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Cervelle de Canut — traditional dish from Lyon, France
Snack Vegetarian

Food Flavour DNA

Nutritional Values

🔥180kcal
💪12gProtein
🌾4gCarbs
🥑12gFat
🌿1gFibre
⚖️150 gServing

* Per serving · 150 g. May vary.

Allergens

🥛 Dairy

Cervelle de Canut

How to order / say it
Say it Cervelle de Canut — [ser-vell duh kah-NOO]
Order I'd like the cervelle de canut, please.
Locally Je voudrais la cervelle de canut, s'il vous plaît.
Say locally

A fresh and creamy cheese spread with herbs.

Why try it?

This dish exemplifies the simplicity and freshness of Lyonnaise cuisine while honoring the region's silk workers, known as 'canuts.' It is a testament to how local produce and dairies contribute to the city's culinary identity.

How it tastes

Smooth and tangy, the cheese spread is infused with fresh herbs like chives and parsley, rounded out by a hint of garlic, perfect spread on crusty bread.

Origin & History — first documented: 1850

In the 19th century, this dish was created by Lyon's silk workers as a light, inexpensive meal. It gradually gained popularity, reflecting the work ethic and culture of the canuts.

Recipe

Ingredients

  • 🥛 200 g fromage blanc
  • 🫒 20 ml olive oil
  • 🥣 10 ml white wine vinegar
  • 🧄 1 clove garlic
  • 🌿 10 g chives
  • 🌿 10 g parsley

Method

  1. 1 Mix fromage blanc with olive oil and vinegar until smooth.
  2. 2 Mince garlic, chives, and parsley, then fold into the cheese mixture.
  3. 3 Let the spread sit for flavors to meld before serving.
  4. 4 Serve chilled with a side of crusty bread.

More from Lyon

All Europe recipes — France — Lyon — Cervelle de Canut
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