¿Qué es fondue?
Good question! Fondue is una manera de comer where diners are presented with a pot of hot (sometimes boiling) liquid, as well as individual ingredients for them to dip into the liquid. There are three main variations of fondue.
The traditional calls for the dipping of breads and fruits into a pot of queso caliente. Bourguignonne fondue uses hot oil or broth in the pot in lieu of cheese, and pedacitos de carne are dipped and cooked. Chocolate fondue calls for melted chocolate in the pot and pieces of pastries, bread or frutas frescas are dipped and coated. Hungry yet?
Classic fondue, Latino style
Quizás no te hayas dado cuenta, but traditional cheese fondue is already known throughout Latin America. We know it as queso fundido and usually dip tortilla chips in it. Next time you fondue with your amigos, prepare some queso fundido con chorizo.
Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack are the favorite cheeses for this because they’re melty and gooey and add a nice kick. To add even more picante, add a finely diced jalapeño. Serve tortilla chips, crispy fried potatoes, or thinly sliced pieces of baguette for dipping.
iStock/oksix
Spicing up hot oil fondue
Safety first, amigos! Use caution and avoid una tragedia with this pot of boiling oil. Fill your pot 1/3 full with oil. Peanut and canola are often used, but some prefer avocado because of its high smoking point. Prep your oil con estilo latino by adding some garlic and un pedacito de chile as it heats. Make sure you take these out once the oil is hot.
Prepare your favorite cuts of steak and chicken by blotting them with paper and cutting them into cubes. This type of fondue is typically served with sauces on the side to top your meat. Add some sabor latino by using classic sauces like chimichurri, pico de gallo, or pesto peruano.
iStock/donstock
A decadent dessert
Add a touch of Latin spice to your favorite fondue de chocolate by adding the flavors you’d find in Mexican hot chocolate. Most chocolate fondue recipes call for milk or cream. Try subbing this for leche evaporada instead.
As you’re melting your chocolate, add cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice to taste plus a pinch of cayenne pepper. Serve this fondue with pieces of fresh fruit, nuts, and pieces of churros and/or pan dulce. ¡Buen provecho!
iStock/olgakr