Exploring Aubervilliers: Local Dishes, Restaurants & Traditional Recipes
Exploring Aubervilliers: Local Dishes, Restaurants & Traditional Recipes
Aubervilliers Cuisine
Aubervilliers, located in the Seine-Saint-Denis department of France, is known for its vibrant culinary scene. The diverse population of the area has resulted in a wide array of traditional dishes influenced by various cultures. From French classics to international flavors, Aubervilliers offers a culinary experience like no other.
Local Dishes
When exploring the local cuisine of Aubervilliers, there are some must-try dishes that showcase the unique flavors of the region:
- Escargots de Bourgogne: This classic French dish consists of snails cooked in garlic butter. It is a delicacy that can be found in many traditional French restaurants in Aubervilliers.
- Cassoulet: Originating from the nearby region of Languedoc, Cassoulet is a hearty stew made with white beans, various meats such as pork, sausage, and duck, and seasoned with herbs and spices.
- Merguez: This North African-inspired sausage is popular in Aubervilliers and is made from spiced, minced lamb or beef. It is often grilled or cooked in stews.
- Bouillabaisse: Although traditionally from Marseille, this fish stew is a favorite among seafood lovers in Aubervilliers. It is made with various types of fish and shellfish, flavored with saffron and served with crusty bread.
- Choucroute garnie: Influenced by the neighboring Alsace region, this dish consists of sauerkraut served with a selection of sausages, pork, and potatoes.
Restaurants in Aubervilliers
If you want to experience the flavors of Aubervilliers firsthand, there are several restaurants in the area that offer a taste of local and international cuisine:
- Le Petit Aubervilliers: Located in the heart of the town, this charming French bistro serves delicious traditional dishes with a modern twist. From escargots to cassoulet, Le Petit Aubervilliers showcases the best of local cuisine.
- La Table Marocaine: For a taste of Moroccan cuisine, head to La Table Marocaine. This cozy restaurant offers authentic tagines, couscous, and other Moroccan specialties.
- Le Palais du Pho: If you're craving Vietnamese food, Le Palais du Pho is the place to go. Their menu features a variety of pho noodle soups, banh mi sandwiches, and other Vietnamese favorites.
- El Rincon de España: For those looking for Spanish flavors, El Rincon de España serves delicious tapas, paella, and other Spanish dishes. Don't forget to try their sangria!
- Restaurant Pardis: Indulge in Persian cuisine at Restaurant Pardis. From kebabs to stews, their menu offers a range of flavorful dishes from Iran.
Traditional Recipes
If you want to recreate the flavors of Aubervilliers at home, here are a couple of traditional recipes you can try:
Recipe 1: Cassoulet
Ingredients:
- 2 cups white beans, soaked overnight
- 1 pound pork shoulder, cubed
- 1 pound Toulouse sausages
- 4 duck legs
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 bouquet garni (thyme, bay leaf, parsley)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Drain and rinse the soaked white beans.
- In a large Dutch oven, cook the pork shoulder over medium heat until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, cook the sausages and duck legs until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Add the garlic, onion, and carrots to the pot and cook until softened.
- Return the pork shoulder, sausages, and duck legs to the pot. Add the white beans and bouquet garni.
- Cover with water and bring to a simmer.
- Transfer the pot to the preheated oven and cook for 3-4 hours, until the beans are tender and the meats are cooked through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with crusty bread.
Recipe 2: Merguez Sandwich
Ingredients:
- 4 Merguez sausages
- 4 baguettes, sliced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 1/4 cup harissa sauce
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat.
- Grill the Merguez sausages until cooked through and nicely charred, about 10 minutes.
- Toast the baguette slices.
- In a small bowl, mix together the harissa sauce and Greek yogurt.
- Spread the harissa-yogurt sauce on the toasted baguette slices.
- Place a grilled Merguez sausage on each slice.
- Top with sliced red onion, tomato, and fresh cilantro or parsley.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the Merguez sandwiches warm.