Provence has some of the finest French regional food in France. Provence, which is located in the south of France, enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate with sufficient sunshine which in turn works on agriculture in the region and ultimately the food of Provence.
The food items of Provence are prepared chiefly with the addition of garlic, tomatoes and olive oil in excess. A French menu reading ‘a la provenciale’ suggests that the item has included garlic and seasoned tomato essence.
Aubergine, courgettes and onions as well as squash are the vegetables used in the food items of Provence. These vegetables are available in plenty in Provence.
Provence serves one of the most palatable food items in France called Ratatouille. It is a stew prepared with eggplant, tomatoes, green peppers, garlic and green herbs.
The food of Provence is usually supplied with ‘Aioli’ a locally prepared sauce. This sauce which is a combination of fresh garlic squash and mayonnaise is well spread on the salad comprising cod fish, eggs and asparagus. Anchovy paste is used as the dipper by the people of Provence when they eat vegetables.
The most-liked food in Provence is the soup known as Bouillabaisse which is culled out of three types of fish and which is prepared in an onion-saffron-tomato-herb broth. The herbs used in the preparation are chiefly thyme, sage and bay leaf.
Although a soup, bouillabaisse is eaten as a major course in Provence often served with toast and a spicy sauce known as rouile. Marseille is believed to have the best bouillabaisse in Provence.
Soupe au pistou is another starter food supplied in Provence and it is very popular and is prepared from vegetables, beans, noodles and basel.
A popular food in Provence eaten during the winter months is beef stew supplied with cold pate. Although not famous for its dairy produce like the regional French food of Normandy, Provence does produce excellent goat’s cheese.
The cuisine of Provence is definitiely one of the more celebrated French regional cuisines. If you would like to learn how to travel there on public transport, check our page on Train Travel in France.