How to make Älplermagronen, the Swiss Mac 'n' Cheese

DW (English)

Served in many Alpine huts in French-speaking parts of Switzerland, this hearty specialty is made from pasta, potatoes, cheese and onions. Learn how to make it!

Transcript

00:00In Swiss mountain chalets, Elblemagornen is almost always on the menu.

00:06This chalet, around 1,600 meters up, is in the La Gruyere district in French-speaking

00:11western Switzerland, renowned for its cheese.

00:15You can only get up here by lift.

00:17Hungry winter sports enthusiasts often stop here for lunch.

00:21To prepare the Elblemagornen, Nicola needs the following ingredients.

00:27Pasta, grated Gruyere cheese, onions, diced bacon, cream, spring onions, garlic, salt

00:36and pepper, and applesauce on the side.

00:39In German-speaking Switzerland, the dish is made with potatoes.

00:43First, I take a knob of butter and sauté the onions briefly.

00:51Then I add the bacon.

00:57To enhance the color, add a few spring onions, a little garlic, and now we add the macaroni.

01:15Mix everything well and let it steam lightly.

01:19Add a bit of salt and pepper.

01:24The whole thing is then cooked, like a risotto, so add a little stock, stir, and leave it

01:31to reduce.

01:35Cooking time is six or seven minutes, depending on the pasta.

01:40Now you can see the pasta is almost cooked, then you add the grated Gruyere.

01:48This would also be the time to add potatoes, as traditionally eaten in German-speaking

01:51Switzerland.

01:53It's important to pre-cook the potatoes as they take longer to cook than the pasta.

02:01And then there's this regional product, double cream, which has an especially high fat content.

02:10Now you can turn off the stove so the cream won't boil again.

02:16It's ready for serving.

02:23A refreshing addition to the dish is finely chopped green onions, crispy fried onions

02:27for a crunch, and applesauce on the side for those who enjoy it.

02:37And the Alpe Macaroni is done, enjoy!

02:42According to legend, Italian guest workers who helped construct the Gotthard road tunnel

02:47introduced macaroni to Switzerland in the late 19th century.

02:52Pasta was a practical option for herdsmen in the mountains.

02:55It's long-lasting, nutritious and easy to transport.

02:59They added mountain cheese and cream, creating the Alpe Macaroni.

03:04Macaroni is the Swiss term for macaroni.

03:08This dish is especially popular in the La Gruyere region.

03:12It's a family-friendly, convivial dish that people love and appreciate.

03:17There's something cozy about it.

03:21Alpe Macaroni is often considered the Swiss equivalent of mac and cheese, but there are

03:26key differences.

03:28First of all, Alpe Macaroni is made with Gruyere cheese, which is specific to the region, while

03:33mac and cheese typically uses cheddar, which is also usually baked on top.

03:39Secondly, Alpe Macaroni is served with applesauce, but why?

03:45The dish is very hot, and the applesauce adds a sweet note, making it a little more delicate.

03:50It provides a certain freshness, contrasting with the heat.

03:57And why do the Swiss love Alpe Macaroni so much?

04:03It's filling, quick to prepare and served hot, a satisfying lunch that keeps you going

04:07all afternoon.

04:11In our region, it's a tradition.

04:13I highly recommend this dish to anyone who hasn't tried it before.

04:21Alpe Macaroni is comforting Swiss soul food that leaves you satisfied and warms you up

04:27during the cold grey winter season.

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