Top 9 French Vegetarian Dishes
French vegetarian dishes offer a delightful array of flavors, textures, and culinary experiences. Whether you’re looking for hearty comfort food like Ratatouille or something light and fresh like Warm Goat Cheese Salad, there is something for everyone among the delicious array of vegetarian options found in French cuisine.
So let’s start and look at my top 9 French vegetarian dishes!
1. Gratin Dauphinois
Have you ever tried Gratin Dauphinois? It’s one of my favorite French dishes and it’s a vegetarian’s dream! The dish originated in the Dauphiné region in France and has been a staple in French cuisine since the 18th century when peasants would bake their potatoes in the ashes of their fires.
It’s a simple dish made with thinly sliced potatoes that are combined with cream or crème fraîche, butter, garlic, and nutmeg and baked in an earthenware casserole dish until they become golden brown and bubbly.
Some versions of this dish have delicious grated cheese like Swiss Gruyère or French Comté mixed in. Either way — cheese or no cheese — the result is a creamy, rich, and comforting dish that pairs perfectly with a glass of red wine.
What I love about Gratin Dauphinois is that it’s so versatile — it can be served as a side dish or as a main dish with a salad on the side. Plus, it’s so easy to make and requires only a handful of ingredients.
If you’re looking to impress your friends and family with a classic French dish that’s vegetarian-friendly, you can never go wrong with Gratin Dauphinois!
2. Piperade
Have you ever heard of Piperade? It’s a dish that rings familiar with my French roots, and I’d love to share a little bit about it with you.
Piperade is a vegetarian dish hailing from the Basque region in France. It’s named after the main ingredient — peppers. The dish involves sautéing a colorful medley of bell peppers (any color really), onions, garlic, and tomatoes with spices like paprika and chili powder. It’s a simple recipe, yet delivers an explosion of flavor.
If you’re a vegetarian looking for a hearty, protein-packed meal, you can add some scrambled, poached, or fried eggs on top and serve it with some crusty bread. Trust me, the flavors will transport you straight to the rustic charm of France.
3. Quenelles
I recently had the opportunity to try a French dish called Quenelles and let me tell you, it was delicious! These light and airy dumplings are a staple in French cuisine and have a rich history dating back to the 18th century.
They’re little dumplings from Lyon, made with flour, eggs, butter, and water. The best part? They’re so versatile! You can cook them up in a pan and smother them in all sorts of yummy sauces — think béchamel, cheese, tomato, Provençal, or mushroom.
The process of making Quenelles is delicate and requires a bit of skill as the mixture is shaped into an elongated oval before being poached in a flavorful broth.
Fun fact: Quenelles are so beloved in France that there is even a National Quenelle Festival held every year in Lyon! If you ever have the chance to try Quenelles, go for it!
4. Socca
Have you ever tried Socca? It’s one of my absolute favorite vegetarian snacks from France. The history of this savory crepe-like dish dates back to Nice, France.
The humble ingredients list includes chickpea flour, water, olive oil, and salt. It’s fascinating that such simple ingredients can create such a delicious taste. The method is just as simple — mix the ingredients, let the batter rest for an hour, then spread it on a hot griddle or skillet and cook until crispy and golden brown.
An interesting fact about Socca is that it’s commonly sold and enjoyed as street food in Nice — it’s known as a staple snack to grab on the go! I highly recommend giving it a try if you haven’t already. You won’t be disappointed!
5. Aligot
Have you ever tasted Aligot? If you haven’t, let me tell you about this delicious dish. Aligot hails from the beautiful country of France and is a staple in French culture.
This vegetarian dish is made with mashed potatoes, Tomme de Laguiole cheese, butter, cream, and garlic. The method of making Aligot is simple: cook the mashed potatoes, add cheese, cream, garlic, and butter, and stir until you get a smooth and creamy texture. The key here is to stir vigorously so that the cheese fibers break down and create the perfect stringy and gooey consistency everyone loves.
