Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace in France, is renowned for its picturesque canals, stunning architecture, and, of course, its delectable cuisine. While France is often associated with croissants, macarons, and fine dining, Strasbourg offers a unique culinary experience deeply rooted in its Franco-Germanic heritage. One dish that stands out as a delicious alternative to pizza, and a must-try for any visitor, is the tarte flambée, also known as Flammkuchen.
What is Tarte Flambée? A Culinary Introduction
Tarte flambée is a thin-crust, oven-baked dish that hails from the Alsace region. Its name translates literally to “flamed pie” in Alsatian German, and it accurately describes the cooking process. The dish is traditionally baked in a wood-fired oven at very high temperatures, resulting in a slightly charred and crispy crust.
The core components of a classic tarte flambée are simple yet satisfying: a thinly rolled dough base, crème fraîche or fromage blanc, thinly sliced onions, and lardons (small strips of bacon). This combination of creamy, savory, and slightly smoky flavors makes it a truly addictive dish.
A Brief History of Tarte Flambée
The origins of tarte flambée are humble, stemming from the resourceful farmers of the Alsace region. Historically, it was used as a way to test the heat of a wood-fired bread oven. Bakers would roll out a thin piece of dough and quickly bake it to gauge the oven’s temperature before baking the bread.
Initially, tarte flambée was a simple, unadorned dish. Over time, farmers began adding toppings like crème fraîche, onions, and lardons, transforming it into a more substantial and flavorful meal. It remained a local specialty for many years, primarily enjoyed within families and small communities.
The dish’s popularity began to spread beyond rural Alsace in the 1960s and 1970s, when restaurants and festivals started featuring it on their menus. Today, tarte flambée is a beloved regional dish enjoyed throughout Alsace and beyond, even finding its way onto the menus of restaurants worldwide.
Comparing Tarte Flambée to Pizza
While tarte flambée is often described as an “Alsatian pizza,” there are key differences that set it apart. The most notable difference lies in the base. Pizza typically uses a thicker, yeast-based dough, while tarte flambée features a very thin, unleavened dough.
Another difference is the sauce. Pizza relies on tomato sauce as its base, while tarte flambée uses crème fraîche or fromage blanc, giving it a richer, creamier flavor. Finally, the toppings also differ. While pizza can be topped with a wide variety of ingredients, tarte flambée traditionally features onions and lardons, though variations with other toppings are also popular.
The Essential Ingredients of a Perfect Tarte Flambée
The simplicity of tarte flambée belies the importance of using high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
The Dough: Thin, Crispy Perfection
The dough for tarte flambée is traditionally made from flour, water, oil, and salt. It is rolled out as thinly as possible, ideally almost translucent. The thinness of the dough is essential for achieving the desired crispy texture when baked at high temperatures.
The type of flour used can also impact the final product. Many recipes call for bread flour or a combination of bread flour and all-purpose flour to provide a slightly chewy yet crispy crust.
The Creamy Base: Crème Fraîche or Fromage Blanc
The creamy base of tarte flambée is typically made from crème fraîche or fromage blanc. Crème fraîche is a slightly tangy, thickened cream, while fromage blanc is a fresh cheese similar to yogurt or sour cream.
Both crème fraîche and fromage blanc provide a rich, slightly acidic counterpoint to the savory toppings. Some variations use a combination of the two for a more complex flavor profile. The consistency should be thick enough to spread easily without making the dough soggy.
The Savory Toppings: Onions and Lardons
The traditional toppings for tarte flambée are thinly sliced onions and lardons. The onions are typically white or yellow onions, and they are thinly sliced to ensure they cook evenly and caramelize slightly in the oven.
Lardons are small strips of bacon that have been rendered to remove some of the fat. They add a smoky, salty flavor to the dish that complements the sweetness of the onions and the richness of the crème fraîche. Smoked lardons are often used to enhance the smoky flavor.
Variations of Tarte Flambée: Exploring Different Flavors
While the classic tarte flambée with onions and lardons remains a favorite, there are numerous variations that cater to different tastes and preferences.
Gratinée: Adding Cheese for Extra Richness
One popular variation is the tarte flambée gratinée, which adds a layer of grated Gruyère or Emmental cheese on top of the traditional ingredients. The cheese melts and browns in the oven, adding a nutty, savory flavor and a slightly crispy texture.
Forestière: Mushrooms and Earthy Flavors
The tarte flambée forestière features mushrooms as a key ingredient. Sliced mushrooms, such as champignons or wild mushrooms, are added to the traditional toppings, creating an earthy and aromatic dish. Sometimes, a touch of garlic is added to enhance the mushroom flavor.
Vegetarian Options: Expanding the Possibilities
Vegetarian versions of tarte flambée often substitute the lardons with other vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. These vegetables add color, texture, and flavor to the dish, creating a satisfying and meat-free meal.
Other popular vegetarian toppings include goat cheese, artichoke hearts, and sun-dried tomatoes. These ingredients add a burst of flavor and create a more complex flavor profile.
