Simple Sides: What Can I Serve With Tartiflette Tonight?

Tartiflette, a rich and comforting dish hailing from the French Alps, is a culinary masterpiece in itself. With its creamy Reblochon cheese, smoky bacon, and tender potatoes, it’s a meal that warms the soul. However, even the most exquisite dish can benefit from thoughtful pairings that elevate the entire dining experience. In this exploration, we will embark on a journey to discover the perfect accompaniments for tartiflette, ensuring a harmonious and unforgettable meal.

Understanding Tartiflette’s Profile

Before diving into specific pairings, it is helpful to consider the flavour profile of tartiflette. It is undeniably rich and decadent, with a distinct savory flavour from the bacon and a creamy, slightly nutty flavour from the Reblochon cheese. The potatoes provide a hearty base, while onions add a touch of sweetness and complexity.

Therefore, the ideal accompaniments should offer balance and contrast, cutting through the richness and providing a refreshing counterpoint.

Fresh Salads: A Crisp Counterpoint

A crisp, vibrant salad is an excellent way to balance the richness of tartiflette. The acidity and freshness of the salad provide a welcome contrast, cleansing the palate between bites.

• Green Salad with Vinaigrette: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a classic and reliable choice. The acidity of the vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the tartiflette, while the greens provide a refreshing element. A vinaigrette made with Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, and olive oil is a particularly good option.
• Endive Salad with Walnuts and Roquefort: For a more sophisticated salad, consider an endive salad with walnuts and Roquefort cheese. The bitterness of the endive, the crunch of the walnuts, and the sharpness of the Roquefort create a complex and flavourful salad that complements the tartiflette beautifully.
• Apple and Fennel Salad: This salad offers a delightful combination of sweetness and freshness. The crisp apple and anise-like flavour of the fennel provide a refreshing contrast to the rich tartiflette. A light lemon vinaigrette ties the flavours together.

Vegetable Sides: Adding Colour and Texture

In addition to salads, roasted or steamed vegetables are a great way to add colour, texture, and nutrients to your tartiflette meal.

• Roasted Asparagus: Asparagus, with its slightly bitter and grassy flavour, pairs wonderfully with the richness of tartiflette. Roasting asparagus brings out its natural sweetness and creates a tender-crisp texture.
• Steamed Green Beans: Simple steamed green beans provide a clean and refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the tartiflette. A squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of toasted almonds can elevate the flavour.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts, with their slightly nutty and caramelized flavour, are another excellent choice. Roasting them with a bit of bacon or pancetta can further enhance their flavour and complement the dish.

Bread: For Sopping Up the Goodness

A crusty loaf of bread is essential for any tartiflette meal. It is perfect for sopping up the melted cheese and creamy sauce.

• Baguette: A classic French baguette is always a good choice. Its crusty exterior and soft interior provide the perfect texture for dipping into the tartiflette.
• Sourdough Bread: The tangy flavour of sourdough bread adds another layer of complexity to the meal. Its slightly chewy texture also provides a satisfying contrast to the creamy tartiflette.
• Crusty Country Bread: A hearty country bread with a thick crust and dense crumb is another excellent option. Its rustic flavour and texture complement the rustic nature of tartiflette.

Wine Pairings: Finding the Perfect Sip

The right wine can elevate a tartiflette meal to new heights. When choosing a wine, it is important to consider the richness and saltiness of the dish.

• Dry White Wines: Crisp, dry white wines with high acidity are generally a good choice. These wines can cut through the richness of the tartiflette and cleanse the palate. Some excellent options include:
• Savoie Wines: Wines from the Savoie region of France, such as Apremont or Roussette de Savoie, are a natural pairing for tartiflette, as they originate from the same region. These wines are typically light-bodied, crisp, and refreshing.
• Pinot Blanc: Pinot Blanc, with its delicate fruit flavours and crisp acidity, is another excellent choice.
• Riesling (Dry): A dry Riesling, with its high acidity and citrusy notes, can also be a good pairing.
• Light-Bodied Red Wines: While white wines are generally preferred, some light-bodied red wines can also work well with tartiflette. Look for wines with low tannins and bright acidity.
• Beaujolais: Beaujolais, with its fruity flavours and light body, is a good option.
• Pinot Noir: A light-bodied Pinot Noir, with its earthy notes and bright acidity, can also be a good pairing.

Other Accompaniments to Consider

Beyond salads, vegetables, bread, and wine, there are a few other accompaniments that can enhance your tartiflette experience.

• Cornichons: These small, pickled cucumbers provide a tangy and crunchy contrast to the richness of the tartiflette.
• Mustard: A dollop of Dijon mustard can add a touch of sharpness and complexity to each bite.
• Pickled Onions: Pickled onions, with their sweet and sour flavour, can also provide a refreshing counterpoint.

Exploring Delicious Harmony Together

Ultimately, the best accompaniments for tartiflette are those that you enjoy the most. Experiment with different pairings and discover your own perfect combinations.

Remember, the goal is to create a balanced and harmonious meal that is both satisfying and enjoyable.

Quick Answers to Your FAQs

Q1: Can I serve tartiflette as a starter?

While tartiflette is quite rich, it can be served as a starter in smaller portions. If doing so, ensure the main course is lighter to balance the meal. A simple grilled fish or chicken with steamed vegetables would be a good follow-up.

Q2: Is tartiflette suitable for vegetarians?

Traditional tartiflette contains bacon, which is not vegetarian. However, it is possible to make a vegetarian version by substituting the bacon with smoked tofu or mushrooms.

Q3: Can I prepare tartiflette ahead of time?

Yes, tartiflette can be prepared ahead of time. Assemble the dish and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. This can actually improve the flavour, as the ingredients have time to meld together. Add a few minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Q4: What drinks other than wine pair well with tartiflette?

Besides wine, consider a crisp, dry cider or a refreshing sparkling water with lemon. The effervescence helps cleanse the palate between bites of the rich dish.

Q5: How do I store leftover tartiflette?

Leftover tartiflette should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until heated through.