Tomato and Cheese Swiss Fondue

Tomato and Cheese Swiss Fondue Recipe | France & Switzerland

Region / culture: France, Switzerland | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Tomato and Cheese Swiss Fondue is a delicious and creamy dish that is perfect for dipping bread, potatoes, and tortellini. This recipe combines the rich flavors of cheese with the tangy taste of tomatoes to create a unique and satisfying fondue experience.

History

Fondue originated in Switzerland as a way to use up leftover cheese and bread. The tradition of dipping bread into melted cheese quickly spread throughout Europe and eventually made its way to the United States. This tomato and cheese fondue recipe puts a modern twist on the classic Swiss dish by adding tomatoes for a burst of flavor.

Ingredients

1.75 cup tomato juice
1 clove garlic
4 cup swiss cheese or gruyère cheese, shredded (16 oz (454 g))
3 tbsp cornstarch
0.5 tsp worcestershire sauce
0.75 tsp salt
0.5 tsp crushed basil leaves
0.25 tsp white pepper
0.25 tsp dry mustard
0.25 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
0.25 cup tomato juice

Serve with

1 loaf french bread or focaccia bread, cubed
1 small red potatoes, steamed and quartered
diced ham or tortellini (cooked)

How to prepare

In a double boiler, heat 1.75 cups of tomato juice with garlic until it becomes very hot.
Place the double boiler over boiling water and remove the garlic.
Add the cheese gradually, stirring constantly until it melts.
Combine cornstarch, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings with 0.25 cup of tomato juice; stir this mixture into the melted cheese.
Continue stirring until the mixture becomes smooth. If the fondue becomes too thick, add more tomato juice.

Variations

Add cooked bacon or ham for a smoky flavor.
Stir in chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or chives for added freshness.
Use different types of cheese such as Gruyere or cheddar for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to gradually add the cheese to the hot tomato juice to prevent clumping.

- Stir the fondue constantly to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

- If the fondue becomes too thick, simply add more tomato juice to thin it out.

- Serve the fondue with a variety of dippable items such as bread, potatoes, and tortellini for a fun and interactive dining experience.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Tomato and Cheese Swiss Fondue with a variety of dippable items such as cubed bread, steamed red potatoes, and diced tortellini.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a successful fondue is to gradually add the cheese to the hot liquid and stir constantly until smooth and creamy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable broth instead of tomato juice for a different flavor profile.

- Substitute gluten-free bread or crackers for a gluten-free option.

- Use a dairy-free cheese alternative for a vegan version of this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the fondue mixture ahead of time and reheat it just before serving. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Tomato and Cheese Swiss Fondue in a fondue pot or a heatproof bowl to keep it warm throughout the meal. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Tomato and Cheese Swiss Fondue with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied red wine such as Pinot Noir. For non-alcoholic options, try serving it with sparkling water or apple cider.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover fondue can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Tomato and Cheese Swiss Fondue contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Tomato and Cheese Swiss Fondue contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Tomato and Cheese Swiss Fondue contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Tomato and Cheese Swiss Fondue contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Tomato and Cheese Swiss Fondue is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy and gluten.

Summary

Tomato and Cheese Swiss Fondue is a rich and creamy dish that is high in protein and calcium. It is a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Summary

Tomato and Cheese Swiss Fondue is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for sharing with friends and family. With its creamy texture and rich flavors, this fondue is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Tomato and Cheese Swiss Fondue. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the secrets of the kitchen from my own grandmother. She was a wonderful cook, full of warmth and love, and she had a treasure trove of recipes passed down through generations.

One sunny afternoon, while we were sitting in her cozy kitchen, sipping on cups of tea and chatting about life, she suddenly pulled out a faded old notebook from a drawer. With a mischievous twinkle in her eye, she handed it to me and said, "This, my dear, is where all the magic happens."

As I flipped through the pages, my eyes landed on the recipe for Tomato and Cheese Swiss Fondue. The ingredients were simple – ripe tomatoes, sharp Swiss cheese, a splash of white wine, and a generous sprinkling of herbs and spices. But what caught my attention was the method - the slow, gentle melting of the cheese, the careful stirring to create the perfect creamy texture, and the final touch of adding the tomatoes for a burst of freshness.

My grandmother explained that this recipe had been given to her by a dear friend who had traveled to Switzerland many years ago. She had tasted this fondue in a quaint little chalet high up in the mountains, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and the sound of cowbells tinkling in the distance. It had been a magical experience, one that she wanted to recreate for her loved ones back home.

I was captivated by the story behind the recipe, and I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself. So, under my grandmother's watchful eye, I set to work in the kitchen, carefully following each step and adding my own little touches here and there. As the cheese melted into a velvety smoothness, and the aroma of herbs and wine filled the air, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment wash over me.

When the fondue was finally ready, we sat down at the table, dipping cubes of crusty bread, crunchy vegetables, and slices of apple into the bubbling pot of goodness. The flavors danced on my tongue, the cheese rich and tangy, the tomatoes bursting with sweetness, and the wine adding a subtle hint of complexity. It was a feast for the senses, a celebration of love and tradition, and I knew that this recipe would become a cherished part of my own culinary repertoire.

Over the years, I have made Tomato and Cheese Swiss Fondue countless times, each time tweaking the recipe ever so slightly to suit my own taste. I have shared it with friends and family, watched their faces light up with delight as they dipped and savored each mouthful. And every time I make it, I am transported back to that sunny afternoon in my grandmother's kitchen, where I first discovered the magic of this delicious dish.

As I sit here now, surrounded by the comforting aroma of melting cheese and ripe tomatoes, I can't help but feel grateful for the gift of cooking that has been passed down to me through generations. It is a gift that has brought joy and nourishment to countless souls, a gift that has connected me to my past and inspired me to create new memories for the future.

And so, I will continue to cook and share my recipes with anyone who is willing to listen, passing on the traditions and stories that have shaped me into the cook that I am today. For in the kitchen, as in life, it is the simple act of sharing a meal that brings us closer together, that allows us to connect on a deeper level, and that reminds us of the love and warmth that truly nourish our souls.