In 2019, Fondussimo’s very first exclusive recipe, the Italian Fondue, created an absolute revolution. It motivated 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 a good 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, and 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 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 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 pick any fondue broth, but be sure that your broth’s flavour profile matches that of your pasta. For example, a ricotta ravioli will go better with a tomato broth than with a BBQ or Asian broth. And inversely, Asian pasta will always be 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 of flavour, costs less and tends to appeal to children. However, it is then advisable to accompany the cooked pasta with a selection of tasty sauces.
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 already. However, many fans also choose to simply serve the pasta with store-bought 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 prepare 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 that amount, especially if your pasta is not pre-cooked.
What are some examples of good fondues to make 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!
