French cuisine has evolved over the years, since the earliest collection of recipes dating back to the Middle Ages. A standard meal that is a part of its national cuisine comprises three courses: (1) Entrée (Introductory course/meal); (2) Plat principal (main course/meal); (3) Fromage (cheese course/meal); and/or (4) Dessert. Let's take a look at some of the famous ones that are a part of this three-course meal.
Croissants
Croissants are crescent-shaped bread rolls made from dough in a manner that is similar to that of making bread; however, it has some additional ingredients, such as eggs, butter, sugar, and milk. The dough is first applied with butter, and is then folded and rolled before rolling it into a sheet. After baking, croissants have an appearance akin to that of a puff pastry. Nowadays, frozen croissants have become popular with their easy baking techniques.
Quiche Lorraine
A quiche is a type of savory pie served with a filling of savory custard, cheese, meat, and/or vegetables. Although, quiche originated in Germany, today, it is exclusively known as a French dish. Quiche means cake and has its roots in the German word Kuchen. The most popular variant of quiche is Quiche Lorraine made with a filling of smoked bacon and custard.
French Onion Soup
As the name suggests, Soupe à l'oignon is an onion soup, traditionally consisting of beef broth and caramelized onions served with cheese and croûtons. Originally, onion soups were a part of Roman times, where they were the staple diet of poor people. However, in the 18th century, the recipe of soup with beef broth and onions was popularized by the French.
Duchess(e) Potatoes
Known as pommes de terre duchesse in French, Duchess potatoes are one of the classic breakfast items of the French cuisine. They are basically well-seasoned, mashed potatoes having a shape that is similar to a meringue. The mashed potatoes are then baked along with egg yolks and butter, until they are golden-brown. These potato dollops can be of various sizes and may be served with a protein dish.
Entrée
Croissants
Croissants are crescent-shaped bread rolls made from dough in a manner that is similar to that of making bread; however, it has some additional ingredients, such as eggs, butter, sugar, and milk. The dough is first applied with butter, and is then folded and rolled before rolling it into a sheet. After baking, croissants have an appearance akin to that of a puff pastry. Nowadays, frozen croissants have become popular with their easy baking techniques.
Quiche Lorraine
A quiche is a type of savory pie served with a filling of savory custard, cheese, meat, and/or vegetables. Although, quiche originated in Germany, today, it is exclusively known as a French dish. Quiche means cake and has its roots in the German word Kuchen. The most popular variant of quiche is Quiche Lorraine made with a filling of smoked bacon and custard.
French Onion Soup
As the name suggests, Soupe à l'oignon is an onion soup, traditionally consisting of beef broth and caramelized onions served with cheese and croûtons. Originally, onion soups were a part of Roman times, where they were the staple diet of poor people. However, in the 18th century, the recipe of soup with beef broth and onions was popularized by the French.
Duchess(e) Potatoes
Known as pommes de terre duchesse in French, Duchess potatoes are one of the classic breakfast items of the French cuisine. They are basically well-seasoned, mashed potatoes having a shape that is similar to a meringue. The mashed potatoes are then baked along with egg yolks and butter, until they are golden-brown. These potato dollops can be of various sizes and may be served with a protein dish.