The best food dishes to try in Europe on your ski break this year
Even the most avid skier will admit there is so much more to a trip to the slopes than just strapping on your skis. With so many top skiing destinations for foodies across the world, the cuisines on offer will vary depending on where you go, but there are some dishes which are synonymous with this particular type of holiday. Think warming, hearty foods that will keep you going up and down the mountains from the first gondola to the last.
For many of us, the key motivation to seeing different parts of the world is to get a taste of different cultures and lifestyles. In fact, over 18% of people who relocated in the past cited experiencing a new culture as the main reason behind their decision. Food lies at the heart of these cultural experiences, and a holiday is another opportunity to try foods and ingredient combinations which are synonymous with the country you are visiting.
If you’re looking to eat like a local on your next skiing adventure, here are three dishes to look out for.
Cheese fondue
Is there anything more satisfying after a long day’s skiing than kicking off your boots and indulging in a piping hot cheese fondue? It’s long been a staple of ski resort restaurants the world over, and is a must-try dish for anyone hitting the slopes this year. Switzerland lay claim to the ownership of this now world-renowned winter warmer, and it remains one of the country’s most popular dishes.
But what goes into making this cheesy masterpiece? The type of cheese which is best for a fondue is a contentious issue across borders. But, in the classic Swiss version, you’re likely to find a combination of melted Gruyère and other firm cheeses. It’s usually served with chunks of bread used for dipping, as well as a helping of white wine to wash it all down.
Croque Monsieur
When there is still plenty of skiing left to be done in the day, and you’re after a slightly lighter lunchtime snack, look out for a croque monsieur. A quintessentially French dish which puts a tasty spin on the classic cheese toastie, a typical croque monsieur consists of sourdough bread with a ham and cheese filling.
Once assembled, the sandwich is typically baked in the oven, but some restaurants will opt to fry it. Either way, you will be left with a real crowd-pleaser which will be guaranteed to warm you up after a frosty morning on the slopes.
Schnitzel
It’s not all melted cheese and bread in the mountains. After working up an appetite throughout the day, is there a better après alternative to the classic schnitzel and chips? If you have spent any time in a European ski resort, you will have certainly come across this classic recipe which has featured on menus for many years.
Essentially, a schnitzel is simply a thin slice of meat which is covered in breadcrumbs and fried to give it a crispy texture. The type of meat used will vary, but a classic schnitzel will contain chicken, pork or veal. It is usually served with a hearty, carby side, usually chips or a potato salad.
Particularly when you’re venturing on a foreign holiday with young, fussy eaters, it can be difficult to find dishes to suit their tastes. In this case, the schnitzel will be the answer to all your prayers – what’s not to love about meat, chips and breadcrumbs?