Poutine

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Poutine is the ultimate comfort food, combining three simple yet irresistible ingredients—fries, gravy, and cheese curds. The crispy fries provide the perfect base, while the savory gravy adds depth and richness. The cheese curds bring a squeaky, fresh texture that makes the dish so unique and delicious. Whether you’re looking to make it for a cozy dinner, a party snack, or just to indulge in something hearty, poutine is quick, easy, and absolutely satisfying.

Ingredients

For the fries:

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into fries

• Vegetable oil, for frying

• Salt, to taste

For the gravy:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 cups beef or chicken broth

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the toppings:

• 2 cups cheese curds (preferably fresh white cheddar)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the fries: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the potato fries in batches, cooking each batch for about 4-5 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels. Season with salt while still hot and set aside.

2. Make the gravy: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 2-3 minutes to create a roux (a thick paste). Gradually add the beef or chicken broth while continuing to whisk to avoid lumps. Stir in the soy sauce and cook the gravy for 5-7 minutes, allowing it to thicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Assemble the poutine: Place the crispy fries on a plate or shallow dish. Generously pour the hot gravy over the fries, making sure they are well coated. Top with the cheese curds.

4. Serve: Serve immediately while the gravy is hot and the cheese curds are still slightly melted and squeaky. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Total time: 30-40 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Poutine: Use vegetable broth in the gravy instead of beef or chicken broth for a vegetarian version. You can also opt for vegetarian cheese curds.

• Pulled Pork Poutine: Add a generous helping of pulled pork on top of the poutine for an extra indulgent twist.

• BBQ Poutine: Substitute the gravy with a barbecue sauce for a tangy and smoky variation.

• Loaded Poutine: Top your poutine with extra ingredients like sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or a fried egg for added flavor and texture.

• Vegan Poutine: Replace the cheese curds with vegan cheese and use plant-based broth for the gravy to make it vegan-friendly.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover poutine can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Note that the fries may lose their crispiness when stored.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the fries in an oven or air fryer to crisp them back up, and heat the gravy separately on the stove. Assemble the poutine once everything is hot.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen fries for poutine?

Yes, frozen fries work fine in poutine if you’re short on time. Bake or fry them according to the package instructions, and then proceed with the gravy and cheese curds.

2. What are cheese curds, and where can I get them?

Cheese curds are fresh, young pieces of cheese that are often a key ingredient in poutine. They have a squeaky texture when eaten. You can typically find cheese curds in grocery stores with a well-stocked cheese section, or in specialty markets that sell Canadian products.

3. Can I use shredded cheese instead of cheese curds?

While traditional poutine uses cheese curds, you can substitute with shredded cheese if necessary. However, the texture will be different, and the cheese won’t have the characteristic “squeak” when you bite into it.

4. How do I make sure my fries are crispy?

Make sure the oil is hot enough (around 350°F or 175°C) before frying, and avoid overcrowding the pot so that the fries cook evenly and get crispy. You can also double-fry them: fry once, remove and drain, then fry again for an extra crispy texture.

5. Can I make the gravy ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the gravy ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it on the stove and add a little water or broth if it thickens too much when reheating.

6. What if I don’t have beef or chicken broth for the gravy?

You can substitute with vegetable broth or even water, but the flavor of the gravy might not be as rich. Adding soy sauce or miso paste can help deepen the flavor.

7. Can I make poutine without frying the potatoes?

Yes, you can bake the potatoes instead of frying them for a healthier version. Just toss the potato pieces in oil and bake them at 425°F (220°C) for 20-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.

8. Is poutine a good dish for parties?

Absolutely! Poutine is perfect for parties or gatherings. You can make a large batch of fries, set up a poutine station with gravy and cheese curds, and let guests customize their own poutine.

9. Can I add other toppings to my poutine?

Yes! Some popular toppings for poutine include sautéed onions, mushrooms, bacon bits, or even a fried egg. Get creative with your toppings to make it your own!

10. How spicy is poutine?

Traditional poutine is not spicy, but you can make it spicy by adding hot sauce, jalapeños, or spicy gravy for a zesty kick.

Conclusion

Poutine is the ultimate indulgent dish, offering a delicious combination of crispy fries, savory gravy, and fresh cheese curds that melt together to create a comforting and flavorful meal. Easy to make, customizable with different toppings and variations, and perfect for sharing, poutine is a crowd-pleasing dish that will satisfy your cravings for something warm, cheesy, and absolutely delicious. Whether you stick with the classic or add your personal twist, poutine is sure to become a favorite comfort food in your kitchen!