Sweet Tarte Flambée: A Dessert Delight
Believe it or not, tarte flambée can also be made as a dessert. Sweet versions typically use a sweetened crème fraîche or fromage blanc base and are topped with fruits, such as apples, pears, or berries.
A sprinkle of cinnamon or sugar is often added to enhance the sweetness. Sweet tarte flambée is a delicious and unexpected way to end a meal.
Where to Find the Best Tarte Flambée in Strasbourg
Strasbourg is the perfect place to indulge in authentic tarte flambée. Numerous restaurants and winstubs (traditional Alsatian wine bars) throughout the city serve this regional specialty.
Winstubs: A Traditional Setting
Winstubs are traditional Alsatian wine bars that offer a cozy and convivial atmosphere. Many winstubs serve tarte flambée as a staple on their menu, often alongside local wines and other regional dishes.
Eating tarte flambée in a winstub is a great way to experience the authentic Alsatian culture and cuisine. The atmosphere is typically relaxed and informal, making it a perfect place to enjoy a casual meal with friends or family.
Restaurants: A Wide Range of Options
In addition to winstubs, many restaurants in Strasbourg also serve tarte flambée. These restaurants often offer a wider range of variations and toppings, catering to different tastes and preferences.
Some restaurants specialize in tarte flambée, offering a dedicated menu with numerous options. Others feature it as one of several regional specialties.
Making Tarte Flambée at Home: A Recipe for Success
While enjoying tarte flambée in Strasbourg is a wonderful experience, it is also possible to make it at home. With a few simple ingredients and a little practice, you can recreate this delicious dish in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
- For the dough:
- 250g all-purpose flour
- 125ml water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- For the topping:
- 200g crème fraîche or fromage blanc
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 150g lardons
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to the highest temperature possible (ideally 250°C or 480°F) with a baking stone or pizza stone inside. If you don’t have a baking stone, you can use a baking sheet.
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, water, oil, and salt. Mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Roll out the dough: Divide the dough into two or four portions, depending on the size of your baking stone. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion of dough as thinly as possible, aiming for a rectangular or oval shape.
- Assemble the tarte flambée: Spread a thin layer of crème fraîche or fromage blanc over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle with thinly sliced onions and lardons. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake the tarte flambée: Carefully transfer the tarte flambée to the preheated baking stone or baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and lightly browned and the toppings are cooked through.
- Serve immediately: Remove the tarte flambée from the oven and slice into pieces. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Beyond Tarte Flambée: Exploring Alsatian Cuisine
While tarte flambée is a must-try dish in Strasbourg, the Alsatian cuisine offers a wide range of other culinary delights. Exploring these dishes will give you a deeper appreciation for the region’s unique culinary heritage.
Choucroute Garnie: A Hearty Classic
Choucroute garnie is perhaps the most famous Alsatian dish. It consists of sauerkraut (fermented cabbage) cooked with a variety of meats, such as sausages, bacon, and pork knuckle. Potatoes are often added to complete the dish.
Choucroute garnie is a hearty and flavorful meal, perfect for a cold winter day. The sauerkraut provides a tangy and slightly sour flavor, while the meats add richness and depth.
Baeckeoffe: A Slow-Cooked Casserole
Baeckeoffe is a traditional Alsatian casserole made with marinated meats (typically beef, lamb, and pork), potatoes, onions, and spices. The ingredients are layered in a ceramic dish and slow-cooked in the oven for several hours.
The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, creating a tender and flavorful dish. Baeckeoffe is often served with a side of salad or bread.
Spaetzle: A Versatile Noodle
Spaetzle are a type of soft egg noodle that is popular in Alsace. They are typically served as a side dish with meat dishes or in soups. Spaetzle can also be pan-fried with butter and onions.
Spaetzle have a slightly chewy texture and a mild flavor that pairs well with a variety of sauces and toppings. They are a versatile and satisfying addition to any meal.
Experiencing Strasbourg: More Than Just Food
Strasbourg is a city that offers much more than just delicious food. Its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture make it a truly unforgettable destination.
Exploring the Petite France District
The Petite France district is one of the most picturesque areas of Strasbourg. Its charming canals, half-timbered houses, and flower-filled bridges create a fairytale-like atmosphere.
Walking through the Petite France district is like stepping back in time. The area is home to numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops, making it a perfect place to spend an afternoon.
Visiting the Strasbourg Cathedral
The Strasbourg Cathedral is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture. Its towering spire, intricate carvings, and stained glass windows are truly breathtaking.
Climbing to the top of the cathedral’s platform offers stunning panoramic views of the city. The cathedral is a must-see attraction for any visitor to Strasbourg.
Discovering Alsatian Wine
Alsace is renowned for its distinctive white wines, particularly Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Blanc. Visiting a local winery or wine bar is a great way to sample these wines and learn about the region’s winemaking traditions.
Many wineries offer guided tours and tastings, providing an opportunity to learn about the different grape varieties, winemaking techniques, and the history of Alsatian wine.
