Rösti – Switzerland

Rösti Recipe – Swiss Potato Pancakes

Rösti is a traditional Swiss dish made from grated potatoes that are pan-fried until golden and crispy. It’s a delicious and comforting dish that can be served as a side or even a main course. Here’s how you can make authentic Swiss Rösti at home.

Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes, preferably starchy variety like Russet
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: 1 onion, finely chopped (for added flavor)
• Optional: Grated cheese (such as Gruyère) for topping

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potatoes:

• Peel the potatoes and grate them using a box grater. You can choose to have fine or coarse grating based on your preference. If you want to reduce the starch content, you can rinse the grated potatoes under cold water and then pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.

1. Remove Excess Moisture:

• Place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze out as much moisture as possible. The drier the potatoes, the crispier your Rösti will be.

1. Season and Add Optional Ingredients:

• In a large mixing bowl, season the grated potatoes with salt and pepper. If you’re using onions, mix them into the grated potatoes now. The onions can add a wonderful flavor to your Rösti.

1. Heat the Pan:

• In a non-stick frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat.

1. Cooking the Rösti:

• Once the butter has melted and the pan is hot, add the grated potato mixture, spreading it out evenly in the pan. Press it down gently with a spatula to form a thick pancake.

1. Cook Until Golden Brown:

• Let the Rösti cook without disturbing it for about 8-10 minutes or until the bottom is golden brown and crispy. To check, lift an edge with a spatula; it should be golden brown.

1. Flip the Rösti:

• Place a large plate over the frying pan. Carefully flip the pan to transfer the Rösti onto the plate, cooked side up. Add another tablespoon of oil to the pan if needed. Then slide the Rösti back into the pan to cook the other side.

1. Cook the Other Side:

• Cook the other side for another 8-10 minutes until it’s golden brown and crispy.

1. Optional: Add Cheese:

• If you like, sprinkle grated cheese over the top of the Rösti during the last few minutes of cooking. Let it melt and form a delicious crust.

1. Serve:
   • Slide the cooked Rösti onto a cutting board. Let it cool for a minute or two before slicing into wedges. Serve hot and crispy, perhaps with a dollop of sour cream or applesauce on the side.

Enjoy your homemade Swiss Rösti! It’s a delightful dish that pairs well with almost anything and makes for a hearty and satisfying meal.