In 2020, Vegan Culinary Cruises will travel the beautiful Rhone River as it winds through the sunny southeastern landscapes of France’s scenic Provençal region. On our European vegan cruises we savor a region’s history, its culture and, of course, its vegan cuisine. You will be well aware that French cuisine is internationally recognized for its sophistication, but did you know each region in France has its own distinct styles, tastes, and traditions? Provence, for example, has a wide range of dishes that can be specially prepared for the vegan palate.
Here are a few Provençal dishes recommended for you to try out.
Socca
Socca is a kind of flat snack made in Provence and the nearby region of Liguria. Socca, or Farinata in Liguria, is a crepe made with chickpea flour and eaten as a “fast food” in the city of Nice. Delivered by bicycle and sold in the markets, Socca is best served fresh and piping hot. As an on-the-go food, Socca is a must-try delicacy when visiting this region in France.
Tapenade
Tapenade is a kind of Provençal recipe made from olives, olive oil, capers (from which it gets its name) and various spices. Crushed into a filling paste, tapenade can be served as an appetizer or hors d’oeuvre with bread, either as a spread or a dip. Certain tapenade recipes use anchovies, but the dish itself is often prepared without it.
Ratatouille
This French vegetable stew was made famous by the animated film of the same name. A Provençal meal, ratatouille was initially considered a “peasant dish” made by farmers, far from the traditional conception of French haute cuisine. The beauty of this dish is that it is as versatile as it is savory; you can get creative with the ingredients and make it however you like. While many versions exist, Ratatouille typically uses vegetables such as eggplants, zucchini, green pepper, and crushed tomatoes.
French culinary culture is more than just meticulously-prepared “high cooking.” Rich with history, the French regions beyond the fame of Paris have distinct traditions and cuisine, some of which can be the basis for easy vegan recipes for you to create in your own kitchen.
Be inspired to sample the unique culture and cuisine of Provence on our Vegan Culinary Cruises luxury adventure on the Rhone in 2020.
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