The French take their winter cuisine seriously, and for good reason. Nothing beats a warm and hearty meal to keep you cozy with temperatures dropping and snow falling. In this list of the best winter warmers in France, we’ve gathered 10 dishes that will warm you up from the inside out, from classic stews and soups to cheesy gratins and indulgent casseroles.
When the winter chill sets in, there’s nothing like a hot and hearty meal to warm you up. And when it comes to comforting cuisine, France has no shortage of options. From rich stews to cheesy gratins, the French know how to make a meal that will satisfy your soul and your appetite.
So in this blog, we’re taking a tour of the best winter warmers in France. We’ve compiled a list of 10 dishes that will have you reaching for extra help and a cozy blanket. Whether you’re looking for a classic French dish or something a little more modern, this list has something for everyone. So let’s get ready to indulge in some of the most delicious and comforting foods France offers!
1. Pot-au-feu
A classic French dish that has been a staple of French cuisine for centuries. The name “pot-au-feu” literally means “pot on the fire,” which accurately describes how this dish is prepared. The dish is made by simmering a variety of meats and vegetables. In a large pot of water for several hours until the flavors have melded together to create a rich, savory broth.
The meats used in a traditional pot-au-feu typically include beef, chicken, and sometimes pork, which are all cooked together in the same pot. The vegetables can vary, but usually include carrots, turnips, leeks, and onions. The resulting broth is then served with meats and vegetables and often accompanied by a side of Dijon mustard and crusty bread.
Pot-au-feu is the perfect winter warmer, as the warm and comforting broth is perfect for sipping on a cold day. It’s a dish that is often served in French homes on Sunday afternoons and has been a part of French culture for generations.
2. Raclette
A traditional French dish that is perfect for cold winter nights. It’s a cheese-based dish that is often served with potatoes, charcuterie, and pickled vegetables. The name “raclette” comes from the French word “racler,” which means “to scrape.” This is because the dish is made by melting a semi-hard cheese called Raclette cheese. Then scraping it onto a plate of boiled potatoes and other accompaniments.
The Raclette cheese is typically melted in a special device called a “raclette machine”. Which allows the cheese to be melted and scraped onto the plate at the table. The melted cheese is then layered onto the boiled potatoes. Then served with a variety of cold cuts and pickled vegetables, making for a hearty and satisfying meal.
3. Tartiflette
A hearty and indulgent French dish that originated in the Savoie region of the French Alps. It’s a potato-based gratin that is typically made with Reblochon cheese, lardons (small strips of bacon), onions, and cream. The dish is traditionally served during the winter months, as it’s the perfect comfort food for cold and snowy evenings.
The dish is made by layering thinly sliced potatoes with lardons and onions in a baking dish and then pouring cream over the top. A whole Reblochon cheese is then sliced in half and placed on top of the potatoes and baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
The result is a rich and creamy dish that is perfect for sharing with friends and family. Tartiflette is often served with a side of salad, as the dish is quite heavy and the fresh greens provide a nice contrast to the rich flavors of the gratin.
4. Onion Soup
Also known as French onion soup, is a classic French dish that has become a staple of winter cuisine in France. It’s a hearty soup that is made with caramelized onions, beef broth, and a generous layer of melted cheese on top.
The onions are cooked slowly over low heat until they are caramelized and have a deep, rich flavor. They are then simmered with beef broth, thyme, and bay leaves, which add depth and complexity to the soup. The final touch is a layer of sliced baguette and melted Gruyere cheese on top, which is then broiled until bubbly and golden.
Onion soup is perfect for warming you up on a cold winter day and is often served as a starter or light meal in French bistros and cafes. It’s a dish that is easy to make at home and is a great way to use up any leftover bread and cheese.
5. Coq Au Vin
A classic French dish that is perfect for cold winter nights. The name “coq au vin” translates to “rooster in wine,” and the dish is made by braising a rooster in red wine with bacon, mushrooms, and onions.
