Classic Provençal Recipes To Try

With an abundance of sun-ripened vegetables, fresh and dried herbs, and lots of garlic and olive oil, Provençal cuisine is world famous for its vibrant flavors. The recipes hailing from this beautiful region of Southern France blends delicious Mediterranean influences, with perhaps closer similarities to Italian and Maghreb cuisines than the classic Parisian one. Some of its pillar recipes include the Salade Niçoise, Bouillabaisse and Ratatouille – but these are only just a few. In this roundup, you can find 12 simple Classic Provençal recipes to try, that require basic techniques to enjoy a bounty of tomatoes, garlic, olives, herbs and more classic flavors from Provence. 

Do not hesitate to share your favorite recipe(s) from Provence in the comments!

Eggplant Caviar Dip (Caviar d’Aubergine). A creamy and incredibly flavorful dip made from roasted eggplants, garlic and shallots with herbs and spices. Like many Mediterranean staples, it bears strong influences from the Middle East and reminds one of Baba-ganoush. But if you ask me, it is easier to make and it feels less rich, since it does not include tahini. It simply lets the beautiful flavours of roasted eggplant shine through.

Black Olive Tapenade with Crostini. What better way to help Summer linger than embracing every chance left to sit outside with a  chilled drink and, of course, some delectable nibbles on the side? And for that, the Provençal people undoubtedly have it all nailed down, with their utterly beloved and popular Black Olive Tapenade. This spread of black olives and capers is a culinary icon in the region and a perfect drinking companion – as all salty snacks are.

Classic Vegetable Tian from Provence. A Classic Vegetable Tian embodies the essence of Provençal cooking during Summer: it’s simple and makes do with the abundance of vegetables available from this sun-drenched region of France. This iconic dish that alternates slices of tomatoes, zucchini and eggplants, is colorful, full of flavor and the perfect side dish for your Summer feasts.

Cod Provençal with Tomatoes, Capers and Olives. An easy, one-pan fish dish that can be ready for the table in less than 30 minutes is always a good recipe to have in your repertoire. This classic Cod Provençal recipe boasts meaty cod loins, simmered in a spicy tomato sauce nestled with salty capers and black olives. This is a quick, simple and healthy one-pan dish that is incredibly flavorful and perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

Provençal Eggplant Tomato Gratin. This typical Southern French recipe includes tender slices of eggplants baked in-between layers of  tomato sauce, spiked with Herbs de Provence and loads of Parmesan cheese. This is a fuss-free recipe that makes a great side or a perfect vegetarian dinner.

Classic“Tomates Farcies” (Baked Ground Meat-Stuffed Tomatoes). A typical recipe from Provence, these Classic “Tomates Farcies” are the perfect addition to any Summer table. This unfussy recipe of ripe tomatoes, carved and filled with a stuffing of ground meat, herbs, bread and cheese is a staple dish in any French household – and a personal childhood favorite of mine. Naturally, this dish is best made at the peak of tomato season, when they are juicy, sweet and full of flavor.

Chicken Provençal with Olives and Cherry Tomatoes. With bold sun-kissed flavors, this classic Chicken Provençal is an uncomplicated recipe reminiscing of warm summers in the South of France. It features wine-braised crispy-skinned chicken with loads of melty garlic and shallots, briny bites of green olives, tender artichoke hearts and sweet cherry tomatoes – all showered under fragrant Herbes de Provence.

Provençal Chickpea Salad with Olives, Anchovies and Celery. This Provençal Chickpea Salad is quick and simple, budget-friendly and made with pantry staples. It oozes salty flavors with the addition of anchovies and black olives, and a nice crunch from the celery. Because of the protein from the chickpeas, it’s nutritious enough to be a meal on its own. But really, it can also double as a the perfect side or starter to any Spring or Summer table.

French Pistou Sauce. If you don’t know it, the French Pistou is a Provençal sauce made from cloves of garlic, fresh basil, olive oil (and Parmesan, occasionally). It is quite similar to Ligurian pesto, but it omits pine nuts, which makes it most affordable and lets the basil really shine. It is creamy and so fragrant, and has nothing to envy from its Italian counterpart.

Provence-Style Tomatoes with Breadcrumbs and Herbs (“Tomates à la Provençale”). If you’re attending a barbecue or outdoor get-together in the thick of Summer in France, there’s a good chance you’ll stumble on this staple dish.  Known as “Tomates à la Provençale”, this typical warm-weather dish from Provence calls for fresh, seasonal tomatoes slowly confit’d on the stove-top (meaning they’re slowly cooked in their own juice). The confit tomatoes are then finished off in the oven topped with breadcrumbs, garlic and Herbes de Provence, and cooked until crisp and golden.

Chocolate Almond Twice-Baked Cookies from Provence (“Croquants”). Known in French as “croquants”, these little twice-baked cookies may remind you of the Italian biscotti, but I promise they are French through and through. They are very popular in the South of France, and especially in Provence, where almonds grow abundantly. Just like biscotti, they are quick and easy to assemble, cut cross-ways and twice baked for an incomparable crispness. And they are very hard to stop at one!

 Lavender Sablé Cookies. Floral, zesty, buttery. these Lavender Sablé Cookies are the perfect little Summer treat. They are very popular in Provence, in the South of France, a region known for its abundance of lavender fields and lavender-forward cooking repertoire.