5 Foods to Try in Burgundy
The French region of Burgundy offers visitors a little bit of everything in one breathtaking destination. Teeming with rich history and vibrant culture and boasting beautiful landscapes just waiting to be explored and discovered, Burgundy provides all the charm and elegance that the world has come to expect from the country of France. But beyond all of the quaint villages, exciting events and unforgettable sights and experiences, perhaps the most memorable part of Burgundy is the incredible gastronomy of the region. If a holiday there is in your near future, here are 5 foods you’ll want to try during your stay.
Beef Bourguignon
This well-known beef stew type meal is incredibly popular throughout the Burgundy region. It’s prepared with extremely high quality meat, braised in red wine and stewed with fresh vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, onions and garlic. The stew is seasoned with a combination of spices including thyme, parsley and bay leaves. The mouthwatering result is simply spectacular and will most certainly have you reaching for seconds.
Coq Au Vin
This Burgundy specialty consists of a free range chicken that is delicately braised and cooked in sauce made from full-bodied red wine. The key to this recipe is the quality of poultry used, which is notable for its tender and tasty meat. While there are a number of varying recipes for the dish, the one thing that remains consistent among all of them is the use of delicious Burgundy ingredients and the preparation method of marinating the chicken in red wine for an entire day before cooking. The accompanying sauce may contain a variety of different spices and ingredients, from garlic, rosemary, parsley and bay leaves to mushrooms and celery, but no matter what the combination the flavorful result is unforgettable.
Escargots de Bourgogne
This delectable dish, made from Burgundy land snails, is widely known as one of France’s most refined delicacies. The snails are prepared in a sauce of garlic and parsley butter, making the naturally chewy shell dweller incredibly tender and giving it a mouthwatering flavor. Escargots de Bourgogne is traditionally served warm in a small casserole dish. Other chefs prefer to serve the snails in their shells. Regardless of how they’re served, Burgundy snails are in great demand and are widely exported. Once you give this delicious plate a taste, you’ll understand why.
Mushrooms
Almost as plentiful as the wines of the Burgundy region are the variety of mushrooms produced there. There are 150 different varieties found throughout the area, including the most sought after truffles. Depending on the season, you can find a number of mushroom dishes on the menus at just about every restaurant around Burgundy, each featuring different flavors and tastes, but all splendidly delicious. Be cautioned, however, that you should leave the mushroom harvesting to the experts, as many of them are highly poisonous. Stick with those prepared by chefs or sold in local markets to enjoy these tasty little fungi.
Ile Flottante (Floating Island)
A dish of many names, but always delicious, this dessert is among the most delectable in the world. Ile Flottante is also sometimes called Oeufs à la neige, which means “eggs in snow” due to its preparation which involves whipped egg whites combined with sugar and vanilla extract and then poached, and served atop a delicious custard. There are a few different variations of the dessert but whichever way you try it, the end result is sure to please even the most finicky sweet tooth.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, history, culture or romance, you’ll find it all in Burgundy on a Pure Adventures tour. But to truly experience the beauty and charm of this French region, you must taste the delectable food prepared there. In a region where food and wine has become a true art form, visitors can enjoy unforgettable meals set amidst the backdrop of the unblemished countryside and feast on the heart of the French lifestyle at its absolute best.