Tarte flambée is more than just a dish; it’s a culinary symbol of Strasbourg and the Alsace region. Its simple yet satisfying flavors, combined with its rich history and cultural significance, make it a must-try for any visitor. While exploring Strasbourg, be sure to indulge in this delicious “pizza alternative” and discover the many other culinary delights that this charming city has to offer.
What exactly is Tarte Flambée?
A Tarte Flambée, also known as Flammkuchen, is a traditional dish from the Alsace region of France, specifically Strasbourg. It’s often described as a pizza alternative, but it’s distinct in its preparation and flavor profile. It consists of a very thin, unleavened bread dough typically rolled out into a rectangular shape.
Instead of tomato sauce, the dough is traditionally spread with crème fraîche or a similar creamy cheese. The most common toppings include thinly sliced onions and lardons (small pieces of bacon). However, modern variations often include ingredients like mushrooms, Munster cheese, and various herbs. The Tarte Flambée is baked at a high temperature in a wood-fired oven, resulting in a crispy crust and a slightly charred, smoky flavor.
How is Tarte Flambée different from pizza?
While Tarte Flambée and pizza share the characteristic of being flatbreads with toppings, their fundamental differences lie in the dough, sauce, and overall flavor profile. Pizza dough is typically leavened, creating a thicker, softer crust, and the base is almost always tomato sauce. The toppings are vast and varied, from vegetables and meats to cheeses and herbs.
Tarte Flambée, on the other hand, uses a very thin, unleavened dough which results in a uniquely crispier and lighter texture. The base is typically crème fraîche, which provides a tangy and creamy flavor contrasting with the often sweet or savory tomato base of pizza. The traditional toppings for Tarte Flambée are simpler, focusing on the interplay of smoky bacon, sweet onions, and the creamy base.
What are the traditional ingredients for Tarte Flambée?
The classic, or traditional, Tarte Flambée is relatively simple, showcasing the quality of its ingredients rather than a complex combination. The base begins with a thin layer of unleavened dough, usually made from flour, water, oil, and salt. This dough is rolled out extremely thin to achieve its characteristic crispiness.
The topping consists of crème fraîche or a similar fresh cheese, thinly sliced onions, and lardons (small, diced pieces of bacon). These ingredients create a delightful balance of creamy, sweet, and salty flavors. The Tarte Flambée is then baked in a hot oven until the crust is crisp and the toppings are lightly browned and cooked through.
Where can I find the best Tarte Flambée in Strasbourg?
Strasbourg is the heartland of Tarte Flambée, and numerous restaurants and winstubs (traditional Alsatian wine bars) offer this regional specialty. Some popular and highly recommended establishments known for their Tarte Flambée include “La Binchstub,” offering a modern take on the classic, and “Maison Kammerzell,” a historic building with an equally impressive menu featuring traditional Alsatian cuisine.
For a more rustic experience, seek out smaller winstubs in the Petite France neighborhood or explore establishments in the Krutenau district. Local recommendations and online reviews can also be helpful in discovering hidden gems. Remember to consider factors like ambiance, price point, and availability when making your choice.
Are there vegetarian or vegan versions of Tarte Flambée available?
While the traditional Tarte Flambée prominently features lardons (bacon), many restaurants now offer vegetarian and vegan alternatives to cater to diverse dietary preferences. Vegetarian options often replace the lardons with other vegetables, such as mushrooms, asparagus, or different types of cheese like Munster or goat cheese.
Vegan versions are becoming increasingly available, often substituting the crème fraîche with plant-based alternatives like cashew cream or other dairy-free spreads. They also utilize vegetables and vegan bacon substitutes to mimic the traditional flavor profile. Check the menu or inquire with the restaurant staff to confirm the availability and ingredients of vegetarian or vegan Tarte Flambée options.
Can I make Tarte Flambée at home?
Absolutely! Making Tarte Flambée at home is a relatively straightforward process and a fun way to experience Alsatian cuisine. Numerous recipes are available online, ranging from traditional methods to simplified versions suitable for home cooks. The key to a successful Tarte Flambée at home is achieving the thin, crispy crust.
You can use store-bought pizza dough as a shortcut, but for a more authentic experience, consider making your own unleavened dough. The topping is simple: crème fraîche, thinly sliced onions, and diced bacon (or substitutes). A hot oven or even a pizza stone will help create the desired crispy texture. Experiment with different toppings to customize your Tarte Flambée to your liking.
What drinks pair well with Tarte Flambée?
Given its Alsatian origins, Tarte Flambée pairs beautifully with local wines from the region. A crisp, dry white wine, such as Riesling or Sylvaner, is a classic and refreshing choice, complementing the creamy base and smoky bacon. The acidity in these wines cuts through the richness of the dish and cleanses the palate.
Beyond wine, a local Alsatian beer, such as a Lager or a Blonde Ale, can also be a great pairing. Its crispness and subtle bitterness provide a pleasant contrast to the flavors of the Tarte Flambée. Alternatively, a dry cider can offer a similar refreshing experience. Ultimately, the best pairing depends on your personal preferences and the specific ingredients used in your Tarte Flambée.