Poutine – Canada

Classic Canadian Poutine Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of high-quality frozen French fries or fresh-cut potatoes
• 2 cups of cheese curds, preferably fresh and squeaky
• 2 cups of beef gravy (store-bought or homemade)
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional: chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fries:
   If you’re using frozen French fries, follow the instructions on the package to bake or fry them until they are golden and crispy. If you prefer to make fresh-cut fries, peel and cut potatoes into uniform sticks. Rinse them in cold water to remove excess starch. Heat oil in a deep fryer or a large, deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the potatoes in batches until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels. Season immediately with salt and pepper.
2. Make the Gravy:
   If you’re making homemade gravy, use beef stock, flour, and butter to create a rich and savory sauce. Melt 1/4 cup of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour to create a roux. Cook, stirring constantly, for a few minutes until the roux is golden brown. Slowly whisk in 2 cups of beef stock, ensuring there are no lumps. Simmer the gravy until it thickens to your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Assemble the Poutine:
   Preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C). Arrange the cooked fries on a large, oven-safe platter or individual serving plates. Sprinkle the cheese curds evenly over the hot fries. Pour the hot gravy over the fries and cheese curds, ensuring that the cheese begins to melt. The heat from the fries and gravy will soften the cheese, creating that classic poutine texture.
4. Finish and Serve:
   Place the poutine in the preheated oven for a few minutes, just until the cheese curds start to melt and become gooey. Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.
5. Enjoy:
   Serve the poutine immediately while it’s hot and gooey. Poutine is best enjoyed with a fork, ensuring you get a bit of fries, cheese, and gravy in every bite.

Note: Poutine is a versatile dish, and there are many variations you can try, including adding toppings like pulled pork, mushrooms, or caramelized onions. Feel free to experiment and create your own unique twist on this Canadian classic!