Raclette – A cozy way to grill in the dining room

Raclette, the bad-weather alternative to grilling, or THE meal for New Year's Eve, offers a nice way to enjoy the meal WITH your guests. Since you can create your meal yourself by using any ingredients, no wishes remain unfulfilled. First of all, one should take care of acquiring a raclette grill* . Here are a few facts and tips:

What to look for when buying a raclette grill

• Heat output
• Size – the deciding factor here is how many people are to be served
• Number of raclette pans – optimally 6 to 8 pans

To shorten waiting times, simply buy extra pans. This way, every guest has 2 pans at their disposal. While one is sizzling, the other can be filled.

Furthermore, you should buy wooden raclette spatulas* as well. Because no sharp knife or pointed fork should come into contact with the coated pans. This way, the coating remains undamaged for a long time.

In addition to large plates for eating, you should also provide a small plate or a small board so that the hot pans can be set down safely. It has often happened to me that empty pans are put back and then unfortunately burn, which is of course very tedious to clean. Once you have purchased a suitable raclette grill and accessories, here are some variations, tips & tricks for a perfect barbecue evening within your own four walls.

Variations for grilling with raclette

Classic – with cheese

The original raclette is prepared with Swiss mountain cheeses from the Valais. The following types of cheese can also be used:

• Emmental
• Mozzarella
• Butterkäse cheese
• Edam
• Tilsit
• Gouda
• Cheddar
• Feta
• Camembert
• Gorgonzola
• Ready-made raclette cheese

The amount of cheese per person can be calculated at 150 – 250 g, depending on the amount of side dishes and meat. It is best to have the cheese sliced thinly when buying it, or slice it yourself beforehand, as this allows the pans to be filled faster.

Hearty – with meat & sausage

When it comes to meat, make sure it doesn't take too long to cook, otherwise it will take too long for raclette. To give the raclette a hearty touch, the following are suitable:

• Beef: Should be well-aged. It is best to use fillet, roast beef, or rump steak. To be absolutely sure it becomes tender, it is best to marinate it in oil for about 4 days and let it rest in the refrigerator.
• Pork: Fillet, loin or schnitzel meat, neck or belly meat
• Veal: Fillet and loin are best for use
• Chicken: Breast and leg meat
• Turkey: Breast and leg meat
• Lamb: Fillets or small chops
• Paprika or pepper sausage
• Smoked ham
• Smoked bacon
• Salami

Delicious variety

• Frankfurter
• Debreziner sausage
• Mini Berner sausages
• Leberkäse (meatloaf)
• Bratwurst

For gourmets – with fish

It is a matter of taste whether you want to combine fish and cheese. If your taste buds allow it, the following are suitable:

• Trout
• Halibut
• Pangasius
• Zander (pike-perch)
• Mackerel
• Smoked eel (Schillerlocken)
• Shrimp
• Shrimp
• Tuna
• Salmon

Side dishes for raclette with fish, meat, and poultry

With the right side dishes, suitable for fish, meat, and poultry, you can give your raclette the finishing touch. Pickled vegetables are a great option here:

• Pearl onions
• Cucumbers
• Olives
• Mushrooms
• Pepperoni

Healthy & light – with vegetables

Vegetables should also not be missing from a raclette. Depending on the type, you can place the vegetables on the table raw or al dente (blanched in boiling salted water beforehand). Almost all types of vegetables are suitable here:

• Peppers
• Onion
• Tomatoes
• Zucchini
• Mushrooms
• Corn on the cob: e.g., brush with a little butter and then grill on the grill plate

Extra tips

What has always been very well received by me are beaten eggs, which can also be wonderfully fried in the pan. Simply beat a few eggs with a mixer (otherwise it is difficult to portion) and place them on the table.

Furthermore, boiled potatoes, for example, are very delicious. It is best to use waxy potatoes. Peeled or unpeeled, whole or in slices, depending on your preference.

Sweet – with fruit

Raclette gets an exotic touch if you serve fruit with it. Why not try:

• Pineapple
• Bananas
• Pears
• Apples or
• Peaches

Whether on the grill plate or in the pan, frying gives the fruit a very delicious, intense flavor. You can try a 'Hawaii' pan. Those with a sweet tooth can also try the particularly sweet version and refine the fruits with a little honey.

Have fun combining the many ingredients ;).

Image by Janine, meinhaushalt.at

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