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Raclette

17/11/2023

Raclette is a very sociable Swiss dish named after the cheese used to make it. Traditionally, raclette is enjoyed in company and involves heating the cheese and scraping it over potatoes and other side dishes. Here’s what you need and how to prepare it:

Ingredients

  • Raclette (cheese), as much as needed depending on the number of guests
  • Potatoes, usually 2-3 medium ones per person
  • Pickles and sweet and sour onions, to taste
  • Mushrooms, sliced meats and cornichons, also to taste
  • Dried meat, like bresaola or prosciutto crudo, optional
  • Bread, optional

Preparation

  1. Start by boiling the potatoes in salted water until they are soft, which usually takes about 20-30 minutes depending on the size. Afterwards, drain them and let them cool down.

  2. Meanwhile, prepare the side dishes: slice the mushrooms and sliced meats if you have chosen to include them and arrange the pickles and onions in separate bowls.

  3. When you’re ready to serve, turn on the raclette grill if you have a specific one (otherwise, you can melt the cheese in a non-stick pan or under the oven grill).

  4. Cut the raclette cheese into slices about half a centimeter thick.

  5. Place a slice of cheese in the raclette pan and let it melt under the heating element.

  6. Meanwhile, everyone can start to assemble their own plate with potatoes, sliced meats, pickles, and onions.

  7. Once the cheese is nicely melted and has taken on a light golden color, “scrape” the raclette directly onto the potatoes and other side dishes on the plate.

  8. Repeat the process until everyone is satisfied.

An Italian twist might be to use Italian cheeses similar to raclette for melting, such as fontina or taleggio, and adding typical Italian side dishes like mixed pickled vegetables or grilled vegetables.

Curiosity

The history of raclette dates back centuries, and is closely linked to the life of shepherds in the Swiss Alps. Shepherds used to carry rounds of raclette with them as they moved with their flocks and melted it to eat with bread or potatoes.

I hope you have fun preparing and especially enjoying this delicious Swiss specialty with an Italian touch!

Raclette