Raclette and raclette maker

How is Raclette cheese made?

Since 1 kg of the final product is obtained from 8 liters of raw materials, milk from several milk yields is collected, both morning and evening.

How to prepare Raclette:

Place a saucepan with milk in a water bath and heat to 31°C. There is no need to remove it from the fire, just turn it off. This way it will be possible to maintain longer the temperature necessary to stimulate the vital activity of lactic acid mesophilic bacteria and fungi.
Sourdough powder of 2 types, for fermentation and ripening, is poured onto the surface of the milk, left to soak for 5 minutes, and then mixed from top to bottom, very carefully, without shaking.
If raw milk was used to prepare Raclette, then only rennet starter diluted with water is poured in; if pasteurized, calcium chloride is also added.
Leave for 30-45 minutes - this time is enough for the calla to form.
The dense elastic clot is cut into cubes with edges measuring 0.5 cm. If there is no special cheese lyre, then the knife is used as follows: first, carefully cut off the top layer and cut horizontally, then move on to the next one.
Leave for 5 minutes to separate the whey and thicken the curd mass. Stir and allow the grains to settle again. The steps are repeated after another 20 minutes.
Carefully pour off a quarter of the whey that has risen to the surface and replace it with hot water at a temperature of 60°C.
Stir until the contents of the pan have cooled to 38°C. Experienced cheese makers are experimenting with the recipe for making Raclette; to wash out the acid, in order to quickly cool the contents of the pan, add cold water.
Stir constantly. The curd mass is considered ready when the individual grains are squeezed into a fist; they first stick together into a monolith, and then fall apart again into separate pieces.
Using a large slotted spoon, carefully transfer the intermediate raw material into a colander lined with gauze and leave it to separate the whey on its own.
After 20 minutes, the curd mass is transferred to a perforated mold, also covered with gauze, the ends are closed and pressure is applied. After 2 hours, the pressing is repeated - the resulting monolith is wrapped in a clean cloth, turned over and again placed under pressure. Pressing time is 12 hours.
The cheese monolith is immersed in 20% brine at a temperature of 13°C. Leave for a day, turning once in the middle of the cycle.
Homemade Raclette cheese is matured in a chamber at a temperature of 12-15°C and a humidity of 92-95%. You need to place a tray under the heads to make it easier to remove the released moisture.
After 3 days, the surface is wiped 2-3 times a day in a saline solution, the concentration is the same as for salting. After a week, the frequency of washing the heads is every other day, for a month. After 25-30 days, the formation of a crust begins. Red spots will first begin to appear on it, and then it will all turn brownish-red.

Raclette prepared at home may differ from the Swiss one in appearance, but if there is no mistake with the recipe, then the taste is completely consistent with the original. The duration of aging can be controlled independently. The minimum exposure is 8 weeks, the maximum is 1 year.

Raclette in Switzerland is made in the form of cylinders with a diameter of 30 cm and a weight of 5 kg. Heads prepared independently are much smaller - up to 2 kg. This is explained by the ripening conditions. In our small homeland, cheese is placed in well-ventilated rooms and placed on racks. The likelihood that mold will appear is low, but if dark spots appear on the surface, wipe the crust with a vinegar-salt solution, regardless of the ripening time.

Rating of the best models

Based on the overall picture compiled on the basis of the points presented, you can choose the ideal raclette model that will delight the buyer for many years.

Kitfort KT-1651

An easy-to-use raclette maker will gather the whole family around it and everyone will be able to prepare their favorite dish.
The electrical appliance is equipped with a heating element system, under which there are special recesses for small frying pans with cheese.

It is possible to choose the equipment of the top panel: a stone stove, a grill with a pancake maker or a special panel for pancakes.

The heating temperature changes smoothly and can be monitored using an indicator on the panel.

Specifications:

power: 1500 W;
main surface material: stone;
control system: mechanical;
number of pans: 8;
weight: 7.8 kg;
working surface size: 28x45.

Advantages

presence of non-stick coating;
ease of use;
high heating rate;
high cooling rate after switching off;
the ability to cook many products at the same time;
The kit also includes a list of recipes;
possibility of changing equipment.

Flaws

intense heat from the base coating;
not compact;
The problem is cleaning the pancake pan after cooking;
short cord.

Kitfort KT-1649

Maximum comfort and capabilities at the lowest price.
The electrical appliance is equipped with a heating element system that ensures smooth heating of the pans during the cooking process. Under the system there are recesses for portioned pans.

