few French dishes that will hit the spot too. There are Ratatouille, Salmon Rillettes, Roast Provençal Chicken, and Chocolate Mousse, for example. These are incredible dishes that you'll undoubtedly enjoy in France. Not only are they seasonal, but they're regional too! They offer up the different flavors of the country, ones that deserve as much attention as
haute cuisine in Paris.
Salmon Rillettes
Let's start this list with some seafood! Since France is a Mediterranean country, you can expect that its seafood dishes go particularly well in the summertime. Salmon Rillettes is a great example. Though it's only a dip, it pairs deliciously with sliced baguettes. Every dip coats the bread with the flavors of the sea, complete with all its divine savoriness. It can even serve as the perfect finger food for a
yacht party in Cannes, downed by an accompanying glass of champagne. Or as an appetizer to help whet your appetite while the kitchen continues to prepare the main course.
Source: Flickr.com/ Kimberly Vardeman
Ratatouille
You've probably heard about this dish from the famous
Disney film, right? Well, contrary to what you might think, 'Ratatouille' doesn't have any connection to rats or any rodent of that sort. If you watch the ending of that movie, you'll know that this is actually a French Provençal dish made out of stewed vegetables. Thanks to the film, it's become one of the most popular staples of French cuisine, and thus, it's also a perfect choice for your
Bastille Day feast. Health and appetizing, it's the kind of warm and delicate dish that the whole family can enjoy!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Potato Leek Soup
Another healthy option you can go for is Potato Leek Soup. Now, since summer is a hot season, why would anyone want a bowl of soup during this time? Well, you can actually serve potato leek soup cold instead! Not ice cold, per se, but cold enough that you won't get a heat stroke in the middle of your summer in France. And in fact, when you do serve this soup cold, it becomes what the French call '
Vichysoisse.' Even the late great Anthony Bourdain had his own special recipe for the summer French dish.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ jeffreyw
Summer Tomato Bouillabaisse with Basil Rouille
Made with clams, anchovies, cherry tomatoes, virgin olive oil, and white wine, the Summer Tomato Bouillabaisse with Basil Rouille is yet another mature dish worth tasting in summer. Though it's warm, it's chockful of flavors that'll help you forget about the heat. You won't have time to sweat once your taste buds indulge in the seafood savoriness of the anchovies and clams. Or the tartness of the cherry tomatoes that will have you squinting in delight. And don't forget the subtle kick of the white wine mixed with virgin olive oil!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Roast Provençal Chicken
You probably know of Provence since it's the region where Cannes, St. Tropez, and many other exciting places in the
French Riviera are located. When it comes to spending summer in France, these are the destinations you'll often hear about. And while this part of the country does offer some of the finest coasts in the Mediterranean, they also serve up some of the delicious summer French food out there too. The Roast Provençal Chicken is a great example. Smoked to perfection, this is one of the most fulfilling options you can enjoy.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Bistro Steak
Who'd want to eat steak in summer? The French do! And not just
filet mignon either! Though this dish is a famous staple in haute cuisine, there's another that deserves just as much attention: the Bistro Steak. Known as one of the most tender cuts of beef in the world, it offers up a fascinating culinary sensation you won't want to miss. The Bistro Steak is tender, sure, but it's also extremely juicy. Every bite is a burst of flavor in your mouth! And if you pair it with some buttermilk onion rings, then you have yourself a fine summer feast!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Chocolate Mousse
Now, let's talk about dessert! You'd think that for this part of the meal, only ice cream will do, right? It's the summer, after all. What better treat is there to escape the extreme heat than with one or two scoops of ice cream? Perhaps, a healthy serving of chocolate mousse would do? Who wouldn't want to drown their taste buds in rich chocolate creme? Add a light layer of whipped cream on top and you can enjoy this complex sweetness for as much as you want! Luckily, chocolate mousse is commonly served cold too!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Raspberry Parfaits
Prefer a fruity dessert instead? Then you can always go for a raspberry parfait. Only alternating layers of fresh raspberries and whipped cream would make for quite the elegant dessert in the summertime. And yes, just like the chocolate mousse, you can also serve this dessert cold. You can even replace the whipped cream with some soft-serve ice cream instead. Add on some raspberry syrup to intensify the fruity flavor and you've got yourself quite the tart treat! Every spoonful will cool you down and tantalize your taste buds in more ways than one!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
If you ever plan to spend summertime in France, don't forget to try some summer French food! From regional dishes to universally-loved desserts, they prove why this country remains on top of the food chain, both figuratively and literally!
