Flammekueche

Flammekueche (FLAM-meh-koo-kheh), also known as Tarte Flambée (TARHT flahm-BAY), is a delectable dish from the Alsace region of France. It resembles a pizza but stands out with its exceptionally thin and crispy crust, topped with cream or cottage cheese, onions, and bacon. Today, Rimping Supermarket invites you to explore this special dish with its fascinating history.

Origins from Alsatian Peasant Wood-Fired Ovens

The origins of Flammekueche date back to the 18th century in the rural communities of Alsace, a region deeply shaped by its historical and cultural intertwining of Germany and France. In those days, bread baking was a daily ritual and the cornerstone of Alsatian households.

Flammekueche emerged from peasant ingenuity, utilizing leftover bread dough. This dough was rolled out into a thin sheet and topped with simple yet harmonious ingredients: Crème fraîche (or Cottage cheese), thinly sliced onions, and bacon (lardons). It was then placed into a very hot wood-fired or charcoal oven, the same oven used for baking bread.

The primary purpose of baking Flammekueche initially was to test the oven's heat to determine if it had reached the optimal temperature for baking other types of bread. If the Flammekueche cooked quickly and had slightly charred edges, it indicated the oven was ready. This dish would be baked for only about 2-3 minutes, and the intense flames would give the edges of the tart a characteristic slight char, which is part of its charm. Locals thus named this dish Flammekueche, derived from the word Flamme (FLAM-meh), meaning flame in German, clearly reflecting its traditional cooking method.

Development and Popularity: From Rural Life to Regional Delicacy

Over time, Flammekueche evolved from a simple peasant dish used for testing ovens into a cherished specialty and a symbol of Alsatian culinary culture. Its popularity spread throughout France and Germany. In modern times, France began referring to this dish as Tarte Flambée, still meaning flamed tart, while Germany retained the original name, Flammekueche.

Initially, Flammekueche or Tarte Flambée was typically rectangular in shape, reflecting the use of leftover dough and baking in large ovens. However, with the rising popularity of pizza today, people began to roll out pizza dough very thinly and top it with various new ingredients, such as mushrooms, seafood (like shrimp), and various herbs. The shape also transitioned to a round form, similar to pizza but notably thinner. Today, it can be found in restaurants throughout Alsace, served in both its traditional form and more creative modern variations.

Flammekueche Today: A Globally Accessible Dish

Currently, Flammekueche or Tarte Flambée has gained global popularity in the culinary world and can now be made using modern ovens, eliminating the need for traditional wood-fired ovens. As a result, Flammekueche has quickly and easily become accessible in households worldwide, allowing people everywhere to savor the unique taste of the Alsace region.

Flammekueche is more than just a dish; it is a part of the history and culinary culture of Alsace. At Rimping Supermarket, we offer a wide array of excellent quality ingredients, including flour, cheese, sour cream, onions, and bacon, ready for you to create delicious Flammekueche in your own home. Experience an authentic Alsatian taste that you're sure to love!