Pissaladière Niçoise
FrenchSnack

Recipe Story

origins & traditions

Pissaladière is a beloved specialty from Nice in the Provence region, often compared to pizza but predating it by centuries. This rustic tart features a pillowy bread base smothered with slowly caramelized onions cooked until golden and jammy, then adorned with a striking lattice of anchovy fillets and glossy black olives. The combination of sweet onions with salty anchovies creates an irresistible umami-rich flavor profile that exemplifies Mediterranean cooking. Traditionally enjoyed as a street food snack in Nice markets or served at casual gatherings, pissaladière showcases the simple yet sophisticated approach to ingredients characteristic of Provençal cuisine. The name derives from pissalat, a fermented anchovy paste once used in the recipe, though whole anchovies are more common today.

Instructions

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  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour with salt. In a separate bowl, dissolve honey in warm milk and sprinkle over the yeast. Let stand 5 minutes until foamy.

  2. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled.

  3. While dough rises, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are deeply golden and caramelized. Add thyme and black pepper. Let cool slightly.

  4. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12x16 inch rectangle. Transfer to a greased baking sheet.

  5. Spread the caramelized onions evenly over the dough, leaving a small border. Arrange anchovy fillets in a decorative lattice pattern across the top. Place olives in the centers of the diamond shapes created by the anchovies.

  6. Drizzle with a little olive oil and bake for 20-25 minutes until the crust is golden brown and cooked through.

  7. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve warm or at room temperature.

Pissaladière Niçoise

4.4 (31)

A traditional Provençal onion tart from Nice, topped with sweet caramelized onions, briny anchovies, and black olives on a tender yeasted crust. This savory delight captures the essence of Southern cuisine.

medium
1h 15m
8 servings

Ingredients

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Dough

  • 2 1/2 cups flour, all-purpose
  • 3/4 cups milk, warm (110F)
  • 1 tablespoons honey
  • 3 tablespoons olive-oil
  • 1 teaspoons salt

Topping

  • 6 pieces onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 tablespoons olive-oil
  • 2 teaspoons thyme, fresh or dried
  • 1/2 teaspoons black-pepper, freshly ground

Chef Tips

expert advice
For the best flavor, use sweet yellow onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla and take your time caramelizing them - this is the heart of the dish.
If you find anchovies too assertive, soak them in milk for 10 minutes first to mellow the flavor.
You can substitute the yeasted dough with store-bought pizza dough or puff pastry for a quicker version, though the texture will differ.
Niçoise olives are traditional, but any small black olive works well.
For a vegetarian adaptation, omit the anchovies and add capers for briny flavor.
The pissaladière can be made ahead through step 5 and refrigerated, then baked just before serving.
Some cooks add a whisper of garlic to the onions or finish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
This tart pairs beautifully with a chilled rosé from Provence.