Alsatian cuisine

Cervelas à l'alsacienne

Tarte flambée alsacienne 514471722

Error creating thumbnail:

Fleischschnacka

Error creating thumbnail:

Gendarmes (saucisses alsaciennes)

Riesling grapes leaves

Alsatian cuisine refers to the traditional culinary practices and dishes originating from the Alsace region in northeastern France. This cuisine is heavily influenced by both French and German culinary traditions due to the region's historical changes in sovereignty.

History

Alsace has a rich history of cultural exchange, which is reflected in its cuisine. The region has alternated between French and German control, leading to a unique blend of culinary techniques and ingredients. The cuisine is known for its hearty and flavorful dishes, often featuring pork, potatoes, and cabbage.

Key Ingredients

Alsatian cuisine prominently features ingredients such as:

• Pork
• Potatoes
• Cabbage
• Onions
• Butter
• Cream
• Wine (particularly Riesling and Gewürztraminer)

Popular Dishes

Some of the most well-known dishes in Alsatian cuisine include:

Choucroute garnie

Choucroute garnie is a quintessential Alsatian dish consisting of sauerkraut cooked with various cuts of pork, including sausages, ham, and bacon. It is often flavored with juniper berries and white wine.

Tarte flambée

Tarte flambée, also known as Flammekueche, is a thin-crust pizza-like dish topped with crème fraîche, onions, and lardons. It is traditionally cooked in a wood-fired oven.

Baeckeoffe

Baeckeoffe is a hearty casserole made with marinated meats (usually pork, beef, and lamb), potatoes, onions, and white wine. The dish is slow-cooked in a sealed pot, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Kugelhopf

Kugelhopf is a sweet, yeasted cake studded with raisins and almonds, often flavored with a hint of brandy or kirsch. It is baked in a distinctive circular Bundt mold.

Foie gras

Foie gras is a luxury food product made from the liver of a duck or goose that has been specially fattened. It is a delicacy in Alsatian cuisine, often served as a pâté or terrine.

Beverages

Alsace is renowned for its wines, particularly white wines such as Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris. The region also produces beer, with several local breweries offering a variety of styles.

Related Pages

• French cuisine
• German cuisine
• Riesling
• Gewürztraminer
• Sauerkraut
• Pâté