Indulge in the flavours of the Crocus de Nîmes, a dish that perfectly captures the essence of Nîmes’ Roman heritage. Maison du Goût, the renowned gourmet grocery store in Nîmes, invites you to savour this unique culinary creation while celebrating the city’s rich cultural legacy.
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Celebrating Roman Heritage in Nîmes
Recently, the Maison Carrée, a Roman temple in Nîmes, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, reaffirming the city’s deep-rooted Roman heritage. In honour of this prestigious recognition, Maison du Goût has crafted a special dish that pays homage to Nîmes’ gastronomic traditions: the Crocus de Nîmes.
The Crocus de Nîmes is a dish that combines ingredients reminiscent of the Gallo-Roman era. From the luscious Pélardon cheese to the aromatic honey, almonds, and olives, each bite takes you on a journey back in time. The saffron flower, from which the dish derives its name, adds a vibrant touch. Served as a croque-monsieur, a specialty of Maison du Goût, the Crocus de Nîmes is a true testament to the excellence of French gastronomy.
A Collaborative Creation
The creation of the Crocus de Nîmes was a collaborative effort between Jean-Karim Taghzouti, manager of Maison du Goût, and Gilles Deschamps, a passionate union activist. Together, they aimed to promote French gastronomy and make it accessible to all. Their shared vision has not only been embraced by Maison du Goût but has also garnered recognition from other esteemed establishments in Nîmes, including Vincent Croizard and Le Printemps.
Recipe Card
Crocus de Nîmes by Maison du Goût
Ingredients
- 1/2 Pélardon cheese sliced horizontally
- 2 slices of whole wheat or sandwich bread
- 1 or 2 teaspoons of green tapenade made from Picholine olives
- A few slices of sweet Cévennes onion
- 1 teaspoon of Cévennes or Garrigues honey
- A pinch of Herbes de Provence including thyme
- A small pinch of saffron
- 2 teaspoons of high-quality olive oil
Optional
- Slivered almonds for a crunchy texture
- Lightly sautéed onion sweet or strong in a pan
- A few raisins
Instructions
- Spread saffron-infused olive oil on one slice of bread.
- Spread tapenade on top of the oil.
- Place Pélardon cheese in the center.
- Drizzle honey over the cheese.
- Layer onions on top of the cheese.
- Add slivered almonds and, if desired, cooked onions and/or raisins.
- Sprinkle Herbes de Provence over the ingredients.
- Cover with the second slice of bread.
- Heat in a grill or toastie maker until the bread is lightly golden.
Recipe courtesy of Maison du Goût.
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