Cholera

In the Valais region of Switzerland, a cholera is a savoury pastry filled with potatoes, vegetables, fruits and cheese.

The unusual name is linked to the history of the dish. During an epidemic of the disease cholera in 1836, people in the region improvised a dish involving pastry and whatever food they had at hand, as normal trade was disrupted. After the epidemic subsided, chefs returned to the concept of putting regional ingredients in a savoury tart, and the "cholera" dish has lasted since.

Originally, the local ingredients for such a dish were apples, pears, potatoes, onions, leeks, raclette cheese (usually Gomser) and bacon. The dish is mostly known in the region of Wallis in Switzerland.