Provence’s Version of Pizza – Pissaladière
David Scott Allen · Lunchtime Meals · Provencal Recipes · TasteThis traditional recipe from Provence combines onions that have been cooked for so long they are almost melting, anchovies and olives add design flair and a slightly salty edge to this pizza-like dish. Pissaladière is often served as a snack with an apéro (think chilled rosé) or as a light meal with a green salad. The recipe (below) comes from David Scott Allen’s article Life Through Rosé-filled Glasses. Take a look at his photos. They are mouth-watering.
Pissaladière Provencal
This recipe was created by David, it is a blend of several variations for the same dish. This version will serve 6 as a main course or 12 as an appetizer.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 1/2 pounds yellow onions peeled, halved and sliced
- 2 tsp demerara sugar (raw sugar)
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 sheet puff pastry thawed*
- 20-24 anchovy fillets packed in oil, drained
- 10-15 Moroccan oil-cured olives halved and pitted
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 2 tsp fresh thyme chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onions and Demerara sugar and sauté, stirring frequently, until the onions become tender and start to turn golden.
- Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and thyme and mix well. (Do not be tempted to add additional salt - both the anchovies and the olives bring plenty of salt to the recipe.)
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
- Cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are wilted, very soft, and are well caramelized throughout.
- Add the vinegar during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Remove the onions from the oven and set them aside while preparing the pastry for the pissaladière. Let them come to room temperature. **
- Raise the oven temperature to 425°F.
- Roll out the pastry to 13-inch x 19-inch rectangle.
- Place the pastry onto a 12-inch by 18-inch baking sheet, folding the edges of the pastry over about 1/2-inch to create a raised border.
- Spread the pastry with the onion confit up to the doubled edges.
- Arrange the anchovy filets in a harlequin (diamond) patter and place 1 pitted half-olive in the middle of each diamond.
- Bake it for 15 to 18 minutes, until the pastry has puffed up, turned golden, and crisped.
- Remove the pissaladière from the oven and sprinkle the olive oil and fresh thyme across the hot surface of the tart.
- Cut it into rectangles and serve very warm or at room temperature.
Notes
*If you would like to make your own crust click here for a quick puff pastry recipe from Vintage Kitchen.**The onions can be made ahead to this point 2 days in advance.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Legal
All rights reserved. Perfectly Provence articles and other content may not be published, broadcast, rewritten (including translations into other languages) or redistributed without written permission. For usage information, please contact us.
Syndication InformationAffiliate Information
As an Amazon Associate, this website earns from qualifying purchases. Some recipes, posts and pages may have affiliate links. If you purchase via these links, we receive a small commission that does not impact your price. Thank you in advance for supporting our work to maintain Perfectly Provence.
Previous Post
Best Markets in Provence: Part 1 ProvençalRelated Provence Articles
Antibes: A Timeless Treasure on the Côte d’Azur
June 5, 2025
Nestled between the Mediterranean Sea’s azure waters and Provence’s rolling hills lies Antibes, a gem of the French Riviera that enchants visitors with its irresistible blend of history, art, and culinary traditions. A Journey Through the Centuries As you wander through the narrow, cobblestone streets of the old town, you ...
My Chicken Ispahan Recipe – Inspired by Pierre Hermé’s French Pastry
May 26, 2025
It may seem strange, but I am not a café au lait fan. However, a hot chocolate (chocolat chaud) in Paris with a beautiful pastry called an Ispahan – now that is a magical French experience. Pierre Hermé created the dessert for Ladurée, the finest purveyor of macarons in Paris ...
Maussane-les-Alpilles: A Friendly Hotel-Restaurant with Excellent Food
May 23, 2025
“We love our clients and treat them like honoured guests.” These are the words of Marielle Fabregoul of l’Oustaloun, a charming hotel-restaurant in Maussane-les-Alpilles. She and her husband Thierry share a passion for customer service, which shows. A Local Institution L’Oustaloun has long been an institution in Maussane. It began ...
Authentic French Cream Potato Soup For Your Next Dinner Party
May 19, 2025
Potage Parmentier is an easy French cream potato soup that makes a delicious first course. The ingredients are only a few: potatoes, leeks, salt, water, and a little cream. Considering the ingredients, this is most likely a peasant soup, but these days, it is served in some very nice restaurants ...
No Comment