Because they were a traditional Christmas dish in the Champsaur valley of the Haute Alpes, tourtons des Alpes were nicknamed the coussins du petit Jésus (‘baby Jesus’s pillows’). Now people like them year round.
They are a light version of fried ravioli and can have either a savoury (potato, spinach, goat cheese or meat) or sweet (apple, prunes, raspberry and blueberry) filling. The savoury ones often appear on a charcuterie platter.
They are so popular there is a boutique, Le Tourton des Alpes dedicated to them in Theus, which sells them all across the area.
Image by letourtondesalpes