French Dinners You Can Make with Simple, Everyday Ingredients

When it comes to French cuisine, many people associate it with gourmet ingredients and elaborate techniques. However, you can create delicious French dinners using simple, everyday ingredients. Below are some delightful French dishes that are easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner.

1. Ratatouille

Ratatouille is a classic French Provençal dish that celebrates seasonal vegetables. To make this dish, you'll need zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, garlic, olive oil, salt, and herbs like thyme and basil.

Simply chop the vegetables, sauté the onions and garlic in olive oil, and then add the remaining ingredients. Let it simmer until the vegetables are tender. Serve it warm with crusty bread or over rice for a hearty meal.

2. Quiche Lorraine

Quiche is a versatile dish that can be filled with various ingredients, but the classic Quiche Lorraine features eggs, cream, cheese, and bacon or ham. For a simple version, you will need a pre-made pie crust, eggs, heavy cream, shredded cheese, and diced bacon.

Preheat the oven, cook the bacon until crispy, and whisk together the eggs and cream. Pour the mixture into the pie crust, sprinkle with cheese and bacon, and bake until the quiche is set and golden. This dish is perfect for dinner or brunch!

3. Coq au Vin

This traditional French dish translates to “chicken in wine.” You can use chicken pieces, carrots, onions, garlic, and red wine – common pantry staples. Begin by browning the chicken in a pot and then adding the onions and garlic.

After a few minutes, pour in the red wine and add the carrots. Let it simmer until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh baguette to soak up the delicious sauce.

4. Boulettes de Viande (Meatballs)

French meatballs, known as boulettes de viande, can be made with just ground meat, breadcrumbs, eggs, and herbs. Mix everything together, shape into balls, and fry or bake until golden brown. Serve them with a garlic tomato sauce and pasta for a comforting meal.

5. French Onion Soup

This warm, comforting soup requires just a few simple ingredients: onions, beef broth, butter, and cheese. Start by caramelizing sliced onions in butter until they are golden and sweet. Add beef broth to the pot and let it simmer.

Once ready, ladle the soup into bowls, top with toasted bread, and sprinkle with cheese. To finish, broil until the cheese is bubbly and golden. It's a perfect dish for chilly evenings!

6. Confit de Canard (Duck Confit)

While traditional duck confit requires a lengthy process, you can simplify this dish using duck legs, salt, garlic, and thyme. Season the duck legs and let them marinate, then cook slowly in a pot with fat until tender. Serve with roasted potatoes and green beans for a classic French meal.

7. Salade Niçoise

This refreshing salad from Nice includes ingredients like greens, tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, olives, and tuna. Simply layer the components for a satisfying dish, and drizzle with olive oil and vinegar for a flavorful dressing.

With these simple recipes, you can enjoy the flavors of France in your home without the fuss. Incorporate these dishes into your weekly rotation, and impress your family and friends with your cooking skills!