Meat Fondue: Perfect Wine And Side Dish Pairings

Meat fondue is a fun and social way to enjoy a meal with friends and family. It is a great way to get a group of people together and share a delicious meal. The best meats for fondue include beef, chicken, lamb, and seafood. It's important to choose cuts of meat that are tender and firm enough to stay on a skewer. Fondue can be served with various sauces and dips, and it is customary to serve at least three sauces. Some popular options include creamy horseradish sauce, mustard-based sauces, and bearnaise. In addition to meat, it is also common to cook vegetables in the fondue. Bell peppers, mushrooms, broccoli, and asparagus are ideal as they cook quickly and stay on a skewer. Meat fondue is often served with side dishes such as mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, pasta salad, or a simple green salad.

Sauces: mustard-based sauces, bearnaise, mayonnaise with mustard, or salsa

Sauces are an essential part of the meat fondue experience. It is customary to serve at least three different sauces, but you can offer more if you wish. Here are some ideas for sauces that will perfectly complement your meat fondue:

Mustard-Based Sauces

Mustard is a classic condiment for meat, and it pairs exceptionally well with fondue. You can simply serve store-bought Dijon mustard as a dipping sauce, or you can create your own mustard-based sauces. For example, you can mix mayonnaise with mustard, or prepare a sauce with mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and garlic. This type of sauce is perfect for those who want a creamy and tangy dipping experience.

Bearnaise Sauce

Bearnaise sauce is another excellent option for meat fondue. It is essentially a hollandaise sauce with the addition of tarragon and tarragon vinegar. The result is a rich, creamy, and slightly tangy sauce that will elevate your fondue experience.

Mayonnaise with Mustard

As mentioned earlier, the combination of mayonnaise and mustard creates a delicious sauce for meat fondue. This sauce is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time. Simply mix mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and garlic, then chill the sauce until you are ready to serve it.

Salsa

Salsa is a fresh and flavourful option for those who want a lighter dipping sauce. It pairs particularly well with beef fondue and can be served as a Swiss-style sauce. You can offer a variety of salsas, from mild to spicy, to accommodate different taste preferences.

In addition to these suggestions, you can also provide other sauces such as chimichurri, garlic aioli, or a spicy roasted red pepper sauce. Offering a variety of sauces will allow your guests to experiment and find their favourite combinations. Remember to prepare and arrange the sauces in small bowls around the fondue burner, creating an inviting and interactive dining experience for your guests.

Vegetables: mushrooms, bell peppers, broccoli, or asparagus

When it comes to vegetables, mushrooms, bell peppers, broccoli, and asparagus are all excellent choices to serve alongside meat fondue. These vegetables are firm and cook quickly, making them ideal for this cooking method. Here are some tips and suggestions for preparing and serving these vegetables:

Mushrooms

Mushrooms add texture and flavour to your meat fondue experience. You can use a variety of mushrooms, such as portobello, white, or cremini, or any other type you prefer. Cut the mushrooms into thin strips to ensure even cooking. They can be cooked in the same hot oil or broth as the meat, providing a simple and tasty addition to your meal.

Bell Peppers

Bell peppers come in various colours, including red, yellow, orange, and green, adding a vibrant touch to your fondue. Ensure the peppers are soft before serving, as this texture pairs well with the fondue. You can either boil or roast them. To roast, cut off the tops, slice them in half, season with salt and pepper, and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 20 minutes.

Broccoli

Broccoli florets are a great option for meat fondue as they cook quickly and can be easily skewered. Cut the broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. You can serve them raw or par-cooked, depending on your preference. Broccoli provides a healthy and crunchy element to your fondue spread.

Asparagus

Asparagus spears are another vegetable that can be cooked quickly in the hot oil or broth of your fondue. Cut them into bite-sized pieces to ensure they stay on the skewers. Asparagus adds a unique flavour and texture to your meat fondue, providing a refreshing change from the other vegetables.

Remember to prepare and serve these vegetables in individual bowls, allowing your guests to easily select their preferred options. You can also offer a variety of sauces and dips to accompany the vegetables, such as creamy horseradish sauce, mustard-based sauces, or bearnaise.

Dippers: boiled potatoes, bread, or raw king prawns

Boiled potatoes, bread, and raw king prawns are all excellent dippers for meat fondue.

Boiled potatoes are a great side dish to serve with meat fondue. They can be par-cooked or baby potatoes, and they add a nice contrast to the richness of the fondue. Potatoes are a staple side dish that can be prepared in a variety of ways to accompany meat fondue. They can be boiled, mashed, baked, or made into fries. For a baked potato, it is recommended to cook it until soft in the middle but not mushy, and serve it with toppings such as butter, sour cream, and chives.

