Swiss Rarebit

Swiss Rarebit Recipe - Vegetarian English and Swiss Dish

Region / culture: England, Switzerland | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Swiss Rarebit is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the flavors of sauerkraut, ale, and melted cheese on top of toasted English muffins. This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or as a comforting meal on a cold day.

History

Swiss Rarebit is a variation of the classic Welsh Rarebit, which is a dish consisting of a savory sauce made with melted cheese and various other ingredients, served hot over toast. The Swiss version adds sauerkraut and ale to the mix, giving it a unique and flavorful twist.

Ingredients

3 whole wheat english muffins, sliced in half crosswise
1 cup sauerkraut, rinsed and drained
1 tbsp soy margarine
0.75 cup beer or ale
1 tsp vegetarian worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dijon-style mustard, or more to taste
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
0.75 lb (340 g) low-fat swiss-style cheese, such as jarlsberg, diced
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 large egg, lightly beaten
3 tbsp soy “bacon” bits
0.5 tsp paprika

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
Line a baking pan with foil.
Place the muffin halves in the baking pan.
Toast for 2 to 3 minutes, or until crisp.
Place equal portions of sauerkraut on top of the muffin halves, and put the pan in the broiler.
Cook until the sauerkraut is heated through.
Remove from the oven, and set aside.
Meanwhile, melt margarine in the top half of a double boiler over boiling water and medium heat.
Stir together beer, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper, and add to the melted margarine.
Toss the cheese cubes with cornstarch.
As the beer heats, add the cubes a few at a time, and stir often until the cheese melts.
Remove 0.25 cup of the hot mixture, and beat it into the egg to temper it.
Cook for 3 to 4 minutes more, stirring constantly.
Immediately stir the egg into the melted cheese, and whisk to combine.
Spoon equal portions of the hot cheese over the muffin halves, sprinkle with "bacon" bits and paprika, and serve.

Variations

Add cooked bacon or ham for a meatier version.
Use different types of cheese such as cheddar or Gruyere for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to toast the English muffins until they are crisp before adding the sauerkraut on top.

- Be sure to stir the cheese cubes with cornstarch before adding them to the beer mixture to ensure a smooth and creamy cheese sauce.

- Tempering the egg with a small amount of the hot cheese mixture before adding it back to the pot will prevent the egg from curdling.

Serving Suggestions

Swiss Rarebit can be served as a main dish with a side salad or as an appetizer for a dinner party.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for Swiss Rarebit include toasting the English muffins, melting the cheese in a double boiler, and tempering the egg before adding it back to the cheese mixture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use regular butter instead of soy margarine.

- If you don't have ale, you can use vegetable broth as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the cheese sauce ahead of time and reheat it before serving over the toasted English muffins.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Swiss Rarebit on a platter garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Swiss Rarebit pairs well with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Swiss Rarebit in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Swiss Rarebit contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Swiss Rarebit contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Swiss Rarebit contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Swiss Rarebit contains approximately 15 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Swiss Rarebit is a good source of calcium, vitamin B12, and phosphorus.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy and soy.

Summary

Swiss Rarebit is a rich and flavorful dish that is high in fats and proteins. It is a good source of calcium and vitamin B12.

Summary

Swiss Rarebit is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With its rich and creamy cheese sauce, tangy sauerkraut, and hearty English muffins, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, when I was just a young woman eager to learn new things in the kitchen. I had always loved cooking, but I was always on the lookout for new recipes to try out and add to my repertoire.

One day, I was looking through an old cookbook that belonged to my mother. As I flipped through the pages, my eyes landed on a recipe for Swiss Rarebit. I had never heard of it before, but something about the name intrigued me. I knew I had to give it a try.

The recipe seemed simple enough – a rich and creamy cheese sauce poured over toasted bread. But there was something about the combination of flavors that caught my attention. I could almost taste the tangy Swiss cheese mixed with the sharp mustard and Worcestershire sauce. I knew this was a recipe I had to master.

I set to work gathering all the ingredients I would need – Swiss cheese, butter, flour, milk, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and a few slices of bread. I followed the instructions carefully, melting the butter in a saucepan, adding the flour to make a roux, and then slowly whisking in the milk until the sauce was thick and creamy.

The smell that filled my kitchen as the cheese melted into the sauce was heavenly. I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish. I poured the cheese sauce over the toasted bread and took my first bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth – the creamy cheese, the tangy mustard, the hint of spice from the Worcestershire sauce. It was everything I had hoped for and more.

I knew I had found a new favorite recipe that day. I made Swiss Rarebit for my family and friends, and it quickly became a staple in my cooking repertoire. Over the years, I have made it countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my tastes.

I have shared the recipe with countless people, passing it down through the generations. Each time I make it, I think back to that first time I discovered it in my mother's old cookbook. It reminds me of the joy of cooking, of trying new things, and of the satisfaction that comes from creating something delicious to share with the ones you love.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the familiar smells and sounds of cooking, I am grateful for that moment of discovery all those years ago. It was the beginning of a culinary journey that has brought me so much joy and fulfillment. And every time I make Swiss Rarebit, I am reminded of that first taste of something new and wonderful – a taste that has stayed with me all these years.