5 French Spring Dishes to Make this Season
As springtime arrives, we can feel a new energy in the air and our appetites start to shift from hearty comfort foods to lighter, fresher fare. This seasonal change brings a bounty of tender vegetables, leafy greens, and sweet fruits that capture the essence of spring.
In France, the end of winter is eagerly awaited by home cooks as markets overflow with the season’s first delicate peas, fiddlehead ferns, and wild ramps. The possibilities for fashioning these prime ingredients into elegant dishes feels endless.
In this post, I’ll be bringing some quintessential French spring dishes into focus. France’s regional cuisines highlight the natural beauty and simplicity of the season’s offerings unlike anywhere else. We’ll explore some of the techniques, ingredients, and flavor combinations that make these springtime dishes shine.
From a velvety pureed pea soup swimming with croutons and crispy pancetta to the snap of barely-cooked green beans paired with buttery toasted almonds, herbaceous flavors and textures take center stage.
I’ll share a few recipes that will transport your kitchen to a Parisian bistro or Provençal farmhouse, and have you fall in love with French cuisine all over again. Read on for some fresh takes on French spring classics straight from my Parisian kitchen!
French Asparagus Soup
This light and velvety chilled asparagus soup features the first tender spears of spring accompanied by a garnish of fresh chives. The base is a classic French broth made with onion, potato, and chicken stock.
Artichokes Françaises
Artichokes slowly braised in white wine take on a sweet flavor and buttery tenderness in this nice rendition of Artichokes à la Barigoule from Provence. The artichokes are stuffed with a mixture of garlic, parsley, and breadcrumbs before cooking.
French Potato and Green Bean Salad
A simple yet flavorful French bistro-style salad with slender haricots verts, sliced fingerling potatoes, cherry tomatoes, cornichons, and Dijon vinaigrette. It makes a nice light side.
Cherry Clafoutis
This popular French dessert features juicy summer cherries baked into a rich, custard-like batter. As it bakes, the batter puffs around the fruit and becomes lightly browned. Dust it with powdered sugar before serving.
French Lemon Cake
This moist French lemon cake is infused with lemon zest and juice for maximum bright flavor. Simple syrup poured over the cooled cake gives it even more citrusy sweetness and moisture.
