Vaduz Whirl

Background and History

The Vaduz Whirl is a delightful dish inspired by the flavors and techniques renowned in the capital city of Liechtenstein, Vaduz. Known for its fusion of traditional Alpine and Central European culinary practices, Vaduz presents a unique culinary blend. The Vaduz Whirl captures this essence by blending local ingredients and time-honored methods to create a contemporary dish that resonates with both tradition and modernity.

This dish borrows elements from the region’s staple foods such as potatoes, cheeses, and greens, combined in a distinctive spiral design that symbolizes the harmonious swirl of the old and new. Over time, the Vaduz Whirl has become a favorite in local households and is often featured in festivities that celebrate community and heritage.

Ingredients

• Potatoes - 3 large
• Gruyere cheese - 200g, grated
• Spinach - 2 cups, fresh
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Heavy cream - 1 cup
• Nutmeg - a pinch, freshly grated
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Butter - 1 tablespoon
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Thyme - 1 teaspoon, fresh and chopped
• Lemon zest - from 1 lemon

Preparation

Prepping the Ingredients

Start by peeling the potatoes and slicing them thinly. This will ensure even cooking and the characteristic spiral look of the Vaduz Whirl. Next, wash and roughly chop the spinach. Grate the gruyere cheese finely and set it aside.

Mince the garlic and prepare a small bowl with freshly grated nutmeg, salt, and black pepper mixed together. This mixture will season the dish perfectly, bringing out the flavors of the cheese and spinach.

Sautéing the Spinach

In a large pan over medium heat, add the olive oil and butter. Once heated, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add the prepared spinach into the pan and cook until wilted. Set aside once done.

Assembling the Whirl

To assemble the Vaduz Whirl, start by layering the potatoes in a spiral pattern on a baking dish. Season lightly with the nutmeg, salt, and black pepper mixture. Add a layer of sautéed spinach on top, followed by a generous sprinkle of grated gruyere cheese. Repeat this process, ensuring to create a tight, intertwined spiral of ingredients culminating in a beautiful swirl.

Cooking Instructions

Baking the Vaduz Whirl

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Pour a cup of heavy cream evenly over the assembled dish to add a rich flavor and moisture to the bake. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue to bake for another 25 minutes or until the potatoes are soft and the top is golden and crispy. Keep a cooking timer handy to ensure precise cooking time.

Serving Suggestions

Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together, and the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to cut and serve.

Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and a sprinkle of lemon zest before serving to add a refreshing touch. The Vaduz Whirl can be enjoyed as a main course accompanied by a fresh salad or as a delectable side dish paired with a roasted meat or stewed vegetables.

Indulge in the harmonious blend of the crisped potatoes, creamy cheese, and vibrant spinach as you savor the culinary spirit of Vaduz.