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Paris is called the City Of Love. At the moment the city is playing host to sports people from across the g;oabe at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Apart from outdoor activities, fashion, art galleries and champagne, the French love their food. While you need to visit France to enjoy the many intriguing facets of the country, French food is something you may have access to right in your own kitchen.
French cuisine enjoys global fame for its sophistication. The emphasis on the correct technique and the detailing in presentation often makes the food appear complex. However, certain French dishes are surprisingly easy to prepare in an Indian kitchen. The foundation of French cooking lies in the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients. This makes French dishes adaptable for Indian home cooks. The use of spices in these dishes though is minimal and the techniques used enhance natural flavours.
Staples such as eggs, cheese, butter, fresh vegetables, and herbs form the backbone of many French recipes and are also common in Indian kitchens. Additionally, the versatility of French cooking allows for easy substitutions. For example, where wine is typically used in French recipes, grape juice or apple cider can serve as effective alternatives. Similarly, meats such as chicken and fish are commonly used in both cuisines, making it easy to adapt French recipes without compromising on authenticity.
The basic techniques used in French cuisine include sautéing, roasting, or slow cooking, which are familiar to those accustomed to Indian culinary methods. French dishes often emphasise balance and harmony of flavours, which aligns well with the Indian palate that appreciates depth and complexity in taste.
The use of fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and parsley can be easily integrated into Indian cooking, adding a new dimension to traditional flavours. Moreover, French cuisine's focus on presentation and plating is an enjoyable aspect for Indian cooks who take pride in visually appealing dishes. Here are some that can certainly be made at home.
Quiche Lorraine
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Quiche Lorraine is a savoury tart filled with a rich custard of eggs and cream, combined with bacon and cheese. Its crisp, flaky pastry base and creamy filling make it a delightful dish for brunch or a light dinner. With ingredients such as eggs, cream, and cheese being readily available, and bacon being easily substituted with vegetarian options or even chicken and mince, this dish can be prepared with ease in a desi home.
Ratatouille
Ratatouille is a traditional French Provençal stewed vegetable dish. It features a medley of ingredients such as tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers, seasoned with herbs such as thyme and rosemary. The simplicity of its preparation, especially the slow cooking of the vegetables to bring out their natural flavours, make it a perfect choice for Indians who are already accustomed to vegetable stews and curries.
Soupe à l'Oignon (French Onion Soup)
French Onion Soup is a classic comfort food known for its rich, savoury flavour. Made by slowly caramelising onions and combining them with meat or vegetable broth, it is topped with a slice of crusty bread and melted cheese. This dish utilises basic ingredients and simple techniques, making it a practical one to whip up quickly.
Croque Monsieur
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A Croque Monsieur is a quintessential French bistro sandwich that is both hearty and satisfying. It consists of ham and cheese, typically Emmental or Gruyère, layered between slices of bread, then grilled or baked until golden. For an Indian kitchen, any readily available, freshly baked bread and cheese can be used. Indian spices such as chilly and pepper can also be added for a fun twist on this classic sandwich.
Salade Niçoise
Originating from the French region of Nice, Salade Niçoise is a vibrant and refreshing salad that combines ingredients such as tomatoes, green beans, hard-boiled eggs, tuna, and olives. Dressed with olive oil and seasoned with herbs, it is both nutritious and easy to assemble. One can use any easily available local produce.
Coq au Vin
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Coq au Vin is a traditional French dish where chicken is braised with wine, mushrooms, onions, and sometimes bacon. This hearty, flavourful dish is typically made with red wine, but white wine can be used as well. The slow-cooking process ensures tender, juicy meat and a rich sauce.
Crêpes
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Crêpes are thin pancakes that can be served with a variety of fillings, both sweet and savoury. Made from a simple batter of flour, eggs, and milk, they are cooked quickly on a hot griddle. They are not very different from Indian dosas in appearance. Crêpes can be filled with local fruits, chocolate, or even spiced vegetables.