In modern times, the dish is typically made with chicken instead of the rooster, as it’s easier to find in grocery stores. The chicken is first marinated in red wine with herbs and vegetables, which adds depth and flavor to the meat. It is then seared in a pan with bacon and mushrooms and slow-cooked in the marinade until it’s tender and flavorful.
This is typically served with boiled or mashed potatoes and a side of crusty bread. The dish is perfect for sharing with friends and family, as it encourages communal dining and conversation.
6. Beef Bourguignon
The dish originated in the Burgundy region of France and is made by slow-cooking beef in red wine with onions, carrots, mushrooms, and bacon. The dish is typically made with tougher cuts of beef that are slowly braised in a rich and flavorful sauce made with red wine, beef broth, and aromatic herbs.
The result is tender and succulent beef that is infused with the complex flavors of the sauce. It is traditionally served with boiled or mashed potatoes, and a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
7. Gratin Dauphinois
The dish originated in the Dauphine region of France and is made with sliced potatoes, cream, garlic, and cheese. The potatoes are thinly sliced and layered in a baking dish with cream and garlic, which infuses the dish with a rich and comforting flavor.
The top is then sprinkled with cheese and baked in the oven until it’s golden and crispy. This is typically served as a side dish, but it can also be enjoyed as a light meal with a side of salad.
8. Cassoulet
A hearty and comforting stew that originated in the southern region of France. The dish is made with white beans, various types of meat such as pork, duck, and sausage, and vegetables like onions and carrots.
The stew is slow-cooked for several hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender and succulent. The dish is traditionally cooked in a large earthenware pot, known as a casserole, which is where the dish gets its name.
Cassoulet is a perfect winter warmer, as it’s a rich and hearty meal that is guaranteed to keep you warm on cold nights. The dish is typically served with crusty bread and a side of red wine, which complements the flavors of the stew perfectly.
9. Bouillabaisse
A traditional fish stew that originated in the coastal city of Marseille in southern France. The dish is made with a variety of fish and seafood such as cod, monkfish, mussels, and shrimp, and is flavored with a blend of spices, garlic, and herbs such as saffron and fennel.
The stew is typically served with a side of crusty bread and a tangy sauce called rouille. Bouillabaisse is a perfect winter warmer, as it’s a hearty and comforting meal that is packed with flavor and nutrition. This is traditionally made with fish that are in season, making it a dish that is both fresh and sustainable. The stew is typically cooked slowly to allow the flavors to meld together and the fish to become tender and succulent.
10. Choucroute Garnie
A classic French dish that originated in the Alsace region of northeastern France. The dish is made with sauerkraut, which is cooked with a variety of meats such as smoked sausage, ham hocks, and pork belly, as well as potatoes and other vegetables.
The sauerkraut is typically slow-cooked with meats and vegetables for several hours. Allowing the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender and succulent. Choucroute Garnie is a perfect winter warmer, as it’s a hearty and comforting meal that is packed with flavor and nutrition.
Choucroute Garnie is traditionally served with a side of mustard, which complements the flavors of the dish perfectly. The dish is typically accompanied by a glass of Alsatian white wine, which is a perfect match for the rich flavors of the sauerkraut and meats.
In conclusion
French cuisine is renowned for its comforting and indulgent winter warmers. From classic stews like Pot-au-Feu, Beef Bourguignon, and Cassoulet, to cheesy delights like Raclette and Tartiflette, to heartwarming soups like Onion Soup and Bouillabaisse, to sauerkraut-based dishes like Choucroute Garnie, there’s a French winter warmer to suit every taste.
These dishes have stood the test of time, and continue to be beloved by foodies all over the world. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy night in with family or hosting a dinner party with friends, these winter warmers are sure to impress.
So if you’re looking to warm up during the cold winter months, why not try one of these classic French dishes? With their rich flavors, comforting textures, and hearty ingredients, they’re sure to become some of your new favorite dishes. Bon appétit!