Bread is another classic dipper for meat fondue. Fondue is often served with bread for dipping into the melted cheese and sauces. A French baguette or other crusty loaf of bread is a good option, as it holds up well to the flavours and doesn't disintegrate. Bread can also be used to pile on the cooked meat and dip it into the sauces.

Raw king prawns are also a great option for meat fondue. They can be cooked in the hot oil or broth along with the meat, and they work really well as a dipper. Prawns add a different texture and flavour to the fondue and are a good option for those who want something other than meat.

In addition to these dippers, it is customary to serve a selection of sauces with meat fondue. Three common choices are a creamy horseradish sauce, mustard-based sauces, and bearnaise sauce. These can be supplemented by any other sauce or condiment of your choice, whether homemade or purchased.

Meat: beef tenderloin, chicken, or meatballs

Beef Tenderloin

Beef tenderloin is a popular choice for meat fondue. To prepare, cut 800g of beef tenderloin into 1-inch cubes. It is recommended to season the meat and prepare sauces in advance, placing them in little bowls around the fondue burner. Fill your fondue pan halfway with vegetable oil and heat to 190°C. Give each guest a fondue fork and cook the beef cubes in the oil for 25-30 seconds for rare, 30-35 seconds for medium, and 45-60 seconds for well-done meat.

Some sauce suggestions include:

• Horseradish sauce: Mix 1 tbsp of grated horseradish with 3 tbsp of sour cream, the juice of 1 lemon, and a pinch of salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper.
• White wine vinegar sauce: Combine 3 tbsp of white wine vinegar, 2 tsp of sugar, 1 grated garlic clove, and 1 finely chopped medium red chilli.
• Herb sauce: Put a handful of parsley, basil, mint, coriander, and tarragon in a blender with 1 tsp of Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp of red wine vinegar, 2 tbsp of olive oil, 4 anchovies, and 1 grated garlic clove.
• Lemon-mustard sauce: Whisk together 3 tbsp of mayonnaise, the juice of 1 lemon, 1 tsp of Dijon mustard, and 1 grated garlic clove.

Alternatively, you can use broth instead of oil for a less messy option. Marinate the beef cubes in a mixture of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic for a minimum of 4 hours. Remove the beef from the marinade, pat it dry, and set it aside. Heat vegetable broth in your fondue pot to 225°F (105°C). You can add wine and green onions to the broth for extra flavour. Cook the beef cubes in the broth for 1-2 minutes. This pairs well with a hazelnut blue cheese salad.

Chicken

For chicken fondue, use skinless and boneless chicken breasts, cut into 2.5 cm cubes. Prepare a breading station with a bowl of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, chili pepper, basil, oregano, and salt and pepper. In a separate bowl, beat some eggs. Coat each piece of chicken with the egg, then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture. Place the breaded chicken pieces on a plate lined with a paper towel and refrigerate until fondue time.

Fill your fondue pot two-thirds full with peanut or canola oil and heat to 180-190°C. Cook the chicken pieces in the oil for 1-2 minutes. Let the meat cool off before dipping it into sauces.

Meatballs

Meatballs are a hearty and satisfying option for meat fondue. You can add extra vegetables to the meat mixture, such as grated zucchini. Form the mixture into small meatballs and bake them in the oven. Prepare a simple tomato sauce and pour it into an oven-safe dish, adding the meatballs. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Broil until the cheese is melted to your desired amount. Serve with crusty bread on the side.

Sides: potato salad, pasta salad, or a green salad

A meat fondue is a delightful way to bring people together and share a delicious meal. While the fondue itself can be an appetizer, the main course is often accompanied by side dishes. Here are some ideas for sides to serve with your meat fondue:

Potato Salad

A potato salad is an excellent choice to serve as a side dish with meat fondue. It has a light and fresh taste that pairs well with the rich and savoury flavours of the fondue. Potato salads can be made in various ways, but they typically include boiled potatoes, vegetables, and a dressing. For example, you could make a simple salad with boiled potatoes, chopped onions, and a mustard vinaigrette. Alternatively, get creative and experiment with different ingredients like bacon, hard-boiled eggs, or fresh herbs.

Pasta Salad

Pasta salad is another great option to accompany meat fondue. It is a simple dish that can be made ahead of time and customised to your liking. The basic recipe includes cooked pasta, vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and olives, and a dressing of olive oil, salt, and pepper. However, you can get creative and add your favourite ingredients, such as cheese, meats, or different types of vegetables. Pasta salad is a versatile and nutritious meal that your guests will surely enjoy.

Green Salad

A crisp green salad is a refreshing side dish to balance out the heartiness of the meat fondue. You can make one large salad and serve it in a bowl at the centre of the table for everyone to share. Alternatively, you can prepare individual servings for each guest. Include a variety of fresh greens, such as lettuce, spinach, or arugula, and add in some vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions. Offer a selection of dressing options, such as French dressing, vinaigrette, or a creamy ranch, to cater to different tastes.

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