In Bessières, north of Toulouse, the Gargantua omelet reveals its secrets
After two years of absence, the giant omelet returns, Easter Monday, to Bessières where it will be served on the village square.
Back after two years of absence, the giant Bessières omelette made by the eponymous brotherhood will be served free of charge on Monday in the village square. Thousands of gourmands are expected for this unique dish.
Extraordinary dimensions
This omelet requires 15,000 hours. Almost an hour of cooking is necessary. It is cooked in a frying pan 4 meters in diameter which impose a special technique but also permanent monitoring.
How is the omelette cooking
15,000 eggs are needed. You have to break them first. About fifty people are mobilized. Then you have to beat them. Here, this step is done with an electric drill equipped with a special forest. Done, you have to wait for the fire master to be ready. Next, you have to melt the duck fat. We can then pour the eggs, add salt, pepper. The giant omelette is garnished with a little Espelette pepper and fine herbs. All you have to do then is cook in the giant frying pan.
An ancient tradition
The story goes back to very ancient times. A long time ago, every year at Easter, the conscripts of the village went from farm to farm to beg for eggs. Then they met to make omelettes which they distributed to the poor. It was by drawing inspiration from this tradition, marked by friendship and sharing, that the members of the Amicale bessièraine, happy fellows who never missed an opportunity to party, came up with the idea of the omelette. giantess. For forty-nine years, she has dressed thousands of visitors.
Thousands of guests
They will still be very numerous on Monday around the Place de la Vierge to attend the demonstration which will begin at 10.45 am with the traditional parade of Knights in ceremonial dress. It will start from the Place de la République, near the new headquarters of the Confrérie, now installed in the former slaughterhouses. Beyond the tasting, which is free and always very popular, it is a whole ceremony that takes place every year under the gaze of the curious.
A solidarity omelet
Numerous on the Bellecourt esplanade, the fairgrounds have decided to offer rides to Ukrainian children who arrived in Bessières a few weeks ago. The showmen hope to make them smile again and make them forget, at least for a few hours, the tragedy affecting their country.
Emulators
Since the launch of this giant omelet, the Confrérie has been emulated in France but also in Belgium, Canada, Argentina, New Caledonia and Louisiana where this unusual meal is also practiced.
How to approach the omelet?
For security reasons, access to the city center and parking will be regulated. On Monday, the avenue du Pont will be closed between the Tarn and the esplanade Bellecourt, crossing the Tarn will still be possible. Parking areas will be made available to visitors, in particular at the Efferv&sens area, near the Jean Cayla bowling alley and at the Soleilha area. Signage will be put in place and many agents will guide motorists to these car parks.