Cooking with a raclette grill, an idea originating from Switzerland, offers a unique and social culinary experience akin to Korean barbecue. By fusing Korean street food elements with the Swiss raclette tradition, we've crafted a distinctive communal dining adventure. This method tends to be more satisfying with less food, as the combined act of cooking and eating over a prolonged period allows your body to feel full without needing as much food as you might consume in a shorter dining session.The Grill Setup: At the heart of the meal is the raclette grill, featuring a dual-section design: a flat grilling area on top and individual small pans (coupelles) beneath. This setup resembles the central grills used in Korean barbecue restaurants, where various ingredients are cooked at the table.Preparation of Ingredients: Ingredients are prepared and laid out within easy reach for all diners. This includes thinly sliced meats (akin to Korean barbecue cuts), an assortment of vegetables, and raclette cheese, all ready for cooking and melting.Interactive Cooking: Diners grill their selected meats and vegetables on the grill's upper surface, similar to the self-cooking approach in Korean barbecue. This interactive element allows everyone to tailor their meal to their preferences.Melting Cheese: Beneath the grill surface, slices of raclette cheese are melted in the small pans. This process of melting cheese at the table shares a communal aspect with Korean barbecue, where ingredients like cheese corn or egg are often cooked alongside the meat.Combining Ingredients: Once the cheese is perfectly melted, it is typically poured over the grilled items or served with boiled potatoes. The combination of grilled food and melted cheese mirrors the Korean practice of combining cooked meats with sides and sauces for a harmonious blend of flavors.Seasonings and Side Dishes: Similar to the banchan (side dishes) in Korean meals, raclette is often accompanied by seasonings and condiments like pickles and onion relish to enhance the flavors.Communal Dining Experience: Central to both raclette and Korean barbecue is the social aspect. These meals foster conversation and sharing, as everyone gathers around the grill to cook and eat together.Leisurely Pace: Both dining styles encourage a relaxed, unhurried approach to eating, where diners can enjoy their food at a leisurely pace, making them ideal for social gatherings.While raclette and Korean barbecue have distinct cultural origins and unique elements, they share the principles of communal cooking, interactive dining, and a focus on enjoying a variety of flavors together.
Equipment
- Raclette Table Grill
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1 cup cabbage thinly sliced
- 1 cup cauliflower and broccoli florets
- 2 cups leafy greens such as mustard greens, dandelion greens, or turnip greens
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup asparagus cut into bite-sized pieces
Fruits
- 1 apple thinly sliced
- 1 cup mixed berries such as raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, or cherries
Sauce and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the Raclette Table Grill according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced bell pepper, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, leafy greens, garlic, asparagus, apple, and mixed berries.
- Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil over the vegetables and berries. Toss to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle the grated ginger, fresh thyme leaves, turmeric, and black pepper over the vegetables and berries. Mix well to distribute the flavors.
- Place the mixed vegetables and berries on the Raclette Table Grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are slightly charred and tender.
- Carefully remove the Raclette Table Grill and transfer the cooked stir-fry to a serving dish.
- Serve the Korean Raclette Table Grill Stir-Fry with steamed rice or rice noodles for a complete meal.
