What is Swiss Rösti (Roesti)?
Part of our Ultimate Guide to World Cuisine. Click to see more answers to your questions.
Rösti (pronounced “ROOSH-tee”) is a Swiss dish primarily made from grated potatoes. It originated as a breakfast dish consumed by farmers in the Swiss canton of Bern but has since become a staple across Switzerland, often enjoyed as a side dish with various meals. The basic preparation of Röesti involves frying or browning grated potatoes in a pan until they form a crisp crust, somewhat similar to a large hash brown.
The dish can vary significantly from region to region, with some variations including additional ingredients such as bacon, onions, cheese, or herbs mixed into the potatoes before cooking. Rösti is versatile and can be served alongside eggs for breakfast, or with meats and vegetables as part of lunch or dinner. It’s celebrated for its crispy exterior and tender, flavorful interior, making it a beloved comfort food in Swiss cuisine and beyond.
Wilma Kleger, Swiss-Italian contributor writes:
“The Swiss cook their Roesti in two different ways. You have Roesti with cooked potatoes, which is delicious when served with a saucy meat. The cooked potatoes soak up the sauce!
The Roesti made with raw potatoes is much crisper, but will not soak up sauce. So, this kind of Roesti is best when grilled with some Raclette cheese on top or even with a fried egg.”
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