Ingredients for Les Navettes Recipe – 5-Step Method

Introduction

Les Navettes are a beloved traditional pastry from Marseille, known for their unique boat-like shape and delicate flavor. This guide will walk you through the ingredients for Les Navettes recipe and show you how to create these delightful treats at home. Whether you prefer sweet or savory variations, this recipe is designed to be easy to follow and rewarding

What is Les Navettes?

Les Navettes are small, boat-shaped pastries originating from the south of France, particularly Marseille. Traditionally baked during festivals, they come in both sweet and savory forms. Sweet navettes often feature a hint of orange blossom water, giving them a fragrant, delicate taste, while savory versions can include herbs or finely chopped vegetables. What makes them special is their distinctive shape and versatile flavor, making them a perfect treat for any occasion

Why This Recipe is Perfect for You

This navette recipe is suitable for a wide range of lifestyles and preferences:

• Beginner-friendly: Simple instructions make it easy to bake at home.
• Versatile: Can be adapted as sweet cookies, bread rolls, or savory vegetable snacks.
• Healthy options: Use olive oil or whole-grain flour for a lighter version.
• Cultural experience: Offers a taste of authentic Marseille tradition right in your kitchen.

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These recipes complement your baking adventure with Les Navettes and give you more options for homemade treats using simple ingredients.

Ingredient:

To make authentic Les Navettes, you’ll need the following ingredients. This recipe includes both the classic sweet version and a savory vegetable variation:

Sweet Navettes Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp orange blossom water
• 1 tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt

Savory Navettes (Vegetable) Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp mixed herbs (rosemary, thyme, or finely chopped vegetables)

These ingredients for Les Navettes recipe are easy to source and versatile, allowing you to create either sweet or savory treats that capture the traditional flavors of Marseille.

Equipment

To successfully make Les Navettes, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. Most of these are common in any home kitchen:

Essential Equipment

• Mixing bowls – for combining dry and wet ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons – to ensure accurate ingredient amounts.
• Whisk or spoon – for mixing dough or batter.
• Rolling pin – to shape the dough if needed.
• Baking tray – for placing your navettes in the oven.
• Parchment paper or silicone mat – prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Oven – preheated to 180°C (350°F) for perfect baking.
• Optional: Pastry brush for egg wash (sweet navettes) or sprinkling herbs/seeds (savory navettes).

Using the right equipment helps achieve the traditional texture and shape of navettes, making your baking process smooth and enjoyable.

Directions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to make perfect Les Navettes, whether you’re baking sweet cookies or savory vegetable treats.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, sugar (or salt for savory), and baking powder (if using).
2. Add the wet ingredients: eggs and butter for sweet navettes, or olive oil and water for savory navettes.
3. Mix until a smooth, pliable dough forms. Avoid over-kneading to keep the navettes light and tender.

Step 2: Shape the Navettes

1. Take small portions of dough and roll them into logs about 3–4 inches long.
2. Form the classic boat shape by flattening slightly and tapering the ends, or shape into ovals for cookies.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Line a baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

Step 4: Bake the Navettes

1. Place the shaped dough onto the prepared tray.
2. For sweet navettes, brush with egg wash and optionally sprinkle sugar. For savory, add herbs or sesame seeds on top.
3. Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden brown.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

1. Remove the navettes from the oven and allow them to cool slightly.
2. Serve fresh, or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Why You’ll Love This Les Navettes Recipe

Main Highlights

• Authentic Marseille flavor: Sweet navettes feature traditional orange blossom water, while savory versions include herbs and vegetables.
• Versatile: Can be made as cookies, bread rolls, or savory snacks.
• Beginner-friendly: Simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions make it easy for anyone to bake.
• Customizable: Adjust sweetness, flavors, or herbs to suit your taste.
• Delightful texture: Crisp edges with a tender, soft interior.

Cost-Saving Benefits

• Affordable ingredients: Uses common pantry staples like flour, eggs, and butter.
• Homemade quality: Avoid expensive store-bought pastries or specialty imported navettes.
• Bulk preparation: Can make multiple servings in one batch, perfect for families or gatherings.

Quick Facts

Dietary Alternatives

Ingredient Substitutions

When following this ingredients for Les Navettes recipe, you can make simple swaps to accommodate dietary needs without compromising flavor or texture:

Timing Adjustments

• Dairy-free substitutes: Dough may take a few extra minutes to bake due to moisture differences.
• Gluten-free flour: Let the dough rest 10–15 minutes before shaping for easier handling.
• Egg alternatives: Slightly longer baking may be needed for proper firmness.

