Sides of Delight: Exploring Fun and Fabulous French Side Dishes

Bonjour, pie lovers! 🌟 If there’s one thing the French know how to do, it’s creating dishes that make your taste buds dance with joy. But while the main courses often steal the spotlight, we’re here to give a standing ovation to the unsung heroes of the French table: the side dishes. Let’s take a culinary journey through some fun and fabulous French sides that are sure to elevate your pie dinner!

Pommes Dauphinoise 🥔

Think of Pommes Dauphinoise as the ultimate comfort food – layers of thinly sliced potatoes bathed in cream, garlic, and a sprinkle of nutmeg, then baked to golden perfection. It’s like a hug in casserole form. Paired with the Beef Bourguignon Pie, this dish will have you saying “ooh la la!” with every bite.

Ratatouille is a vibrant, colourful medley of aubergine, courgette, peppers, and tomatoes, all simmered together with herbs de Provence. It’s a side dish that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat, bringing a burst of summer freshness to your table any time of the year.

Haricots Verts Amandine 🌿

Green beans might sound ordinary, but when the French get their hands on them, they turn into something extraordinary. The green bean glow-up recipe, Haricots Verts Amandine, features slender green beans sautéed in butter (for some time!), then topped with toasted almonds and a squeeze of lemon juice. It’s a simple yet sophisticated side that adds a touch of elegance to the meal – enjoy with the Coq Au Vin Pie for pie night perfection.

Gratin de Chou-Fleur 🧀

Your favourite roast dinner veg dish but make it French with oodles of gruyere cheese! This cheesy cauliflower gratin is rich, creamy, and downright decadent. Baked until bubbly and golden brown, it’s a side dish that can easily steal the show. Another wonder to accompany the Beef Bourguignon Pie!

Who says salads have to be boring? Certainly not the French! Salade Niscoise is a very well-known salad (infamous, some would say!) that hails from across the water, but Salade Lyonnaise is a delightful concoction of frisée lettuce, crispy bacon lardons, poached eggs, and crunchy croutons, all tossed in a tangy Dijon vinaigrette. A wonderful accompaniment to a French meat-stuffed pie if you fancy something a bit lighter!

Pommes Frites 🍟

A super simple addition to your pie plate! French fries or pomme frites go beautifully with our Coq Au Vin and Beef Bourguignon Pies.

Okay, strictly not a side but a pud, but who can blame us? Tarte Tatin is a caramelized upside-down apple tart that’s both simple and spectacular. It would be almost rude not to finish up with this beauty!

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply want to add a touch of French flair to your weeknight pie night, these side dishes are sure to impress! They’re easy to make, bursting with flavour, and bring a little bit of France right to your kitchen. So don your apron, pour yourself a glass of wine, and let these fun and fabulous French sides take your meals to the next level. Bon appétit! 🥖🍷