The best vegetarian dish to check out in Nice, France

by George Black

335 Kcal

Protein 23g
Carbohydrates 17.7g
Fat 34.8g

Difficult cooking

90 min

Nice is the most popular city on the French Riviera, its agglomeration extends far beyond the administrative limits, and local atmosphere, ambience, and the overall mood of the region having been immortalized in European popular culture over the centuries. A former resort for the upper class of major European countries, Nice enjoys a cross-cultural vibe and a mild Mediterranean climate that makes it a perfect place for tourism.

Naturally, cultural diversity and rich history go hand in hand with the quality of local cuisine.

Where to try

Restaurant JAN

#4 of 3660 restaurants in Nice , France

Address: 12 Rue Lascaris, Nice, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France

Complete the culinary experience of the French Riviera and try vegetarian food that is all the rage in Nice.

Pan fried pizza with Cashew nut "Mozzarella Cheese"

Pan fried pizza with cashew nut

Plant-based cooking has become quite fashionable in the 21st century, and many chefs have begun taking it more seriously. Another factor of the rising popularity of vegan and vegetarian dishes in Nice may be a continued tradition of the local population and all kinds of guests to pick only the most interesting dishes. So, pan-fried pizza with the creamy topping that includes cashew nuts became an inevitable new thing. The nuts serve as the replacement of the traditional cheese or sausage topping while adding new and unique flavor and taste to the classic dough base prepared with a little olive oil and, of course, the sauce featuring a mix of pepper, garlic, onions, and Rosa tomatoes.

Cooking directions

Ingredients

Cashew nut “mozzarella cheese”:
125 ml raw cashew nuts
250 ml soy milk
5 ml miso paste
15 ml natural yeast flakes
60 ml corn starch salt and freshly ground black pepper
15 ml fresh lemon juice
Pan-fried pizza base:
250 g (445 ml) cake flour
1 ml salt
2 ml sugar
1 x 10 g packet instant yeast
125 – 175 ml warm water
100 ml olive oil
Tomato sauce:
30 ml olive oil
½ onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
5 large Rosa tomatoes,
cubed salt
freshly ground black pepper

Step 1. The nuts are the longest ingredient to prepare but the easiest. Soak them in hot water overnight. Drain and place the soaked nuts in a blender with the rest of the “mozzarella cheese” ingredients. Blend until smooth. Pour the mixture into a saucepan and place on medium. Keep stirring until the mixture has thickened into a cream with the versatility of dough but without any unwelcome additives or flavors. Let it cool on a large piece of cling film.

Step 2. To make the pizza base, place the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast in the bowl of an electric mixer. Gradually add the water while mixing to form a soft dough. Let it knead for 10 minutes, then place the dough in a clean bowl rubbed with olive oil. Let it double in size under a cover, then knock the dough down on a floured surface and divide into equal pieces rolled into round circles. Heat the olive oil on a medium heat in a large saucepan and place one base in the pan. Fry on one side until golden for about two minutes and carefully turn the base around to repeat. Place on kitchen towel and repeat with the rest of the bases.

Step 3. To prepare the sauce, add the onion to the saucepan with heated olive oil. Fry until the mix becomes soft and translucent, then add the garlic and tomatoes, season all with salt and pepper. Cover the saucepan and let it simmer for about 45 minutes.

Step 4. Heat the oven to 200 °C. Place the pizza bases on a baking tray and top with the tomato sauce. Slice the “mozzarella cheese” into rounds and arrange them on top of the base. Place the resulting pizza in the oven for about 10 minutes.

Tips. The best toppings to serve the pizza with are fried aubergine slices, mushrooms, marinated artichokes, fresh basil and capers. Keep in mind that the amount and proportion of ingredients can change.

Nice has always been famous for its food, among which are the legendary croissants, entrecôtes, foie gras, ratatouille, seafood, and a local tart made with onions and anchovies named "Pissaladière". You can find all of those in many local restaurants and cafes while exploring the city and its many famous squares like Place Masséna, Place Garibaldi, Cours Saleya, etc. Or you can go to various sports events or festivals held in the city every year. In any case, feel free to explore, and then share your experiences and discoveries with others who might want a bit of guidance or critique.