Béziers Local Cuisine: Iconic Dishes, Top Restaurants, and Traditional Recipes

Béziers Local Cuisine: Iconic Dishes, Top Restaurants, and Traditional Recipes

Béziers, a charming city in the Occitanie region of France, not only boasts a rich history and breathtaking architecture but also offers a delectable selection of local cuisine. From traditional dishes that showcase the region's agricultural heritage to modern culinary creations, Béziers has something to delight every food lover's palate. Let's explore the iconic dishes, top restaurants, and traditional recipes that define Béziers' gastronomy.

Iconic Dishes

1. Cassoulet: A comforting and hearty dish, cassoulet is a signature dish in Béziers. Made with white beans, sausages, confit duck, and sometimes pork, this slow-cooked casserole is rich in flavors and deeply satisfying. 2. Tielle Biterroise: Tielle is a scrumptious classic street food from Béziers. Originating from the city's fishing community, it is a savory pie filled with tender octopus chunks, tomatoes, onions, and spices, all encased in a golden pastry. 3. Zézettes de Sète: Though not exclusive to Béziers, these sweet treats are a regional favorite. Zézettes are lightly spiced, crunchy baked biscuits made with almonds and topped with powdered sugar.

Top Restaurants

If you're looking to savor Béziers' culinary delights, these top restaurants should be on your list:

1. Restaurant Au Lavoir: Located in the heart of Béziers, this restaurant offers an exquisite dining experience with a focus on regional cuisine. Don't miss their cassoulet, which is hailed as one of the best in town.
2. Les Beaux Arts: Situated near the historic section of Béziers, Les Beaux Arts is known for its elegant decor and exceptional cuisine. Their menu features a variety of French dishes, including local specialties like Tielle Biterroise.
3. La Raffinerie: For a modern twist on Béziers' traditional cuisine, head to La Raffinerie. This trendy restaurant incorporates fresh and locally sourced ingredients into their innovative dishes, providing a unique culinary experience.

Traditional Recipes

Indulge in the flavors of Béziers by trying these traditional recipes in your own kitchen:

Cassoulet

Ingredients:

• 500g white beans
• 4 sausages (Toulouse or garlic sausage)
• 4 confit duck legs
• 250g pork belly, diced
• 2 onions, chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 bouquet garni
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Soak the white beans overnight in cold water. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pot, cook the diced pork belly until crispy. Remove the pork and set aside.
3. In the same pot, sauté the onions, garlic, carrots, and tomatoes until softened.
4. Add the white beans, sausages, confit duck legs, bouquet garni, and enough water to cover all ingredients.
5. Simmer for about 2 to 3 hours until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally and add water if necessary.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving. Remove the bouquet garni before serving.

Tielle Biterroise

Ingredients:

• 400g octopus, cleaned and chopped into small pieces
• 2 onions, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Shortcrust pastry
• Egg wash (1 egg beaten with a splash of milk)

Instructions:

1. In a pan, sauté the onions and garlic until softened.
2. Add the chopped octopus, tomatoes, tomato paste, paprika, black pepper, and oregano. Cook until the octopus is tender and the flavors are well combined.
3. Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).
4. Roll out the shortcrust pastry and cut it into circles, approximately 10cm (4 inches) in diameter.
5. Place a spoonful of the octopus filling in the center of each pastry circle.
6. Brush the edges of the pastry circles with egg wash and fold them in half to form a semicircle. Press the edges firmly to seal.
7. Brush the top of each Tielle with egg wash and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Béziers Cuisine to Explore

Embark on a culinary adventure in Béziers, where traditional dishes and contemporary creations await. Indulge in cassoulet at Au Lavoir, savor Tielle Biterroise at Les Beaux Arts, or experience innovative flavors at La Raffinerie. Don't forget to explore the local markets and try other regional delicacies like Zézettes de Sète. Bon appétit!