Potato and raclette
Raclette , this convivial and emblematic dish of the Swiss Alps, is not just about melted cheese .
Potatoes play a vital role as the main accompaniment. Their sweetness and texture balance the richness of the cheese , creating a perfect harmony in the mouth. But not all potatoes are suitable for this traditional dish.
Here's how to make the right choice for a successful raclette with potatoes and raclette , with a pinch of pepper .
Which variety of potato to choose for raclette?
To make your cheese raclette a success, it is essential to select suitable potatoes . Firm-fleshed varieties are particularly recommended, as they hold up well to cooking and do not crumble.
Some of the best options include:
- Charlotte, sweet and tasty
- The Ratte, small and slightly sweet with hints of hazelnut
- The versatile, thin-skinned Amandine is also ideal.
- The Chérie for a more pronounced flavor
- La Roseval will meet your expectations.
Choose organic or local potatoes so you can eat them with their skin. The skin is rich in nutrients and helps preserve their authentic taste.
The importance of potato size
To ensure even cooking, it is important to choose potatoes of similar size. This prevents some from being overcooked while others remain firm. A uniform size also looks better when serving, especially in a dish as iconic as raclette.
When and how are they grown?
The potatoes used for cheese raclette are usually harvested between July and October. Grown in rich, well-drained soils, they benefit from a temperate climate ideal for their growth. After harvest, they are stored in cool, dark conditions to preserve their quality throughout the winter.
How to prepare potatoes for raclette?
The basic recipe for preparing potatoes is a key step in making your cheese raclette a success.
- Start by washing them carefully under cold water to remove all traces of soil.
- Cooking potatoes in their jackets is the traditional method: immerse them in a pan of lightly salted cold water, bring to the boil then cook for 20 to 25 minutes depending on their size.
How do you know if potatoes are perfectly cooked?
To check if your potatoes are ready, prick them with the tip of a knife or a fork: if the utensil goes in without resistance, they are perfectly cooked.
They should be warm and slightly soft to the touch. An internal temperature of around 90°C ensures optimal cooking.
Cooking in a jacket : a timeless classic
Jacket cooking involves cooking potatoes with their skin on in boiling water or steam.
This method preserves their natural flavor as well as essential nutrients like potassium and dietary fiber. Plus, it provides an ideal texture to accompany melted cheese .
How to serve potatoes with raclette?
Once cooked, serve your potatoes hot in a basket covered with a clean towel to keep them warm throughout the meal.
If your raclette oven has a hot plate, you can also keep them warm directly on it.
How much should I plan for per person with a raclette oven?
For a successful raclette, it is important to have enough potatoes for all your guests and of course a good raclette oven. Allow around 300 to 400 g per adult and 150 to 200 g for children. This guarantees a generous accompaniment without excess.
Nutritional values of potatoes
Potatoes are not only delicious but also nutritious. Rich in complex carbohydrates, they provide a long-lasting source of energy that is ideal to accompany a hearty meal like raclette.
They also contain vitamins (especially B6 and C) as well as essential minerals like potassium.
Some ideas, new seasonal recipes, directions and suggestions for ingredients to accompany your potatoes and cheese that makes all the difference
Choose organic varieties to eat the skin without worry. Organic potatoes retain their authentic taste and can be cooked in their skins , which is ideal for preserving their nutrients.
To vary the pleasures, think about integrating new seasonal recipes around your raclette oven. For example, offer garnished potatoes: lightly hollow out your cooked potatoes, add melted raclette cheese then put them in the oven for a few minutes for an irresistible gratin effect.
Finally, don't forget the classic accompaniments like pickles, marinated onions or even small mushrooms in vinegar, and of course pepper .
To finish with a good dessert, why not make a cinnamon apple cake?
Why is Valais cheese an excellent product?
Raclette du Valais AOP cheese is the traditional product par excellence to accompany your potatoes. Its full-bodied taste and melting texture go perfectly with the sweetness of the tubers cooked in their jackets.
Here's how it works: by combining an excellent raclette oven and these two iconic elements, you offer your guests a real taste journey to the heart of Swiss heritage.