Maximum comfort is achieved by smoothly changing the temperature and monitoring this process using a special indicator.

Specifications:

power: 1200 W;
main surface material: metal/stone;
control system: mechanical;
number of pans: 8;
weight: 4.4 kg;
working surface size: 27.5x40.5.

Advantages

attractive price;
compactness and light weight;
high heating rate;
stylish design suitable for any kitchen;
ease of cleaning the surface;
high build quality;
there is a complete set.

Flaws

intense heat emanates from the main coating;
short cord;
small volume of pans.

Clatronic RG 3518

The best assistant in cooking meat and fish for a large company.
There is a special platinum made of iron, which is a combined grill for meat and fish.

Smooth temperature switching and an indicator on the panel increase operating comfort. The main coating is non-stick, easy to clean after cooking.

Specifications:

power: 1400 W;
main surface material: metal/stone;
control system: mechanical;
number of pans: 8;
weight: 4.4 kg;
working surface size: 46x23.

Advantages

high heating rate;
relatively low cost;
compactness and light weight;
The kit includes several blades;
high build quality.

Flaws

low quality non-stick coating;
intense heat comes from the main surface;
low build quality of the structure.

Tristar RA-2990

You no longer need to choose a place for a raclette maker, because compactness and small dimensions are the main advantages of this model.
The presented model is suitable for a small company of 4 people. For convenience, it has a carrying handle and non-slip feet. The set includes 4 cheese pans.

Specifications:

power: 500 W;
main surface material: stone;
control system: mechanical;
number of pans: 4;
weight: 2.5 kg;
working surface size: 19x19.

Advantages

compactness;
record small size;
fairly fast food preparation;
high build quality;
high build quality;
ease of operation.

Flaws

low power;
lack of components (spatulas, etc.);
low heating rate;
lack of non-stick surface;
lack of temperature settings.

Steba RC 58

This model brings together all the best from its predecessors: high power, compactness and ease of use.
The surface is resistant to scratches and holes, and has increased strength. There is a non-stick coating.

Convenience is enhanced by non-slip feet, temperature control and a heating indicator light. The electrical appliance heats up smoothly and strongly.

Specifications:

power: 1200 W;
main surface material: metal/stone;
control system: mechanical;
number of pans: 8;
weight: 4.4 kg;
working surface size: 37x23.

Advantages

high power level;
compactness;
stylish design;
durable surface that is almost impossible to scratch;
ease of use;
high heating rate;
high rate of cooling of the surface after turning off the electrical appliance.

Flaws

poor build quality;
lack of accessories;
high price.

Kitfort KT-1648

Incredible power at an attractive price.
The working surface is made of metal. For convenience, there are plastic handles on the sides for carrying electrical appliances, and it is possible to regulate the temperature.

Ideal for frying meat and fish, as there are grates on the main surface.

Specifications:

power: 1500 W;
main surface material: metal;
control system: mechanical;
number of pans: 8;
weight: 3.5 kg;
working surface size: 26x52.

Advantages

large surface for frying;
high power;
long wire;
high heating rate;
precise temperature control;
ease of cleaning after cooking;
good non-stick surface.

Flaws

cannot be placed on glass surfaces;
there may be some residue left;
lack of equipment.

Kitfort KT-1650

The best electrical appliance for cooking kebabs at home for little money.
For convenience, the device has wooden handles that do not heat up during cooking, and a convenient temperature regulator that allows you to smoothly change the temperature.

The top panel can be easily removed and you can replace it with a rack for skewers.

Specifications:

power: 1200 W;
main surface material: metal;
control system: mechanical;
number of pans: 8;
weight: 4.4 kg;
working surface size: 35x54.

Advantages

multifunctionality;
high-quality non-stick coating;
low cost;
The set includes a booklet with recipes for the raclette maker;
no soot;
ease of use.

Flaws

no additional accessories included;
lack of a main stone panel;
low power level;
short power cord.

Steba RC 3

A raclette maker for those who love cooking with increased comfort.
There is a removable grid surface for meat products. The stone plate is resistant to scratches and holes. Can be washed in the dishwasher.

The indicator on the panel informs about the on/off state of the device, the temperature conditions change gradually. The kit includes a device for winding the cable.

Specifications:

power: 1450 W;
main surface material: stone;
control system: mechanical;
number of pans: 8;
weight: 5.2 kg;
working surface size: 26x26.

