Main course

Raise a glass to a quintessential French classic: the traditional Beef Daube. This slow-cooked Provençal stew combines melt-in-your-mouth beef, hearty red wine and the rustic charm of garlic, rosemary, thyme and bay leaves. Its secret lies in a delightful twist – hints of clove, juniper berry and orange peel infuse the dish with a cozy warmth and depth that’s perfect for winter evenings. Whether for festive celebrations or leisurely Sundays, it’s a dish that invites you to savor every moment while the stovetop works its magic.

Porc aux pruneaux is a classic French dish that can take various forms, from a hearty pork roast to tender pork chops – but my personal favorite is braised pork loin with prunes. Slow-cooked in white wine, the pork absorbs a rich depth of flavor, beautifully enhanced by sweet onions and melt-in-your-mouth prunes. The result is a comforting dish bathed in a succulent, sweet-and-salty sauce that’s slightly syrupy. It’s a perfect choice for a cozy Sunday dinner, yet elegant enough to grace your holiday table as well.

This simple homemade Niçoise Salad is a lively mix of fresh tomatoes, crisp bell peppers, radishes and cool cucumber, spruced up with hard-boiled eggs, tuna, salty anchovies and a simple herby dressing. True to tradition, you’ll find no green beans nor potatoes in this authentic recipe! It’s a refreshingly crisp and crunchy salad that’s ideal for your next BBQ or to pop into your lunchbox.

This French-style rice and tuna salad offers delightful Mediterranean flavors and is a beloved childhood favorite of mine, as well as a staple in French home cooking. This vibrant mix includes rice, tender tuna chunks, juicy tomatoes, briny olives, crisp bell peppers and fresh herbs. It’s a refreshing yet filling salad, perfect for serving at a luncheon, as a side dish for a barbecue, or packed for a picnic or potluck.

A typical salad served in French bistros, the Salade Parisienne features salad greens topped with potatoes, cubed cheese, sliced mushrooms, ham slices and hard-boiled eggs – all bathed in a tangy French vinaigrette. This is a fresh yet satisfying salad that acts as a whole meal to itself, to enjoy as a lighter lunch or dinner.

A Lamb Navarin stew, or “Navarin d’Agneau” in French, combines tender lamb chunks with loads of seasonal vegetables – including carrots, peas, turnips and new potatoes. It is a hearty, but lighter stew often enjoyed in France to wave goodbye to Winter. Embrace this Spring classic, fit for Easter celebrations or any festive gathering!

Known in French as Soupe Paysanne, this Cabbage and Sausage Soup is a rustic recipe that takes centre stage on French family tables throughout Winter. Every region and family have their own twist on it, but always with a hearty mix of vegetables and meats. This one is loaded with cabbage, carrots, leek, smoked pork sausage and potatoes in a flavourful broth. It is a perfectly hearty, stick-to-your-ribs soup that satisfies and warms you up during colder days.

Known as “Queue de boeuf aux carottes”, this French Style Braised Oxtail recipe yields fall-of-the-bone oxtail in a rich, velvety and utterly flavorful red wine sauce with carrots, leeks and herbs. This rustic dish is easy to make, offering a hearty experience perfect for warming up winter nights. Whether you’re new to oxtail or simply seeking a comforting winter dish, this recipe is for you!

Known as Hachis Parmentier, the French Style Cottage Pie embodies French comfort food at its best. It features a layer of ground beef that’s seasoned with nutmeg and fresh herbs, topped with creamy mashed potatoes that are loaded with butter, and baked until golden and bubbly. The dish is hearty, comforting, and perfect for colder fall and winter weather.

Less fussy to make than a classic quiche, this crustless quiche is a celebration of warmer days. It embraces ripe summer vegetables: zucchini, eggplant and cherry tomatoes, all encased in a rich egg custard with melty Swiss cheese and fresh herbs. This is a perfect gluten-free brunch, lunch, or dinner that you can easily prepare ahead as well!