Exploring French culture: for vegetarian lovers, a historical journey and a culinary transformation

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Can you name two famous French vegetarian dishes? – They are:

  • Le gratin dauphinois
  • Le tian provençal

There are many other vegetarian dishes you can make at home…

…read this article, watch the videos and you’ll know the SECRETS of the ‘vegetarian in French’ world. It’s all a bit fuzzy in your mind, but it’ll become clear at the end of the reading.

I’m Thomas Ricomard. If you haven’t already done it, download your 7 French courses and join the others +5000 members of Fast French Learning.

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vegetarian in French

Rien ne peut être aussi bénéfique à la santé humaine et augmenter les chances de survie de la vie sur terre que d’opter pour une diète végétarienne.

Albert Einstein

Understanding vegetarianism in the French context

History of vegetarianism in France

Here is a list of the different stages of this story:

  • Ancient influences
    • In ancient times, certain Greek and Roman philosophers advocated moderation in meat consumption. Vegetarianism also emerged through religious movements: for example, the Cathars refused to eat meat.

  • 19th century
    • Vegetarianism enjoyed a revival in 19th-century in France, influenced by people in Britain and Germany. At the time, it was associated with a form of ethics and health.

  • 20th century
    • Associations promote the vegetarian lifestyle. They campaign on ethical, environmental and health grounds.

  • Influence of global movements
    • The hippie and New Age movements of the 1960s-1970s popularized vegetarianism in France. They focused on ecological awareness and respect for animal life.

  • Today
    • In France, there are more and more vegetarian restaurants. Public figures: chefs, athletes, celebrities, are promoting vegetarianism.

    Current trends and statistics

    Here, we look at the prevalence and demographics of vegetarianism in France.

  • More and more vegetarians
    • In recent years, the number of persons adopting a vegetarian diet has increased.

  • Vegetarian demographics
    • The younger you are, the more likely you are to be a vegetarian.

  • The reasons
    • Ethical, environmental, health and animal welfare.

  • Vegetarian options are increasingly available
    • More and more vegetarian and vegan products are on sale. There are also more and more restaurants offering vegetarian options.

  • The environment
    • The impact of cattle farming on climate change is leading some people to become vegetarians.

  • Perceptions
    • The general population is increasingly accepting vegetarianism.

    Exercise

    What role does vegetarianism play in your own culture? Write it in French in the comments.

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    Vegetables

    La grandeur d’une nation et ses progrès moraux peuvent être jugés de la manière dont elle traite les animaux.

    Gandhi

    The French vegetarian cuisine

    Traditional French dishes made vegetarian

    Here are a few examples of traditional French dishes that can be transformed to suit vegetarians:

  • La ratatouille
    • Remove the meat and highlight vegetables such as eggplant, peppers, zucchini and tomatoes.

  • Une quiche sans viande
    • It can be cooked without meat. Ingredients include eggs, milk, vegetables (spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes) and cheese. You can also use a gluten-free pastry.

  • Le coq au vin végétarien
    • Replace the rooster with mushrooms. Use red wine for a richly flavored sauce.

  • Le cassoulet
    • Use white beans, mushrooms, root vegetables and herbs for a vegetarian version.

  • Le boeuf bourguignon
    • Replace meat with vegetable proteins such as seitan or tempeh. With mushrooms and a red wine-based sauce bourguignonne.

  • La pissaladière aux légumes
    • Remove the anchovies to make a vegetarian version.

  • La salade niçoise
    • Remove the tuna and anchovies and this becomes a vegetarian salad. You can add green beans, potatoes, eggs, tomatoes and olives.

    Watch these two videos to know how to cook vegetarian French dishes!

     French vegetarian cooking restaurants

    Here are a few restaurants offering vegetarian cuisine:

  • Le Potager du Marais (à Paris)
    • It offers a range of vegetarian creations. Dishes are made with seasonal produce and fresh vegetables.

  • L’Arpège (à Paris)
    • This restaurant puts the spotlight on vegetables in its creations.