Advantages

high power;
Dishwasher safe;
ease of use;
ease of use;
corrugated surface included;
the main surface is made of stone.

Flaws

overcharge;
lack of equipment;
small main surface area;
short power cord.

Princess 162620

A stylish and powerful raclette holder that matches the design of any kitchen.
The main panel is made half of stone and half of corrugated metal. This allows you to cook meat and other foods at the same time. The non-stick coating will prevent food from burning.

The set includes special spatulas. For ease of use, a heating level indicator is installed on the side.

Specifications:

power: 1400 W;
main surface material: metal/stone;
control system: mechanical;
number of pans: 8;
weight: 4.4 kg;
working surface size: 21x42.

Advantages

high power level;
The set includes 8 spatulas;
high-quality non-stick coating;
multifunctionality;
ease of operation;
high heating rate;
high cooling rate after power off.

Flaws

small main surface area;
high price;
During cooking, intense heat comes from the surface.

Steba RC 4 PLUS DELUX

The best model for lovers of well-cooked meat.
There is a non-stick coating and a plate made of natural stone. The 8 pans included are resistant to scratches and other minor damage.

The design includes a container for collecting fat left over from cooking. There is space for storing the cord in the base.

Specifications:

power: 1450 W;
main surface material: metal/stone;
control system: mechanical;
number of pans: 8;
weight: 8.3 kg;
working surface size: 37x39.

Advantages

high power level;
spacious cooking panel;
ease of use;
high-quality non-stick coating;
equipment for cooking meat;
The set includes a tray for preparing the sauce.

Flaws

overcharge;
heaviness and lack of compactness;
short cord.

Composition and calorie content of Raclette cheese

Pictured is Raclette cheese

The product is absolutely natural, made from farm milk, 2 types of starter cultures, rennet and salt. Preservatives and stabilizers are not used. The energy value depends on the quality of the feedstock, the duration of the washing and aging process. With prolonged ripening, the texture thickens and the carbohydrate content increases.

Calorie content of Raclette cheese is 357-392 kcal per 100 g, of which

Proteins - 22.7-32 g;
Fats - 28-37 g;
Carbohydrates - 1-2 g.

The vitamin and mineral complex is the same as that of semi-hard cheeses made from cow's milk. The group of B vitamins is represented in its entirety: thiamine, riboflavin, pantothenic, folic and nicotinic acid, pyridoxine and cyanocobalamin. After eating a 100 g piece, the body receives 36% of the daily dose of retinol and 68% of tocopherol.

Minerals per 100 g

Calcium - 661 mg;
Potassium - 75.9 mg;
Magnesium - 24.5 mg;
Sodium - 643 mg;
Phosphorus - 460 mg;
Selenium - 8 mcg.

Raclette cheese contains chlorine, iron, and zinc. The high amount of sodium is due to the fact that salt is used as a preservative.

Among the essential amino acids, phenylalanine, leucine, and lysine predominate; among the non-essential amino acids, glutamic acid and tyrosine predominate. Amino acids are the material for the construction of protein structures; they normalize metabolic processes and muscle contractions.

Despite the relatively high nutritional value, a piece of 30-40 g can be eaten for breakfast, even if you have to constantly monitor your own weight. This dietary supplement suppresses the feeling of hunger for a long time, allows you to maintain an active lifestyle and avoid snacking until your next meal.

In Switzerland, Raclette cheese is rarely eaten without prior heat treatment, so you should not count on replenishing your vitamin reserve. Mineral substances are transformed slightly when heated. Amino acids, essential and non-essential, are also preserved in their entirety.

See also the composition and calorie content of Kars peynir

Benefits of Raclette cheese

Fermented milk products in any form are beneficial for the gastrointestinal tract. When fats in cheese enter the esophagus and stomach, they form a film that reduces the aggressive effects of hydrochloric and bile acids and reduces the likelihood of developing peptic ulcers. Persons with a history of stomach and duodenal ulcers are advised to eat a small piece before going to bed.

Benefits of Raclette cheese when consumed regularly

Strengthens bones and cartilage tissue, accelerates the regenerative properties of muscle fibers.
Accelerates the growth of children and prevents the development of osteoporosis in adults.
Increases blood clotting, stabilizes the hematopoietic system, increases vascular tone and reduces permeability.
Improves vision and hearing, suppresses optic nerve degeneration.
Stimulates hair growth and strengthens nails.

