Exploring Besançon’s Authentic Cuisine: Local Dishes, Restaurants & Traditional Recipes

Exploring Besançon’s Authentic Cuisine: Local Dishes, Restaurants & Traditional Recipes

Besançon, a picturesque city nestled in the eastern part of France, offers a delightful blend of history, culture, and mouthwatering cuisine. Its unique geographical location, nestled between the Jura Mountains and the Doubs River, has influenced the local gastronomy, resulting in a diverse range of dishes and flavors. If you're a food lover, visiting Besançon is a must. Let's embark on a culinary journey, exploring the authentic cuisine, the best restaurants, and traditional recipes that this enchanting city has to offer.

Local Dishes

Besançon boasts a variety of local dishes, each reflecting the region's rich culinary heritage. Here are some must-try dishes that will tantalize your taste buds:

• Poulet à la Comtoise: This classic dish features tender chicken cooked in a creamy sauce with Comté cheese and white wine, giving it a distinctive flavor.
• Galette Comtoise: A traditional buckwheat pancake topped with melted Morbier cheese and thin strips of smoked ham, providing a delightful combination of flavors.
• Truites aux Écrevisses: Freshly caught trout served with crayfish, often accompanied by a rich butter sauce and local vegetables.
• Saucisse de Morteau: A smoked pork sausage, typically served with potatoes and enjoyed in stews or as a standalone dish.
• Tarte au Comté: A savory tart made with the renowned Comté cheese, eggs, and cream, creating a heavenly combination of flavors.

Restaurants

When it comes to dining out in Besançon, the city offers an array of restaurants that cater to all tastes and budgets. Here are a few notable establishments known for their exceptional cuisine:

• Le Poker d'As: Situated in the heart of Besançon, this restaurant is renowned for its innovative take on traditional dishes, using fresh and locally sourced ingredients.
• Le Saint-Pierre: With its elegant atmosphere and expertly crafted menus, this restaurant is perfect for those seeking a refined dining experience, showcasing the best of Besançon's cuisine.
• La Table des Halles: Tucked away in a charming street, this cozy restaurant offers a range of regional specialties made from locally produced ingredients, prepared with love and attention to detail.
• L'Alsace à Table: Combining the flavors of the Alsace region with local ingredients, this restaurant is known for its hearty portions and warm ambiance, reminiscent of a traditional Alsatian inn.
• Le Refuge: If you're in the mood for traditional French cuisine served in a rustic setting, Le Refuge is the place to go. Their menu features classic dishes with a local twist.

Traditional Recipes

If you want to bring a taste of Besançon's cuisine into your own kitchen, here are a couple of traditional recipes that you can try:

Saucisse de Morteau with Potatoes:

Ingredients:

• 1 Saucisse de Morteau
• 1 kg potatoes, peeled and halved
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the Saucisse de Morteau and simmer for about 40 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, cook the potatoes in a separate pot of salted water until tender.
3. Once the Saucisse de Morteau is cooked, remove it from the pot and slice it into thick rounds.
4. Drain the potatoes and arrange them on a serving platter.
5. Place the sliced Saucisse de Morteau on top of the potatoes. Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with chopped parsley.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tarte au Comté:

Ingredients:

• 250g Comté cheese, grated
• 250ml heavy cream
• 3 eggs
• 1 pre-made pie crust
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Spread the pie crust over a tart pan and prick the bottom with a fork.
4. Sprinkle the grated Comté cheese evenly over the pie crust.
5. Pour the egg and cream mixture over the cheese.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tart is golden brown and set.
7. Allow it to cool slightly before serving.

Now that you have a taste of Besançon's cuisine, it's time to plan your visit. Explore the city's culinary delights and immerse yourself in the flavors that make this region truly special. Bon appétit!