Although many have heard of fondue, a Swiss dish where diners dip bread into a shared pot of melted cheese, there is another dish from Switzerland made with melted cheese, Raclette (pronounced raw-klett), that is also tasty, filling, and a good choice for enjoying dinner with guests.
Origin
The name for this dish comes from the French word racler, meaning “to scrape”, because the soft melted cheese is usually scraped from a cheese wheel onto plates after being heated by a fire or special machine.
According to Raclette Australia, the dish originated in the French-speaking Alpine region of Switzerland when a group of farmers accidentally left a wheel of cheese sitting on rocks near their fire. Discovering the cheese melting on the hot stones, one of the farmers decided to scrape of the melted cheese, tasted it, and a new dish was born.
The Cheese
True Raclette cheese, from cow’s milk, comes from Switzerland in large round wheels, about 11” in diameter and 3” thick. The cheese is a light yellow color with a semi-firm texture and very few holes.
Although the authentic cheese may be difficult to find in some regions, Emmantaler (a German cheese), Gruyere (traditionally used in fondue), Morbier (a French cheese) or even Swiss can be used—although the melting ability will be affected by the choice of cheese. Asking a local cheese shop for suggestions or purchasing on-line are also options if Raclette isn’t available in your area.
To Serve
As with many dishes, there are several ways to serve Raclette. Traditionally, the melted cheese is served over small boiled potatoes, little sweet gherkins, and cocktail onions. Other accompaniments include dried meats like prosciutto, peppers, or possibly pear slices. The rich taste of the strong cheese pairs nicely with the tart, sweet, and spicy flavors.
Raclette can also be found in some German and Swiss Christkindlmarkts (Christmas markets) served as a sandwich on heavy rolls with chopped pickles, onions, peppers, and jalapenos.
Several versions of a modern table-top raclette grill are now available to make serving at home easier. With these, the top serves as a hot plate allowing diners to cook their own meats or grill their own vegetables while the cheese is underneath, melting in small individual pans. Potatoes, onions, gherkins, and other accompaniments are served on the side (sometimes in specially lined baskets) and diners leisurely enjoy the dish.
There is some disagreement about what drink to serve with raclette—some believe a white wine, like a Riesling, is the best accompaniment, while others believe a warm drink, like tea, pairs well with the dish.
No matter how the cheese is melted or which accompaniments are shared or which beverage is served, Raclette is another delicious contribution to cuisine from Switzerland.
Jennifer L. Price - Jennifer L Price began her travels on the day she was born in Frankfurt, Germany. As the child of federal employees stationed in Europe, ...
