Älplermagronen (Swiss Macaroni with Cheese and Potatoes)

  • Preparation - 15 minutes
  • Cooking - 35 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Country: Switzerland
A portion of Älplermagronen with crispy fried onions and a bowl of applesauce.

Älplermagronen, which translates to 'Alpine Macaroni', is a traditional and filling meal of shepherds from the Alps. It is made from simple ingredients available in mountain huts: pasta, potatoes, cheese, and cream. It is topped with crispy fried onions and, surprisingly, served with applesauce on the side, which provides a refreshing contrast.

Ingredients

I. Ingredients for Älplermagronen

  • 400 g Potatoes, firm-cooking, peeled and cubed into 1 cm pieces
  • 250 g Short pasta (Magronen, Hörnli or elbow macaroni)
  • 2 dl Single cream (Halbrahm) or Half-and-half
  • 5 dl Vegetable broth
  • 150 g Gruyère cheese, grated
  • 0.5 tsp Salt
  • 1 to taste Pepper, Nutmeg

II. Ingredients for Crispy Onions (Röstzwiebeln)

  • 2 pcs Large onions, thinly sliced into rings
  • 1.5 tbsp All-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp Butter or oil for frying

III. Ingredients for Applesauce (Apfelmus)

  • 600 g Apples, peeled and chopped
  • 1 dl Apple juice or water
  • 2 tbsp Sugar
  • 1 pc Cinnamon stick (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Applesauce (Apfelmus)

In a pot, combine apples, juice, sugar, and cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer over low heat for 10 to 15 minutes until the apples are soft.

Remove the cinnamon stick and mash the apples with a fork or blend until smooth. Keep warm.

Step 2: Prepare the Crispy Onions (Röstzwiebeln)

Lightly coat the onion rings in flour.

Melt the butter in a frying pan and fry the onions until golden brown and crispy.

Remove the onions, place them on paper towels, lightly salt, and set aside.

Step 3: Cooking the Älplermagronen

In a pot, bring the broth and cream mixture to a boil. Season with salt.

Add the cubed potatoes and cook for about 5 minutes.

Add the pasta and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the pasta is al dente and the potatoes are soft (adjust cooking time according to the pasta type).

Step 4: Finishing and Serving

Remove from heat and stir in the grated cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and forms a creamy sauce.

Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

Serve in a deep dish, topped with the crispy onion mixture. Serve the applesauce on the side as a refreshing accompaniment.