Raclette cheese has a salty taste, and salt retains water. Thanks to this property, a hypotonic crisis can be avoided. In addition, the skin will remain elastic for a long time, and the formation of wrinkles will slow down.

Eating an appetizing product is a pleasure. The impulses that taste buds located on the tongue transmit to the brain stimulate the production of happiness hormones: endorphin, norepinephrine and serotonin. Your mood improves and it becomes easier to cope with emotional overload. And easily digestible milk protein quickly relieves muscle fatigue.

When the acid-base balance of the oral cavity changes to the acidic side, the vital activity of the pathogenic flora colonizing the gingival pockets and the surface of the tonsils is suppressed. If you eat Raclette cheese in your diet, then caries, periodontal disease and periodontitis occur much less frequently.

Contraindications and harms of Raclette cheese

Restrictions for introducing the product into the diet are allergies to cow's milk. Despite the fact that the annotation for Swiss Raclette states that the cheese is lactose-free, that is, milk sugar is completely transformed during long-term aging, if you have a history of lactase deficiency, then you should start getting acquainted with the new taste with a small piece, especially if ripening was limited to 2-3 for months.

You can eat up to 100 g of semi-hard Raclette cheese per day, but with high blood pressure, kidney failure, exacerbation of chronic cholecystitis, peptic ulcers and gout, you should limit yourself to 30-40 g per day due to the high salt content.

You should not forget about cholesterol. It is relatively small compared to fermented milk products of this type - only 96 mg per 100 g, but in case of obesity, progressive atherosclerosis, hypertension, the daily portion should be halved or temporarily discontinued.

Raclette cheese can cause harm if you are overweight and have a sedentary lifestyle. But if you have time to exercise, then you don’t have to worry that a 100 g piece will cause the formation of a fat layer. To burn 360 kcal, 40-45 minutes of active training or 2.5 hours of walking is enough, but not walking at a slow pace, but periodically changing the pace. If you use it occasionally, then it is enough to take care of a rational diet.

Raclette girls

For many, the name of the dish “raclette” doesn’t mean much. But this is one of the most popular delicacies in Switzerland, Austria and Denmark, the basis of which is melted cheese. The exact origin of this delicious treat is unknown, but there is a legend according to which hard cheese, accidentally left by the fireplace by a shepherd, suddenly began to slowly melt. Having tried it, the shepherd was incredibly surprised by the new taste sensations. The cheese has become more refined and delicate. This is how a cheese dish appeared, which is usually prepared from the same variety of Raclette , but the more familiar Parmesan will do just fine. Anyone who was lucky enough to visit Switzerland or Austria probably appreciated the ceremony that takes place around a melted wheel of cheese. Today it is not at all necessary to go to one of the European countries to taste raclette . You can do this just as well at home.

Not so long ago, online stores began to advertise raclette makers - tabletop devices for making raclette at home. Traditionally, it is a miniature grill on which a wheel of cheese weighing 1-1.5 kg is fixed. Melting occurs with the help of electric heaters, the cheese melts and falls into a container specially designated for this, from where it is scraped hot with a spatula and placed on a plate on top of the side dish.

To prepare delicious dishes at home, use a raclette maker consisting of two parts. The first part is two frying plates, designed not only for cooking raclette from cheese, but also pancakes, omelettes, hot sandwiches, meat, fish and vegetable dishes. The second part consists of a level for portioned pans included in the kit.

Using the raclette maker is very simple. For example, cheese is placed in a small frying pan, then sausages, eggplants and tomatoes are placed in a second frying pan, and boiled potatoes can be placed in a third frying pan and seasoned with spices. In a few minutes you will receive three different dishes.

The grilled raclette maker is perfect for creating dishes according to your own recipes. During the cooking process, everyone has the opportunity to experiment with certain products. Due to its compactness, the raclette maker will take up very little space on the kitchen table. All products are prepared without adding fat, which means that all food prepared in the raclette maker is a healthy diet. The device is easy to wash and clean.

A standard raclette grill has the following equipment: the device itself, two tiles made of environmentally friendly stone, eight small frying pans and spatulas, and instructions. You can take this household appliance with you to the dacha to please your friends with interesting and tasty dishes. The raclette holder is a practical, useful and original gift.

Recipes with Raclette cheese

This variety is placed on an assorted cheese plate, used to make sandwiches and sandwiches, and added to casseroles, sauces and hot dishes. You can sprinkle it on pizza or add it to baking fillings. The taste goes well with semi-sweet or sweet red and white wines, homemade liqueurs.