By considering these alternatives, anyone can follow the ingredients for Les Navettes recipe while customizing it for dietary preferences.

Recipe Tips

Enhance your baking experience with these expert tips for making the perfect Les Navettes using the right ingredients for Les Navettes recipe:

1. Use Fresh Ingredients

Fresh butter, eggs, and flour will make a noticeable difference in flavor and texture. High-quality ingredients bring out the authentic taste in your ingredients for Les Navettes recipe.

2. Don’t Over-Knead the Dough

Overworking the dough can make your navettes dense. Knead just until smooth and pliable to maximize the texture from your ingredients for Les Navettes recipe.

3. Shape Carefully

The traditional boat shape is key to authentic navettes. Take your time to shape each piece evenly to make the most of your ingredients for Les Navettes recipe.

4. Experiment with Flavors

Sweet navettes can be enhanced with a touch of vanilla or lemon zest, while savory navettes benefit from fresh herbs or finely chopped vegetables, all using the core ingredients for Les Navettes recipe.

5. Bake to Golden Perfection

Oven temperatures vary, so keep an eye on your navettes. Bake until they are lightly golden brown for a perfect crisp exterior and soft interior, highlighting the best qualities of your ingredients for Les Navettes recipe.

6. Storage Tips

Store navettes in an airtight container at room temperature. They taste best fresh but can last up to 3 days without losing quality, ensuring your ingredients for Les Navettes recipe go a long way.

Healthy Version of Les Navettes

You can enjoy Les Navettes without compromising your health by making small adjustments to the ingredients for Les Navettes recipe. This allows you to create a lighter, nutritious version while keeping the traditional flavors intact.

Tips for a Healthier Navette Recipe

1. Use Whole-Grain Flour
   Replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat or spelt flour when following the ingredients for Les Navettes recipe to add fiber and nutrients while maintaining a tender dough.
2. Reduce Sugar
   Cut sugar in half or use natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar in your ingredients for Les Navettes recipe for a healthier sweet option.
3. Healthier Fats
   Swap butter for olive oil, coconut oil, or vegan butter in your ingredients for Les Navettes recipe to reduce saturated fat without sacrificing flavor.
4. Add Vegetables or Herbs
   In savory navettes, incorporate finely chopped vegetables like spinach, carrots, or zucchini. Herbs such as rosemary or thyme enhance taste while using the same ingredients for Les Navettes recipe base.
5. Portion Control
   Shape navettes smaller to enjoy them as a healthy snack or breakfast while still using the full ingredients for Les Navettes recipe.

Conclusion

Making Les Navettes at home is a delightful way to enjoy a traditional French pastry while controlling the ingredients and flavors. By following the ingredients for Les Navettes recipe and the step-by-step instructions, you can create sweet or savory navettes that are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or festive occasions.

Printable version

Ingredients for Les Navettes Recipe – 5-Step Method

Les Navettes are classic French biscuits from Marseille, flavored with orange zest and orange blossom water. They are slightly crisp on the outside and tender inside, perfect with tea or coffee.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine French, Mediterranean

Servings 12 biscuits

Calories 120 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Baking tray
• Parchment paper
• Oven
• Cooling rack

Ingredients

  

• 250 g 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 100 g ½ cup sugar
• 100 g 7 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 tsp orange blossom water optional
• 1 pinch of salt

Instructions

 

• Cream butter and sugar: Beat the butter and sugar until smooth.
  
• Add eggs and flavor: Mix in the eggs, orange zest, and orange blossom water.
  
• Add flour and salt: Gradually mix in flour and a pinch of salt until a smooth dough forms.
  
• Shape the biscuits: Roll dough into small logs, flatten slightly, and make a slit in the center.
  
• Bake: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake 15–20 minutes until lightly golden. Cool on a wire rack.
  

Notes

For a stronger orange flavor, add extra zest or a few drops of orange extract.

Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Optional: brush with egg wash before baking for a shiny finish.

Keyword French biscuits, ingredients for les navettes recipe, Les Navettes, orange biscuits, orange blossom biscuits

Call to Action: Share Your Experience!

We’d love to hear how your Les Navettes turned out! After following the ingredients for Les Navettes recipe and baking your sweet or savory treats, share your experience in the comments below.

• Did you try the classic sweet version with orange blossom water, or the savory vegetable navettes?
• Did you make any creative substitutions using the ingredients for Les Navettes recipe?
• What tips or tweaks worked best for you?

Sharing your feedback not only helps others perfect their navettes but also inspires a community of home bakers to enjoy this traditional Marseille pastry. Snap a photo of your creations, leave a comment, and join the conversation!