If you are craving cheese and bread and a warm, comforting feeling, fondue is the answer. But that does not mean you need to travel to Switzerland to do that. You can do it right here in India, and no,
we do not mean the pav bhaji or chocolate monstrosity being served up at cafes.
DIY it yourself at home!
With Christmas around the corner, fondue makes for a perfect meal during these cosy gatherings. Fondue – a communal melted cheese dip – can transform these nights into interactive fun, where loved ones spear bread or veggies while creating core memories. It is also more accessible than you think and a far cry from the jaw-dropping restaurant prices.
A Brief History of Fondue
Fondue originated in 18th-century Switzerland, from the French word “fondre” meaning “to melt.” Swiss farm families stretched scarce winter resources by melting aged cheese with wine over the hearth. This would soften the stale and hard bread and dip it into the cheesy mixture.
Early recipes appear in 1699 Zurich cookbooks, and they call for blending grated cheese and wine. Though rural in roots, it is now enjoyed by urban elites with Gruyère and across the world, too. The Swiss Cheese Union popularised it in the 1930s as a national dish, boosting cheese sales amid harsh Alpine winters.
How to Set Up Fondue at Home
To make the cheese sauce, you can use premium cheese like Emmental or Gruyère. If not, you can also use more readily available cheese like cheddar or mozzarella, and even processed white cheese works.
You’ll need a fondue pot, which is basically a saucepan over a heat source. The smaller pots use tea light candles to keep the cheese melty and gooey. You can use a small portable burner or a hot plate on low.
The other most important element to make fondue is white wine. Ensure it is of good quality, as it will enhance the taste. It is also important to prepare the items you want to dip into the cheese in advance and set them out for the guests.
Some of the most common foods to eat with fondue include crusty bread cubes, boiled baby potatoes, and fresh or roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots. You can also try hardy fruits such as apple slices, pears, and grapes. For a protein option, paneer cubes or cooked sausages work wonderfully.
To make the cheese sauce, rub a garlic clove inside the pot and simmer the wine and gradually stir in grated cheese. Let it melt and keep warm on low heat.
Give everyone skewers so that they can poke the dippers and swirl them in the cheese.