And here’s how they eat Raclette in Switzerland: cut the whole head, melt the surface and scrape off the heated, viscous mass with a spoon. That is why the variety got its name (translated from French as “scrape”). Nowadays the cut is treated with a special burner, but once it was heated by an open flame.

Recipes with Raclette cheese:

Casserole
. Boil several potatoes - 4-5 pieces, fry red onion rings until golden brown, cut several cherry tomatoes in half and pickled small cucumbers - 10-12 pieces each. Everything is laid out on a plate, alternating, the potatoes are first peeled and cut into thick pieces, a few pickled champignons and pieces of ham are added - 200 g in total. Melt the cheese in a special raclette maker or using a burner and pour in the contents of the dish. If there are no special culinary tools, then you can use the following method: put all the ingredients in ceramic pots, put finely chopped cheese on them and place everything in the oven until it melts. Serve the casserole hot.
Pasta sauce
. Boil pasta of any kind. Melt the cheese, cut into small pieces, mix with a small amount of butter and a few tablespoons of cream and add finely chopped dill and parsley. Pour over the pasta before serving while it is hot.
Egg sandwiches
. The oven regulator is set to 150°C. Grease the slices of bread with butter and fry in a frying pan with a thick bottom until golden brown on one side, then turn over, sprinkle the other with grated cheese and fry again - the cheese begins to melt. Remove the bread, put it in the oven and leave until the cheese melts. Break the eggs into a frying pan separately, adding oil so that they do not merge, wait until the whites thicken, but the yolk remains runny. Place the bread and cheese on a dish, brush with honey, and lay scrambled eggs on top.
Sweet breakfast
. It is best to cook on the grill or in the microwave. Thin pieces of pear are brushed with honey and left for 40 minutes to soak well. Heat the sandwich buns and melt the cheese. Grease the cut bun on both sides with mustard dressing, add a mint leaf, a sprig of parsley, pieces of pear and close the bun. Before serving, reheat, but so that it becomes warm, not hot.

The classic way to eat Raclette: form a plate with high sides made of foil, put thinly sliced cheese on it, put it in the oven, preheated to 150°C. If you overheat, a crust will form on the surface. Season with pepper to taste and sprinkle with lemon juice. Served with cold cuts and baked vegetables. But the taste goes best with boiled potatoes, onions and pickled cucumbers.

See also recipes for dishes with Kopanisti cheese

What can you cook in a raclette maker?

The design of the raclette maker is a compact tabletop grill. This device is very common in Europe, and today interest in it has also appeared in Russia, which is not surprising: with its help you can prepare a lot of simple and very tasty dishes.

Rakletnitsa: review of main dishes

The word “raclette” itself comes from the name of the Swiss dish raclette, and it is this dish that is usually prepared on this device. Its main ingredient is cheese. The raclette maker has special portioned pans in which the cheese is melted, after which it can be poured over any food. Professional chefs recommend using a special cheese designed specifically for raclette, but it is not cheap and is not always available for sale, so any hard cheese can be used instead. Before cooking, the cheese is cut into small slices and placed in a frying pan.

Traditional raclette is usually made with potatoes. It's simple, satisfying and inexpensive - ideal for a quick family dinner and informal gatherings with friends.

To create more sophisticated dishes, you can add mushrooms, ham, lard, salami, and bacon to potatoes. All these ingredients are first fried in the top of the raclette pan and then topped with cheese. Also, very tasty raclette is made from shrimp, fish and other seafood. An egg is good for breakfast.

Vegetarians can grill vegetables instead of the above products: zucchini, bell peppers, and season it all with herbs and onions. You can also add nuts.

What else can you cook in a raclette maker?

Since the device is a mini-grill, it can be used for frying meat, fish and sausages. Salmon steaks, fried tuna, veal schnitzel, toast with minced beef - this is not a complete list of hearty and tasty dishes that can be obtained using a raclette maker. You can also bake pancakes on a surface designed for frying food. Pancakes, as you know, can be used in a wide variety of variations, both main courses and desserts.

Thus, among the recipes for raclette maker, everyone can choose a dish to their taste. With the help of this compact device, you can significantly diversify your diet and delight your loved ones with delicious food, putting a minimum of effort into its preparation. Our online store of household appliances offers a wide range of raclette holders from leading German manufacturers.