Poutine

 Classic Poutine Recipe: How to Make the Iconic Canadian Dish

Poutine is a beloved Canadian comfort food made with crispy fries, rich gravy, and squeaky cheese curds. Originating from Quebec in the late 1950s, this hearty dish has become a national favorite and is enjoyed in various forms across Canada and beyond. While it might seem like a simple combination of ingredients, making poutine that hits all the right notes requires some technique and quality components.

In this article, we'll guide you through making authentic poutine at home, along with tips, variations, and ideas for what to serve with this indulgent dish.

What Is Poutine?

Poutine is made of three essential ingredients:

1. French fries: Crispy, golden-brown fries form the base of the dish.
2. Cheese curds: Small, fresh curds of cheese that have a mild flavor and a distinctive "squeak" when eaten.
3. Gravy: Rich, hot gravy is poured over the fries and cheese curds, melting the cheese slightly and creating a deliciously messy dish.

The beauty of poutine lies in the contrast of textures—crispy fries, gooey cheese, and smooth gravy—all coming together in a warm, flavorful bite.

Classic Poutine Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

For the fries:

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into fries (about 1/4 inch thick)
• 3-4 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
• Salt to taste

For the gravy:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth (or a mix of beef and chicken broth)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for added flavor)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the cheese:

• 2 cups fresh cheese curds (if unavailable, torn pieces of mozzarella can work as a substitute)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the fries:

   • Rinse the cut potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. This step ensures crispy fries.
   • Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the potato slices in small batches for about 3-4 minutes until they begin to turn golden but aren't fully cooked. Remove and drain on paper towels.
   • Increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C). Fry the potatoes again for another 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels, and sprinkle with salt to taste.

2. Make the gravy:

   • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook, whisking constantly, for about 2-3 minutes to form a roux. The mixture should turn a light golden color.
   • Gradually whisk in the beef broth, making sure there are no lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce, if using, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the gravy to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Set aside and keep warm.

3. Assemble the poutine:

   • Arrange a portion of fries on a serving plate or dish.
   • Scatter a generous amount of cheese curds over the fries.
   • Ladle hot gravy over the top, ensuring it’s evenly distributed to melt the cheese slightly.
   • Serve immediately while hot.

Tips for Making the Best Poutine

• Crispy fries: Achieving the perfect crispy fry is key to great poutine. Double frying ensures the fries stay crunchy even after the gravy is poured on. Be sure to dry the fries thoroughly after rinsing to avoid soggy results.

• Cheese curds: Fresh cheese curds are essential for the authentic "squeaky" texture. Look for curds that are firm and slightly bouncy when you bite into them. If you can’t find cheese curds, fresh mozzarella chunks or torn pieces of mild cheddar are good substitutes.

• Gravy consistency: The gravy should be thick but still pourable, so it coats the fries without making them too soggy. If the gravy becomes too thick, add a splash of broth to loosen it. For a richer flavor, a combination of beef and chicken broth can be used.

• Serve hot: Poutine is best when served immediately after assembling. The hot gravy slightly melts the cheese curds, creating that iconic gooey texture while keeping the fries crispy.

Variations of Poutine

While traditional poutine consists of just fries, cheese curds, and gravy, there are many variations you can try to add your own spin to this classic dish:

1. Pulled Pork Poutine:
   Top your poutine with tender, slow-cooked pulled pork for a smoky, savory twist. You can also drizzle some barbecue sauce over the fries before adding the cheese and gravy.

2. Bacon and Cheese Poutine:
   Add crumbled bacon or pancetta on top of the cheese curds for extra crunch and a salty kick. Cheddar cheese can also replace the curds for a more intense flavor.

3. Vegetarian Poutine:
   Substitute vegetable broth for the beef broth to create a vegetarian version of the dish. You can also use mushroom gravy for a rich, earthy flavor.

4. Italian Poutine:
   Replace the traditional gravy with a rich marinara sauce and add shredded mozzarella cheese for an Italian-inspired variation.

5. Breakfast Poutine:
   Serve poutine with scrambled eggs, sausage, or bacon, and top it with a hollandaise or breakfast gravy. It’s a great savory brunch option.

6. Poutine with Duck Confit:
   For a more luxurious take on poutine, top it with shredded duck confit and finish with a drizzle of truffle oil. This gourmet version is often found at high-end restaurants.

What to Serve with Poutine

Poutine is a filling and indulgent dish, but it pairs well with a few side dishes or beverages for a complete meal:

• Beer: The rich flavors of poutine go perfectly with a cold beer. Choose a light lager or a rich stout, depending on your taste.
• Coleslaw: A crisp, tangy coleslaw can cut through the richness of the gravy and cheese, offering a refreshing contrast.
• Pickles: Serving poutine with a side of pickles provides a nice acidity to balance out the heaviness of the dish.

Final Thoughts

Poutine is a classic Canadian dish that has captured hearts around the world with its simple yet incredibly satisfying combination of crispy fries, gooey cheese curds, and savory gravy. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or experiment with your own creative variations, poutine is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any meal or gathering.

So the next time you're craving comfort food, grab some potatoes, cheese curds, and gravy ingredients and enjoy a taste of Canada's most iconic dish!