
Recipe Story
origins & traditionsPissaladière 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
step by stepIn 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Drizzle with a little olive oil and bake for 20-25 minutes until the crust is golden brown and cooked through.
Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve warm or at room temperature.
Pissaladière Niçoise
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.
Ingredients
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
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what goes wellStorage & Reheating
keeping it freshStore cooled pissaladière wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crust may soften slightly upon storage but will still be delicious.
Reheat in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-12 minutes until warmed through and the crust crisps up again. Avoid microwaving as it will make the crust soggy. Can also be enjoyed at room temperature.