The tarte flambée is a culinary delight, simple in preparation yet rich in flavor. With its crispy crust topped with a creamy layer of crème fraîche, generously garnished with bacon and onion rings, this specialty promises a true taste sensation. Personally, it’s one of my favorites: an uncomplicated delicacy that never fails to impress.

Ingredients list for 4 people:

• 1 roll of pizza dough or bread dough.
• 100 grams fromage blanc. (fresh cheese)
• 10 cl crème fraîche.
• 100 grams (red) onions, thinly sliced.
• 100 grams bacon bits.
• 50 grams grated Gruyère cheese. (optional)
• 1 tbsp olive oil.
• Salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste.

The history of Tarte Flambée, or Flammkuchen, is deeply rooted in the culinary traditions of Alsace, a region that straddles the border between France and Germany. Originally conceived as a practical way for bakers to test the heat of their wood-fired ovens, this dish has evolved into a culinary icon. With a base of thinly rolled dough, similar to a pizza, it is topped with crème fraîche, onions, and bacon bits before being baked in the oven.

The simple ingredient list of Tarte Flambée originally reflected what was locally available to the rural population. The dish quickly became a favorite among the working classes due to its nutritional value, easy preparation, and the availability of the ingredients. As time went on, bakers and home cooks began to experiment with it.

In the original recipe for Tarte Flambée, grated cheese is typically not used. The classic topping consists of crème fraîche or fromage blanc (sometimes mixed to create a lighter base), finely chopped onions, and bacon bits (lardons). Adding grated cheese is a more modern variation that falls outside the traditional Alsatian version. This shows how the dish has evolved and adapted to different tastes and preferences, but the authentic Tarte Flambée remains true to its simple yet flavorful origins.

Preparation:

Although Tarte Flambée originated in Alsace, this culinary treasure has won the hearts and taste buds of people far beyond its homeland. Its success lies in the harmony of its ingredients, a testament to the timeless appeal of simple yet perfectly balanced dishes.

Drink Pairing

A traditional Tarte Flambée pairs perfectly with a dry white wine from Alsace, such as a Riesling or Pinot Blanc. These wines, with their fresh acidity, beautifully complement the rich and creamy elements of the tarte.

With its crispy crust and creamy crème fraîche, onions, and bacon bits, Tarte Flambée also pairs well with beer. The rich and savory flavors call for a beer that can either complement or provide a refreshing contrast. Here are some types of beer that go well with Tarte Flambée:

1. Pilsner: A light, refreshing pilsner can nicely balance the rich flavors of the Tarte Flambée, thanks to its subtle hop bitterness and clean finish.
2. Witbier: The often citrusy and lightly spiced notes of a witbier can provide a delightful contrast to the creaminess of the Tarte Flambée, while not overpowering the dish.
3. Blond Ale: A Blond Ale, with its light malt sweetness and fruity esters, can complement the savory elements of the Tarte Flambée without being too dominant.
4. Saison: This versatile, often dry and lightly spicy beer has enough character to stand up to the bold flavors of bacon and onion, adding an enjoyable complexity to the meal.
5. Riesling Beer: In some regions, you can find beers inspired by Riesling wine, which is known from the same region as Tarte Flambée. These beers may have fruity and sometimes wine-like notes that beautifully complement the flavors of this dish.
6. Light Lager: A clean, not overly complex lager can refresh the palate without competing with the flavors of the Tarte Flambée, making it a safe and enjoyable choice.

When choosing a beer to pair with Tarte Flambée, it’s important to find a balance between the intensity of the beer and the rich flavors of the dish, so that neither overpowers the other. Experimenting with different combinations to see what best suits your taste can be part of the fun.