  • La Guinguette d’Angèle (à Paris)
    • The founder offers vegetarian, organic and gluten-free cuisine.

  • Les Enfants Terribles (à Lille)

  • Le Sol Semilla (à Paris)
    • Sol Semilla is a raw food vegan restaurant. It offers nutrient-rich dishes such as smoothies.

    Exercise

    What’s your best vegetarian dish? Answer in French in the comments.

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    • Vegetarian lifestyle in France

    Navigating the vegetarian lifestyle in France

    Shopping for vegetarian food

    Here are a few things to know if you want to buy veggie food:

  • Organic and eco-responsible stores
    • They offer a wide range of vegetarian foods. Chain stores such as Biocoop, Naturalia et La Vie Claire offer organic products. They may also sell local products.

  • Local farmer’s markets
    • This is a good option if you want to support local agriculture. The food is fresh. Some offer only organic and vegetarian produce.

  • Organic labels
    • In France, the AB (Agriculture Biologique) label certifies that the product complies with European organic standards, and is produced in an environmentally-friendly manner without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers.

  • Vegan label
    • The Vegan label guarantees that no ingredients of animal origin are used in the production process.

  • Bulk food stores
    • Bulk food stores allow you to buy food without packaging. They offer a variety of vegetarian foods, dried vegetables, etc., while reducing waste.

  • Local associations
    • Local associations, such as les AMAP (Associations pour le Maintien d’une Agriculture Paysanne), can be excellent resources for finding local vegetarian products and supporting local farmers.

  • Vegetarian product websites
    • Websites specializing in vegetarian and vegan products to find a variety of options, meat substitutes, plant-based dairy products,… Some sites offer home delivery.

    Dining out as a vegetarian

    Here are a few tips:

    1. Prior research
      2. Search online or via cell phone apps to find restaurants that offer vegetarian options.

    2. Reservations
      3. When booking, please mention your vegetarian dietary preferences. This allows the chef to prepare and propose dishes that are not on the menu.

    3. Ask questions
      4. Ask if there are any adaptations or ask questions about the dishes to make sure they are vegetarian.

    4. Vegan label
      5. The Vegan label guarantees that no ingredients of animal origin are used in the production process.

    5. Search on the menu
      6. Look for vegetarian sections on the menu. You’ll find more and more of them in French restaurants.

    6. Adaptations
      7. Non-vegetarian dishes can be made vegetarian by removing the meat and adding vegetable proteins. Ask the waiter if this is possible.

    7. Ask questions
      8. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the preparation of dishes. Ask if sauces contain meat, if dishes are cooked with butter or animal fat, etc

    8. Vegetarian options
      9. Ratatouille, onion soup without meat broth, or vegetable quiches.

    9. Ask the waiter for recommendations
      10. Waiters are often well-informed about the menu and can guide you towards vegetarian dishes that suit you.

    10. Explore regional cuisine
      11. Some regions of France have unusual vegetarian dishes that may surprise you.

    11. Enjoy wine and cheese
      12. Add wine and cheese to your meal. France is famous for its many wines and cheeses, which are perfect accompaniments to vegetarian dishes.

    Exercise

    What are the best solutions in your country to eat vegetarian? In French in the comments.

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    FAQ for French vegetarianism

    FAQ

    How do I say ‘vegetarian’ in French?

    ‘Vegetarian’ in French is végétarien.

    What is a vegetarian diet in French culture?

    A lot of vegetables
    Cheese and dairy products
    Cereals and bread
    Eggs
    Tofu and plant-based proteins
    Herbs and seasonings

    Are there French food certifications for vegetarian products?

    Label AB (Agriculture Biologique)
    Label Vegan
    Label V-label
    Label Bio Cohérence

    You’ve reached the end, bravo.

    Please, let a comment dow below.

    Thomas 🙂

    Resources

    https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/jun/09/10-best-vegetarian-vegan-bloggers

    https://www.newsweek.com/topic/vegetarian