From Natalie Portman’s character in the movie Ratatouille to Stanley Tucci’s in The Hundred-Foot Journey, it seems like Hollywood can’t get enough of French cuisine.
Indeed, French food has a certain je ne sais quoi that has made it beloved by people all over the world—but how did it become so popular? In this blog post, we’ll explore the rise of French cuisine and its ongoing reign as one of the most beloved culinary traditions.
A Brief History of French Cuisine
France has long been considered a mecca for food lovers, but it wasn’t always that way. In fact, prior to the 17th century, French cuisine was not highly regarded—even within France!
It wasn’t until the reign of King Louis XIV (1643-1715) that French cuisine began to be taken seriously. Under Louis XIV, chefs from all over the country were brought to work in the kitchens of Versailles, where they honed their skills and developed new techniques.
These techniques eventually trickled down to the rest of France—and, eventually, the rest of the world.
These days, you can find French restaurants all over the world—evidence of just how popular this cuisine has become. What once was seen as a status symbol is now enjoyed by people from all walks of life.
Different Regions of French Cuisine
While French cuisine is often thought of as a single entity, the truth is that there are many different regional cuisines within France. These include:
- Norman cuisine: This northern region is known for its dairy products, seafood, and apples. Dishes like cider-braised chicken and Normandy-style beef stew are representative of this cuisine.
- Basque cuisine: This southwestern region is known for its use of peppers, tomatoes, and beans. Popular dishes include pintxos (Basque tapas) and txakoli (a type of white wine).
- Provençal cuisine: This southeastern region is known for its use of olive oil, garlic, and herbs. Popular dishes include ratatouille and bouillabaisse (a fish stew).
- Alsatian cuisine: This eastern region is known for its use of pork, sauerkraut, and potatoes. Popular dishes include choucroute garnie (a dish of sauerkraut and sausage) and flammekueche (a type of flatbread).
French cuisine has come to be enjoyed by people all over the world. Its popularity is thanks in part to its intense flavor and commitment to quality.
But it’s also thanks to its iconic dishes, like boeuf bourguignon and crème brûlée. Whether you’re dining on escargot or sipping on a glass of Bordeaux, there’s no doubt that French cuisine is here to stay.
What Makes French Cuisine So Special?
So, what is it that makes French cuisine so special? In a word: technique. The French take their food very seriously, and it shows in the care that goes into each dish.
From the way the ingredients are sourced to the way they’re prepared, everything is done with precision and attention to detail. This commitment to quality is what sets French cuisine apart from other culinary traditions.
As French cuisine became more refined, it also began to be seen as a symbol of wealth and status. This was due in part to the expense of ingredients and labor required to prepare dishes like pâté and consommé. As a result, French restaurants became increasingly popular with the upper crust of society.
Main French Cuisine Ingredients
In addition to its reputation for being luxurious, French cuisine is also known for being intensely flavorful. This is thanks in part to its use of herbs and spices like;
- thyme,
- basil,
- rosemary,
- sage,
- tarragon.
But it’s also thanks to key ingredients like butter, cream, and wine—ingredients that are used sparingly in other cuisines but generously in French cooking. These rich flavors helped propel French cuisine to new heights in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The Most Important Dishes in French Cuisine
No discussion of French cuisine would be complete without mention of some of the most iconic dishes in this culinary tradition. These include:
- Boeuf bourguignon: A stew made with beef, red wine, mushrooms, and bacon.
- Coq au vin: A chicken dish cooked in red wine and featuring mushrooms, garlic, and onions.
- Cassoulet: A stew made with pork, sausage, and beans.
- Ratatouille: A vegetable dish featuring eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, and bell peppers.
- Crème brûlée: A custard dessert topped with caramelized sugar.
- Profiteroles: Choux pastry puffs filled with cream and covered in chocolate sauce.
Conclusion
French cuisine has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 17th-century France. Thanks to its incorporation of rich flavors and luxurious ingredients, this type of cooking have come to be enjoyed by people all over the globe—and it shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. If you’re looking for a truly unforgettable dining experience, look no further than your nearest French restaurant!
What’s your favorite French dish? Let us know in the comments below!