A cheesy, greasy, filling dish of Quebecois origin.
Click here for video recipe and story on Instagram
"Food is our common ground, a universal experience." - Michael Smith
Poutine is a classic Canadian dish that originated in the province of Quebec in the late 1950s. It is a beloved comfort food known for its simple yet satisfying combination of French fries, cheese curds, and gravy. Poutine has become an iconic part of Canadian cuisine, enjoyed by people across the country and even internationally.
The exact origin of poutine is subject to some debate, but many believe that it was first created in the rural area of Quebec.
The dish's popularity quickly spread throughout Canada, and it has since become a staple in Canadian diners, pubs, and restaurants.
Traditionally, poutine is made using fresh, hand-cut French fries that are topped with chunks of cheese curds, which are then covered in a rich, savory gravy. The heat from the gravy melts the cheese curds slightly, creating a delectable blend of textures and flavors. While the classic version remains popular, variations of poutine now include additional toppings such as bacon, pulled pork, vegetables, and various types of sauces.
Poutine's popularity has extended beyond Canada's borders, and it has become a well-known dish internationally, often featured on menus in various countries around the world. It is celebrated for its indulgent and satisfying qualities, making it a quintessential part of Canadian culinary identity.
Canadian Poutine
Prep time 40 minutes | Cook time 45 minutes | Serves 3-5 people
Ingredients for a complete poutine:
4 cups freshly fried French fries (homemade or store-bought), but you better make your own!
2 cups cheese curds, preferably fresh
2 cups beef or chicken gravy, hot
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
garnishes like bacon, pastrami and chicken are common
Ingredients for poutine gravy:
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups beef or chicken broth, homemade is preferable
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 shallot, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions for gravy:
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Once the butter has melted, add in shallots and garlic and saute until translucent. Add the flour to the saucepan, stirring continuously to form a smooth paste. Cook the mixture for about 2-3 minutes, or until it turns a light golden color.
Slowly pour the beef or chicken broth into the saucepan, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
Add the Worcestershire sauce to the gravy and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning according to your preference.
Instructions for preparing the poutine:
Prepare the French fries according to your preferred method, ensuring they are crispy and golden brown.
While the French fries are still hot, place them in a large serving dish or individual plates.
Sprinkle the cheese curds evenly over the hot French fries, allowing the curds to slightly melt.
Pour the hot gravy over the fries and cheese curds, ensuring that all the ingredients are well coated.
Sprinkle some freshly ground black pepper over the top for added flavor and add on any toppings you'd like.
Serve the poutine immediately, allowing the cheese curds to melt further and create a delicious blend with the hot gravy and crispy French fries. Enjoy this classic Canadian comfort food at any time of the year!
If you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram or Pinterest – seeing your creations always makes my day. Let's explore international cuisine together!
North America & The Caribbean
Canadian Poutine - Fries, gravy and cheese, need I say more.
Cuban Ropa Vieja - Tough beef turned into a beautiful tomato based stew.
Mexican Elotes - Delicious cheesy street corn.
Navajo Tacos - Crispy fry bread with ample toppings.
Trini Doubles - A spicy chickpea curry with crispy flatbread.
South & Central America
Bolivian Pique Macho - A meat and potatoes stir-fry of epic proportions.
Chilean Tomatican - A warm summer corn stew featuring beef, tomatoes and onions.
Costa Rican Chifrijo - A perfect bowl of Central American rice, beans and meat.
Ecuadorian Encebollado - A yuca based fish stew.
El Salvadoran Pupusas - Stuffed corn flour cakes grilled on a plancha.
Guatemalan Pepian - A rich chile based chicken stew.
Nicaraguan Nacatamales - Hearty tamales with a tropical twist.
Paraguayan Chipa Guasu - A humble cheesy corn bread.
Peruvian Aji De Gallina - A creamy, yellow pepper chicken dish.
Uruguayan Chivito - A massive meat sandwich which proves Uruguay is all about the meats.
Comments