Enhanced Recipesculinary collection
Home
CoursesView CuisinesWhat Can I Make?My Kitchen

Easy French Recipes - Freezer meals | Typical, Traditional & Healthy French Diet

Login to Save
Easy French Diet
Easy French Diet
12 recipes on Enhanced Recipes
Follow Easy French Diet to prioritize their recipes in your meal plans, pantry matches, and suggestions

Recipes in this Video

7 recipes

Coq au Vin is a traditional French dish that dates back to ancient times, often associated with rural cooking. It showcases the French culinary technique of braising, where meat is cooked slowly in liquid, allowing flavors to meld beautifully. The dish is typically made with rooster, but chicken is commonly used today. It reflects the French love for wine and hearty, rustic meals, often enjoyed during family gatherings or special occasions.

Ingredients

  • chicken
  • red wine
  • mushrooms
  • bacon
  • onions
  • garlic
  • carrots
  • thyme
  • bay leaves
  • olive oil
  • salt
  • pepper

Instructions

  1. 1Cut the chicken into pieces and season with salt and pepper.
  2. 2In a large pot, heat olive oil and brown the bacon until crispy.
  3. 3Remove bacon and set aside, then brown the chicken pieces in the same pot.
  4. 4Add chopped onions, garlic, and carrots; sauté until softened.
  5. 5Pour in the red wine and add thyme and bay leaves.
  6. 6Return the bacon to the pot and bring to a simmer.
  7. 7Cover and cook on low heat for about 1.5 hours, until chicken is tender.
  8. 8Add mushrooms in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
  9. 9Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.
  10. 10Serve with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.

Ingredient Alternatives

chicken

Healthier: skinless chicken

Cheaper: chicken thighs

Thighs are more affordable and remain moist during cooking.

red wine

Healthier: non-alcoholic red wine

Cheaper: cheap red wine

Non-alcoholic options are lower in calories.

Techniques

braisedsimmered

Equipment

large potcutting boardknifespatula
🌶️🌶️🌶️LowContains Alcohol

Also Known As

Rooster in Wine
vegetariangluten-freedairy-freeegg-free

Originating from the Provence region of France, Ratatouille is a rustic vegetable dish that celebrates the summer harvest. Traditionally made with fresh, seasonal vegetables, it reflects the Mediterranean lifestyle and is often served as a side or main dish. Its popularity has grown globally, inspiring numerous adaptations, including variations with different vegetables and cooking methods.

Ingredients

  • eggplant
  • zucchini
  • bell peppers
  • tomatoes
  • onion
  • garlic
  • olive oil
  • fresh basil
  • thyme
  • bay leaf
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • parmesan cheese
  • fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. 2Dice eggplant and sprinkle with salt; let sit for 30 minutes to draw out moisture.
  3. 3Rinse and pat dry the eggplant, then chop zucchini and bell peppers into similar-sized pieces.
  4. 4Chop onion and mince garlic finely.
  5. 5Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  6. 6Sauté onion and garlic until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  7. 7Add eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers to the skillet; cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  8. 8Stir in chopped tomatoes, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper; mix well.
  9. 9Transfer the vegetable mixture to a baking dish and cover with foil.
  10. 10Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, then remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until slightly caramelized.
  11. 11Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese before serving, if desired.

Ingredient Alternatives

eggplant

Healthier: zucchini

Cheaper: mushrooms

Zucchini is lower in calories and mushrooms are often more affordable.

olive oil

Healthier: avocado oil

Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil has a higher smoke point and canola oil is generally less expensive.

parmesan cheese

Healthier: nutritional yeast

Cheaper: grated cheese blend

Nutritional yeast is dairy-free and adds a cheesy flavor.

fresh basil

Healthier: dried basil

Cheaper: basil paste

Dried basil has a longer shelf life and is often cheaper.

Techniques

sautéingbaking

Equipment

large skilletbaking dishcutting boardknifemixing spoon
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowdairy

Also Known As

Ratatouille NiçoiseVegetable Ratatouille

Originating from the Burgundy region of France, Boeuf Bourguignon is a classic dish that reflects the rustic, hearty cooking of French country cuisine. Traditionally made with local red wine and slow-cooked beef, it embodies the essence of French culinary philosophy—transforming simple ingredients into a rich, flavorful meal. Today, this dish is celebrated worldwide, often appearing on restaurant menus and home tables alike, showcasing its timeless appeal.

Ingredients

  • beef chuck
  • red wine
  • onions
  • carrots
  • garlic
  • mushrooms
  • bacon
  • beef broth
  • flour
  • thyme
  • bay leaves
  • parsley
  • olive oil
  • salt
  • black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
  2. 2Cut beef into large cubes and season with salt and black pepper.
  3. 3Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  4. 4Brown the beef in batches, about 5-7 minutes per batch, then remove and set aside.
  5. 5In the same pot, add chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 4-5 minutes.
  6. 6Add chopped onions and carrots to the pot, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
  7. 7Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  8. 8Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to combine, cooking for 2 minutes.
  9. 9Pour in red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze, and bring to a simmer.
  10. 10Return the beef to the pot, along with beef broth, thyme, and bay leaves.
  11. 11Cover and transfer to the oven, braising for 2-3 hours until beef is tender.
  12. 12Add mushrooms in the last 30 minutes of cooking time.
  13. 13Remove from oven and stir in chopped parsley before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

red wine

Healthier: non-alcoholic wine

Cheaper: beef broth

Non-alcoholic wine maintains flavor without alcohol.

beef chuck

Healthier: sirloin

Cheaper: round steak

Sirloin is leaner while round steak is more economical.

bacon

Healthier: turkey bacon

Cheaper: smoked pork belly

Turkey bacon reduces fat while maintaining smokiness.

beef broth

Healthier: vegetable broth

Cheaper: water with bouillon

Vegetable broth offers a lighter option.