Pro tip: if you want it to be extra stretchy, use a wooden spoon to stir the cheese into the potatoes. The result? It is a super delicious, satisfying, and comforting dish that’s perfect for winter nights.
What’s interesting about Aligot is that it originated as a peasant dish in the mountains of Auvergne. It was a filling and hearty meal for the hardworking farmers. Today, it’s a popular dish all over France, and it’s a must-try if you’re ever in the country. Be warned, though, Aligot is highly addictive!
6. Ratatouille
As a self-proclaimed foodie, I have to say that one of my all-time favorite vegetarian dishes is Ratatouille. This classic French recipe may seem simple at first glance, but it’s actually quite a complex and flavorful dish.
The history of Ratatouille can be traced back to Provence, France, where it was traditionally served as a side dish with meat. However, in recent years it has become a popular vegetarian main course option.
The dish is made up of a variety of vegetables, such as eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes, that are sautéed together with garlic and herbs like thyme and basil. It’s a method that’s simple yet a little time-consuming, but the end result is a savory and rustic dish that’s sure to impress.
Ok, be honest, did you know about Ratatouille before you saw Remy who aspired to be a gourmet chef in Paris?
7. Warm Goat Cheese Salad
So, have you ever tried Warm Goat Cheese Salad? It is an absolutely delicious French dish that is perfect for vegetarians. This salad dates back to the 16th century in France, and it has been a popular vegetarian dish ever since.
The main ingredients are fresh, crispy greens, sweet cherry tomatoes, crunchy walnuts, and of course, warm goat cheese rounds. The cheese is coated in breadcrumbs and herbs, then baked until it is golden and gooey. The method of making this salad is simple, just toss the ingredients together, and place the warm cheese rounds on top of the greens.
The flavor combinations in this salad are incredible, and it’s a dish that is perfect for lunch or dinner. I would recommend pairing it with a glass of red wine to bring out the earthy taste of the goat cheese. Have I got your mouth watering yet?
8. Cheese Soufflé
Let’s talk about Cheese Soufflé, a classic French dish that is not only delicious but also quite impressive to make. This melt-in-your-mouth dish is historically French and was popularized in the 18th century.
The ingredients for a Cheese Soufflé are quite simple, eggs, milk, and of course, cheese. Gruyere and Parmesan cheese are commonly used in this recipe, but you can switch it up to your liking.
Now, the method is where things get a bit tricky, you must master the art of whisking egg whites to a shiny peak. Trust me, it’s worth the extra effort.
Fun fact: the word “soufflé” means “to puff” in French, which perfectly describes this dish when it’s freshly baked. Give this recipe a try, and I guarantee you’ll impress your dinner guests.
9. French Onion Soup
I have to confess, French Onion Soup is one of my all-time favorite soups. I just can’t resist its rich and savory taste. This iconic dish originated in France in the 18th century and has since become a staple in French cuisine. Its simple ingredients, including caramelized onions, beef stock, and Gruyère cheese, come together to create something truly delicious.
I was overjoyed to discover that there are many versions of French Onion Soup that cater to a plant-based diet. You can substitute vegetable broth for the beef stock, and there are even vegan cheese options available to suit vegans out there.
One interesting fact about French Onion Soup is that it was traditionally a dish for the poor, as onions were so cheap and it was a good way to use up stale bread. But with its irresistible flavor and comfort, it has now become a beloved classic for people of all backgrounds and budgets.
Wrapping It Up
Eating vegetarian food doesn’t have to be boring! French cuisine has a wide variety of amazing vegetarian dishes that are both delicious and healthy. From classic Ratatouille and Cheese Soufflé to inventive Aligot and Socca, there’s something for everyone. With fragrant herbs, fresh vegetables, and creamy cheese, these dishes offer an array of flavors that will tickle your taste buds.
So, if you’re looking for something new to try, why not give these French vegetarian dishes a go? You won’t regret it – I promise!
Bon Appétit!
