Aligot

When one speaks of the deliciousness of French cuisine, one can't help but think of the steamy and creamy dish known as aligot. This time-honored meal hails from the rural Aubrac region of Southern France and is a true testament to the hearty yet refined delight that typifies French cooking.

Aligot


Aligot is essentially a mashed potato dish, with a few special ingredients to give it an extra kick. At its core, aligot consists of potatoes cooked in a broth or cream and then puréed with a generous dose of garlic, butter, and cheese. The cheese of choice is most often tomme, a hard cow's milk cheese, giving aligot a pungency and savory flavor that is quite unique.

Once the potatoes and traditional ingredients have been combined, the resulting mixture is slowly stirred together until it achieves a light and fluffy texture. It is then typically served alongside grilled meats or poultry and a plate of fresh, crisp greens. The result is a culinary mélange of flavors and textures that tantalize the taste buds.

Aligot combines hearty comfort food like potatoes with a richness and complexity that can be attributed to its decades of culture and tradition. Yet despite its humble origins, aligot manages to blend these elements together in a way that is surprisingly complex and diverse.

The velvety texture and robust flavor of aligot are sure to captivate all who try it. Be it a special occasion or just a simple weeknight dinner, aligot is sure to make any meal truly sublime and will undoubtedly bring joy to any table.

Aligot recipes

Amazing Aligot recipes sourced from the web.

The origin of Aligot

Ah, Aligot; the delicious, cheesy dish that originated in the rustic Aveyron department of France and has since become a staple amongst regional residents. But how did this savoury sensation come to be? As it turns out, Aligot is the result of a rather curious culinary conundrum.

Originating from the Middle Ages, Aligot began as a peasant dish composed mostly of wheat flour, butter, and water. This unappetizing concoction was dished up usually as an accompaniment to roasted meats, providing for a cheap yet filling meal for field workers and other lower-class folk. Gradually, over the years, the recipe evolved to include potatoes, transforming the dish from an unpalatable pittance to a much more viable gastronomic venture.

It was after the Renaissance period, however, that things started to get really interesting. Around 1700, innovative cooks began to experiment with the dish and incorporate their own unique ingredients. One of these ingredients was the cheese Laguiole, a cow's milk cheese produced in the nearby Auvergne region and traditionally used to make the delicacy known as aligoté. It was this addition which truly set Aligot apart and combined with the potatoes it had now become the famous cheesy, starchy mash we know and love today.

In recent decades, Aligot has experienced a surge in popularity, becoming widely recognized as one of France's most iconic dishes. During this time, cooks have continued the tradition of experimentation and improvisation, incorporating more modern ingredients like garlic, crème fraîche, and even smoked bacon - resulting in an ever-evolving, ever-more exquisite version of the classic dish.

Though it has come a long way since its humble beginnings, Aligot remains to this day an enduring example of the ingenuity and resourcefulness of French food culture. Its rich history offers us proof that a simple plate of potatoes and cheese can be elevated to something much more than the sum of its parts - and it may be why Aligot continues to be popular both in and outside of its native land.

FAQs about Aligot

How do you eat aligot?

Aligot is typically eaten as a side or main dish. To eat aligot, start by preheating a pot of salted water and adding the potatoes. Boil until the potatoes are tender and then mash them with a potato masher. Add the butter and garlic and mix until the butter is fully melted. Next, add the cheese to the pot and stir until the cheese is melted and combined. Finally, add the cream and mix until everything is fully incorporated. Serve with a crusty baguette.


How do you make Hungry Jack Mash?

Ingredients:

- 2 pounds of Idaho potatoes
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1/3 cup of milk
- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Peel and cube the potatoes and place into a medium saucepan.

2. Add enough cold water to cover the potatoes and bring to a boil.

3. Boil for about 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are completely tender.

4. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pan.

5. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or fork until the potatoes are the consistency you desire.

6. Add the butter, milk, salt and pepper. Mix together until blended together.

7. Serve warm. Enjoy!


What is Robuchon mashed potatoes?

Robuchon mashed potatoes, also known as pommes purée à la Robuchon, are mashed potatoes made from boiled and mashed potatoes, cream, butter and salt. The potatoes are typically boiled in salted water and then mashed until they become light and creamy. The mashed potatoes are then mixed with cream, butter and salt and finished off with additional cream and butter. The mashed potatoes are typically served hot or warm and can be served alongside a variety of dishes.


When was aligot invented?

Aligot is believed to have been invented sometime in the 19th century in the region of Lozère, France.


Types of Aligot

Ah, Aligot. The French dish that is sure to tantalize your tastebuds and satiate your innermost gastronomic desires. But have you ever wondered what type of Aligot is the right one for you? Well, lucky for you, here is a guide to the various types of Aligot available so that you can pick the one that suits your individual tastes and texture preferences.

First is classic Aligot, which is the traditional version of this delicious dish. It is made of mashed potatoes, butter, and garlic that are then mixed with the smooth, creamy cheese called Tomme. This combination creates an indulgent and luxurious texture that easily melts on your tongue. The velvety richness of the Tomme combined with the classic flavors of the potatoes and garlic creates a unique dish that is sure to satisfy your craving.

Next is the Aligot Lyonnais, which takes the classic Aligot recipe and adds a few additional ingredients. This type of Aligot includes the addition of crème fraiche and beetroot, giving it a more savory flavor. The creamy crème fraiche adds depth to the melted Tomme and gives the dish a unique taste. On top of the delicious flavors, the addition of beetroot also gives the dish a vibrant pink hue that adds an interesting visual presentation.

The third is the Aligot Gourmand. This version of Aligot is known for its sweet and buttery flavor. To create this type of Aligot, white sugar, cream, and butter are added to mashed potatoes, making it a dessert-like version of the traditional dish. The combination of the sweet ingredients with the potatoes creates a rich and decadent flavor that is simply hard to resist.

Finally, there is the Aligot Dauphinois, which is a more classic take on the recipe. This Aligot is created with potatoes, butter, and garlic as the main ingredients. The potatoes are boiled until they are soft, then mashed with the butter and garlic. This creates a classic combination that is sure to please traditional Aligot lovers.

No matter which type of Aligot you choose, there’s no doubt that you’re in for a real treat. Each version of this dish offers something unique, so you’re sure to find one that really stands out to you. Bon appétit!