Flamiche

Flamiche is a dish from northern France, near the Belgian border, that means "cake" in Dutch. It looks like a quiche and has a puff pastry crust filled with cheese and vegetables. Leeks and cream are the traditional filling, but there are many variations. Flamiche is also available in a pizza-like version without the pie's top crust. Try the thin crusty pissaladière with anchovies, onions, and olives for a southern French twist.

Puff or shortcrust pastry is used to make Picardy flamiche (flamichepicarde), which is made with the white part of leeks cut into round slices and sweated in butter, crème fraîche, eggs, and salt. It's typically served as an appetizer with a green salad or as a main course with fried potatoes. It's also delicious served cold as an appetizer with a glass of dry white wine.

Flamiche can be made with onions, endives, or maroilles cheese, the latter of which is particularly popular in Nord.