Techniques

browningsimmeringbraising

Equipment

Dutch ovencutting boardknifemeasuring cupsspatula
🌶️🌶️🌶️LowContains Alcohol

Also Known As

Boeuf BourguignonBeef Burgundy

Originating from the Lorraine region of France, Quiche Lorraine was traditionally a savory pie made with simple ingredients. It reflects the rustic French cooking style, utilizing local produce and meats. Today, it's a popular dish worldwide, often enjoyed for brunch or as a light meal, with numerous variations incorporating different vegetables and cheeses.

Ingredients

  • pie crust
  • eggs
  • heavy cream
  • bacon
  • Gruyère cheese
  • onion
  • nutmeg
  • black pepper
  • salt
  • parsley
  • milk
  • butter

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. 2Roll out the pie crust and fit it into a pie dish, trimming the edges.
  3. 3Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, then drain and crumble.
  4. 4Sauté the chopped onion in the bacon fat until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. 5In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, and milk until combined.
  6. 6Stir in the crumbled bacon, sautéed onion, grated cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
  7. 7Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly.
  8. 8Bake in the preheated oven until the quiche is set and golden on top, about 30-35 minutes.
  9. 9Let the quiche cool for a few minutes before slicing.
  10. 10Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

heavy cream

Healthier: Greek yogurt

Cheaper: milk + cornstarch

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess

Gruyère cheese

Healthier: Emmental cheese

Cheaper: cheddar cheese

Emmental offers a similar flavor profile at a lower cost.

bacon

Healthier: turkey bacon

Cheaper: smoked ham

Turkey bacon is leaner, while smoked ham is often more affordable.

pie crust

Healthier: whole wheat crust

Cheaper: store-bought crust

Whole wheat crust adds fiber, while store-bought saves time.

Techniques

bakingsautéingmixing

Equipment

pie dishskilletmixing bowlwhiskoven
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowdairygluteneggs

Also Known As

Lorraine TartQuiche Lorrain
vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 6 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. 2Peel, core, and quarter the apples.
  3. 3In a 10-inch oven-safe skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
  4. 4Add the sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt to the skillet, stirring until the mixture is bubbly and caramelized.
  5. 5Arrange the apple quarters in the skillet, cut side up, in a circular pattern, packing them tightly.
  6. 6Cook the apples in the caramel for about 15-20 minutes, until they start to soften and caramelize.
  7. 7Remove the skillet from heat and carefully lay the puff pastry over the apples, tucking the edges down around the apples.
  8. 8Make a few slits in the pastry to allow steam to escape.
  9. 9Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown.
  10. 10Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before inverting onto a serving plate.
  11. 11Serve warm, optionally with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Equipment

10-inch oven-safe skilletpeelerknifecutting boardmeasuring cupsmeasuring spoonsoven

Ingredients

  • 4 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon thyme
  • 1 baguette, sliced
  • 1 1/2 cups grated Gruyère cheese

Instructions

  1. 1In a large pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
  2. 2Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, until they are caramelized, about 30-40 minutes.
  3. 3Stir in the sugar, salt, pepper, and thyme, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
  4. 4Pour in the white wine and scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze.
  5. 5Add the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 20 minutes.
  6. 6While the soup simmers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  7. 7Place the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven until golden brown, about 10 minutes.
  8. 8Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, top each with a slice of toasted baguette, and sprinkle with Gruyère cheese.
  9. 9Place the bowls on a baking sheet and broil in the oven until the cheese is bubbly and golden, about 3-5 minutes.
  10. 10Serve hot and enjoy your Soupe à l'oignon.

Equipment

large potbaking sheetoven-safe bowls
vegetarian

Crêpes Suzette is a classic French dessert that is often flambéed and served as a showpiece in restaurants.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 1/4 cups milk
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup Grand Marnier or orange liqueur
  • zest of 1 orange
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for sauce)
  • 1/4 cup orange juice (for sauce)
  • 1/4 cup sugar (for sauce)
  • 1/4 cup Grand Marnier (for sauce)

Instructions

  1. 1In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
  2. 2In another bowl, beat the eggs and then add the milk and melted butter, mixing well.
  3. 3Gradually add the wet ingredients to the flour mixture, whisking until smooth. Let the batter rest for 30 minutes.
  4. 4Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter.
  5. 5Pour about 1/4 cup of batter into the skillet, swirling to coat the bottom evenly. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until the edges lift and the bottom is lightly golden.
  6. 6Flip the crêpe and cook for another minute. Remove from the skillet and repeat with the remaining batter, stacking the crêpes on a plate.
  7. 7In a separate saucepan, melt 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add the sugar and orange juice, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
  8. 8Add the Grand Marnier and orange zest to the sauce, allowing it to simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
  9. 9Fold each crêpe into quarters and place them in the sauce, allowing them to soak for a minute.
  10. 10Serve the crêpes warm, drizzled with the sauce and optionally flambé with additional Grand Marnier.

Equipment

mixing bowlwhisknon-stick skilletspatulasaucepan

More Ratatouille Videos

(24 videos)

Similar French Videos

(24 videos)

Similar Dishes From Other Cuisines

(24 videos)