Tripes à la mode de Caen

01 / ABOUT THE DISH

About the dish

Tripes à la mode de Caen or Caen-style tripe is a popular French stew that has been familiar since the Middle Ages. It combines tripe, a mix of French herbs, spices, cow's feet, apple brandy, cider, and vegetables to produce a flavorful and hearty meal. The ingredients are layered in a traditional clay pot known as tripière– the lid is placed on top of the pot and sealed with a paste made from flour and water. The dish is simmered for hours until all of the flavors combine and the stew is transformed into a delicious and comforting meal. The invention of this succulent dish is usually associated with Sidoine Benoît, a French monk who lived in the French city of Caen in the 14th century. It is believed that he introduced the tradition of using apple brandy in classic French cuisine and was first to use calvados in the dish. Caen-style tripe is usually paired with boiled potatoes and served as a main dish.