In 2019, Fondussimo’s very first exclusive creation was an absolute revolution in fondue, with its Italian Fondue. This encouraged fondue enthusiasts to cook ravioli and fettuccine in a homemade tomato and red wine broth!
Since then, we have created a large number of recipes incorporating pasta, because it’s simply delicious when cooked in broth.
However, this new fondue ingredient does raise a lot of questions, so we’ve put together this little guide to help you enjoy the best fondue experience ever!
Do you have to pre-cook the pasta before soaking it in the broth?
Not necessarily, although it will be less tasty when cooked in water than in a good broth. On the other hand, there are some situations in which it is possible and preferable to pre-cook your pasta in adequately salted boiling water:
- Pre-cooking the pasta will use less broth during a meal (they will absorb less broth).
- Pre-cooking will speed up the meal (some dry pasta takes up to 10-12 minutes to cook).
- Pre-cooking dry pasta beforehand is easier in boiling water and it is less likely to leave wheat deposits, which would eventually thicken the broth. Make it al dente!
What are the best pastas to cook directly in the broth?
Some small, fresh pastas, like fagottini, only takes 3 minutes to cook and is a great quick option for those who are hungry or in a rush. On the Asian side, rice vermicelli, ramen and several egg noodles are also ready faster than you can say their names.
- Rice vermicelli: Miso Fondue
- Ramen noodles: Ramen Fondue
- Egg noodles: Thai Fondue
In what kind of fondue broth should you cook pasta?
You can choose the fondue broth of your choice, but be sure that your broth’s flavour profile best matches that of your pasta. For example, a ricotta ravioli will go better with a tomato broth than a BBQ or Asian broth. Asian pasta is always more at home in a broth with an oriental fragrance.
Some Fondussimo fans simply choose to put chicken broth in their fondue pot. This gives pasta a bit more flavour, costs less and tends to appeal to children. However, it is then advisable to blend the cooked pasta with a selection of tastier pastas.
What sauces should you serve with pasta fondue
Our Italian Fondue is paired with a fabulous three-cheese sauce and many fans are surprised to find that it’s perfect just like that, as the tasty broth lends good flavour to the pasta cooked in the broth. However, many fans also choose to simply serve the pasta with store-bought pasta sauces (ex: Alfredo, Rosé, Marinara), served cold or warmed on a stove. Pesto is also a great option!
Remember that just like broth, sauces benefit when they share the same flavour profile as the fondue in order to avoid gaffes.
How much broth should you anticipate when incorporating pasta into your fondue meal?
We usually recommend 3-4 liters of broth (3-4 boxes of commercial fondue broth) for your Fondussimo set. Depending on the number of guests at the table and the amount of pasta served during the meal, you may need to double this amount, especially if your pasta is not pre-cooked.
Our team recommends that you prepare 1.5 times the initial quantity. As we believe it's better to have a little too much and convert it into something else than to run out of broth during the fondue!
What are some examples of fondues that can be made with pasta?
Our recipe program includes many innovative gourmet creations featuring pasta!
- General Tao Fondue : with Asian dumplings
- Carbonara Fondue : with fresh fettuccine in a creamy broth
- Peanut Chicken Fondue : with gluten-free vegetable noodles (zoodles)
- All-Duck Fondue: with gnocchi
Whether you choose to incorporate one or two varieties of pasta into your fondue meal or prepare an epic pasta bar, all of your guests will be delighted with this exciting new option that’s easily-cooked in Fondussimo’s unique perforated baskets!
