Let me take you on a journey to the heart of Canada with this indulgent and comfort-filled classic: Canadian Poutine. Imagine crispy fries smothered in rich, savory gravy and topped with squeaky cheese curds that melt just the right amount. This dish is the ultimate comfort food, and once you take your first bite, you’ll see why it’s become a beloved staple. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for those moments when you just want something warm, hearty, and full of flavor.
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Why You’ll Love Canadian Poutine
If you’ve never had poutine before, you’re in for a treat. Here’s why this dish will win your heart:
Ultimate Comfort Food: There’s something magical about crispy fries, warm gravy, and gooey cheese curds that makes poutine the ultimate comfort food. It’s like a hug for your stomach!
Easy to Make: The beauty of poutine is in its simplicity. You don’t need a ton of ingredients to make this dish, just a few key items, and you’re good to go.
Customizable: While the classic version is amazing on its own, feel free to add your own twist. Try it with pulled pork, sausage, or even a fried egg on top for extra indulgence!
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a party, or just yourself, poutine is always a winner. It’s one of those dishes that everyone loves.
Ingredients
Let’s dive into the ingredients that make this poutine recipe irresistible:
Fries: You can use frozen fries or make your own from scratch. Either way, crispy fries are the base of this dish, so make sure they’re perfectly golden and crunchy.
Cheese Curds: The star of the show! Traditional poutine uses fresh cheese curds, which are mild, slightly salty, and have a delightful squeak when you bite into them.
Gravy: A rich, flavorful brown gravy that’s savory and smooth. You can make it from scratch or use store-bought gravy—either way, it needs to be hot and delicious!
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Making poutine is simple, but the results are pure magic. Here’s how to put it all together:
Cook the Fries: Start by frying or baking your fries until they’re golden and crispy. If you’re using frozen fries, follow the instructions on the package to get that perfect crispiness.
Make the Gravy: While your fries are cooking, prepare the gravy. If you’re using store-bought, heat it up in a saucepan. If you’re making it from scratch, combine beef stock, butter, flour, and seasonings, then cook until it thickens into a smooth, rich gravy.
Assemble the Poutine: Once your fries are crispy and your gravy is hot, it’s time to assemble! Pile the fries onto a plate or serving dish, then generously ladle the hot gravy over them.
Top with Cheese Curds: Immediately top the fries with fresh cheese curds. The heat from the fries and gravy will begin to melt the curds, creating that delicious gooey, cheesy goodness.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the poutine right away while the fries are hot and crispy, and the cheese curds are delightfully gooey. Grab a fork and dig in!
How to Serve Canadian Poutine
While poutine is fantastic on its own, you can pair it with a variety of sides or toppings to elevate the meal:
Grilled Chicken or Beef: Add a grilled protein on top for a heartier meal.
Fresh Salad: Pair your poutine with a crisp salad to balance out the richness of the dish.
Pickled Vegetables: A side of tangy pickles or pickled onions can add a nice contrast to the creamy gravy.
Additional Tips
Here are some pro tips to ensure your poutine turns out perfect every time:
Use Fresh Cheese Curds: The best poutine requires fresh cheese curds. If you can find them, they’re well worth the extra effort!
Make Your Own Fries: If you have the time, making fries from scratch will take your poutine to the next level. Use russet potatoes for crispy fries that can stand up to the gravy.
Gravy Variations: Experiment with different types of gravy. While beef gravy is the classic, you can try chicken gravy or even mushroom gravy for a different flavor profile.
Don’t Wait to Serve: Poutine is best when served immediately after assembly. The fries need to stay crispy, so don’t wait too long before enjoying!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use store-bought fries?
A1: Absolutely! Frozen fries work just fine for poutine. Just make sure they’re crispy and golden for the best result.
Q2: Can I make the gravy ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can make the gravy ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. Just make sure it’s hot when you pour it over the fries.
Q3: Can I freeze the gravy?
A3: Yes, gravy can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just store it in an airtight container and reheat when needed.
Q4: Can I use shredded cheese instead of cheese curds?
A4: While cheese curds are traditional for poutine, you can use shredded mozzarella as a substitute if cheese curds are hard to find.
Q5: Can I add protein to my poutine?
A5: Yes! Try adding pulled pork, crispy chicken, or even a fried egg on top for a more substantial meal.
Q6: How do I make my poutine extra crispy?
A6: If you want super crispy fries, make sure to fry them twice. Once to cook them through, then a second time to get them extra crispy.
Q7: Can I make poutine without gravy?
A7: While gravy is a key part of traditional poutine, you can experiment with different sauces or even try a vegan version with plant-based gravy.
Q8: How do I store leftovers?
A8: Poutine is best eaten fresh, but if you have leftovers, store the fries, gravy, and cheese curds separately. Reheat the fries and gravy when ready to serve.
Q9: Can I make a vegetarian version?
A9: Yes, you can easily make vegetarian poutine by using vegetable stock for the gravy and omitting any meat.
Q10: Can I use other types of cheese curds?
A10: While traditional poutine uses mild cheese curds, feel free to experiment with other types of cheese curds for a unique twist.
Conclusion
Canadian Poutine is a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious. With crispy fries, savory gravy, and melty cheese curds, this dish is everything you need for a cozy, satisfying meal. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly evening or as a fun treat for friends, poutine is sure to impress. So grab your fries, make that gravy, and dig in—you’re in for a serious treat!
Print
Canadian Poutine Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Canadian
Description
Poutine is a quintessential Canadian dish that brings together crispy fries, savory gravy, and fresh cheese curds in perfect harmony. This authentic Canadian Poutine recipe will have you indulging in a comfort food classic. It’s an indulgent, flavorful treat that’s perfect for dinner, parties, or any occasion where you want something hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients
For the Fries:
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4 pounds (1814g) Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2″ inch sticks
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Vegetable oil, for frying
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1-2 tablespoon salt
For the Gravy:
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6 tablespoons (90g) unsalted butter
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1/4 cup (32g) all-purpose flour
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4 cups (960ml) beef or chicken stock (beef gives a darker gravy)
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2 tablespoons ketchup
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper (plus more to taste)
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3 tablespoons cornstarch
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2 tablespoons water
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2 cups (250g) cheese curds
Instructions
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For the Fries:
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Peel and slice the potatoes into ¼-inch thick disks, then cut into ¼-inch thick sticks. Soak the fries in a large bowl of cold water for at least 1 hour or overnight in the fridge to remove excess starch (this makes them extra crispy).
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Drain and rinse the fries, then pat them dry using paper towels.
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Heat 3 inches of oil in a large deep pot to 300°F. Fry the fries in small batches for 4-5 minutes to cook through. Remove and set aside on a paper towel-lined baking sheet.
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Increase the oil temperature to 400°F and fry the fries in batches until golden and crispy, about 3-5 minutes. Drain and sprinkle with salt.
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For the Gravy:
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In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until bubbly, then continue whisking for 1 more minute.
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Slowly pour in the beef stock while whisking constantly. Add ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper, and bring to a boil.
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Mix the cornstarch with water to form a slurry. Add the slurry to the gravy and whisk to combine. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the gravy thickens to coat the back of a spoon. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
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Assembly:
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Place the fries on serving plates, top with cheese curds, and pour the hot gravy over to melt the curds. Serve immediately and enjoy!
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Notes
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If you don’t want to make homemade fries, you can substitute with restaurant or frozen fries, baked in the oven.
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If you can’t find cheese curds, soft mozzarella cheese works as a substitute.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 800
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1,300mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 85g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 50mg