Aligot[1][2] (Occitan: Aligòt) is a dish made from cheese blended into mashed potatoes (often with some garlic) that is made in L'Aubrac (Aveyron, Cantal, Lozère, Occitanie) region in the southern Massif Central of France.[3] This fondue-like dish from the Aveyron department is a common sight in Auvergne restaurants.
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Place of origin | ![]() |
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Region or state | Occitanie |
Main ingredients | Mashed potatoes, butter, cream, cheese (Tome de Laguiole or Tome d'Auvergne), garlic |
Traditionally made with the Tomme de Laguiole (Tomme fraîche), or Tomme d'Auvergne cheese, aligot is a French country speciality highly appreciated in the local gastronomy with Toulouse sausages or roast pork.[4] Other cheeses are also used in place of Tomme, including Cantal,[5] mozzarella[6] and Laguiole. The choice of cheese is important, and strongly affects the result. Tomme is not easily available outside France; many other cheeses are reported to be too strong. The cheese must be mild, with a lactic tang, but not too much salt, and melt easily. A comparison of the cheeses available in the UK found creamy (rather than the crumbly variety) Lancashire to be best, rejecting most other suggestions;[7] other cheeses will be needed where neither Tomme nor Lancashire are available. Floury, rather than waxy, potatoes are preferable.[7]
Aligot is made from mashed potatoes blended with butter, cream, crushed garlic, and the melted cheese. The dish is ready when it develops a smooth, elastic texture. While recipes vary, the Larousse Gastronomique[3] gives the ingredients as 1 kg potatoes; 500 g tomme fraîche, Laguiole, or Cantal cheese; 2 garlic cloves; 30 g butter; salt and pepper.
This dish was prepared for pilgrims on the way to Santiago de Compostela who stopped for a night in that region.[4] According to legend, aligot was originally prepared with bread, and potatoes were substituted after their introduction to France.[5][8][7][9] Today, it is enjoyed for village gatherings and celebrations as a main dish. Aligot is still cooked by hand in Aveyron homes and street markets.[4] Aligot is traditionally served with Auvergne red wine.
Michel Roux Jr. and Fred Sirieix had aligot on Remarkable Places to Eat at Christmas in Bristol.[10][11][12][13]
Possibly borrowed from Occitan alicouot, possibly from Latin aliquid, possibly from Old French harigoter.
After enjoying a cote de boeuf, Fred goes behind the scenes to discover the secrets of Himalayan dry-aged beef while Michel makes aligot, known as the best mashed potato in the world.
Fred Sirieix is heading to Bristol for a winter treat in the company of old friend and former boss Michel Roux Jr. Bristol is home to one of the UK’s most vibrant and creative food scenes, and Michel can’t wait to show Fred his favourites. First is (littlefrench., a neighbourhood restaurant in Westbury Park) run by Bristol-born chef Freddy Bird. After enjoying a stunning cote de boeuf, Fred goes behind the scenes to discover the secrets of Himalayan dry-aged beef, while Michel makes aligot, known as the best mashed potato in the world.
Another restaurateur who has not stopped working in 2020 is Freddy Bird, whose littlefrench. restaurant in Westbury Park became a food shop during the pandemic and reopened al fresco underneath canvas in its neighbouring churchyard when it was safe to do so. On Christmas Eve, it also received glowing praise from Fred Sirieix and Michel Roux Jr in BBC Two’s Remarkable Places to Eat.
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