What is Canadian poutine made of?

Poutine is a simple yet indulgent Canadian dish made of crispy French fries and chunks of salty, softened cheese curds smothered in a tangy gravy .

What are the 3 things that poutine is made of?

The basic recipe only calls for three ingredients: french fries, cheese curds, and gravy .

What is poutine called in America?

Poutine can be found on menu restaurants in states along the northern border of the United States. A variant of poutine called Disco Fries is considered a classic New Jersey diner dish, using shredded Cheddar cheese or mozzarella in place of cheese curds.

Why is poutine so famous in Canada?

Available in rural Quebec since the 50s, poutine became a common street food option in Ontario and Quebec by the 1980s, but didn't reach mass popularization until the early 90s, when popular fast-food chains like McDonald's, Burger King and Harvey's began adding it to their menus.

Does poutine have any meat?

There are versions of poutine that have meat , but the standard, “classic” poutine is only fries, gravy, and cheese curds.

What the heck is poutine?

Poutine (Quebec French: [put͡sɪn]) is a dish of french fries and cheese curds topped with a brown gravy . It emerged in Quebec in the late 1950s in the Centre-du-Québec region, though its exact origins are uncertain, and there are several competing claims regarding its invention.

What does poutine do to your body?

Your Arteries Will Clog High triglyceride levels are a serious repercussion of high fat content in foods, and poutine is chock full of 'em. A large poutine, incredibly high in total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, and refined carbs, can raise the triglyceride levels in your blood for 6-12 hours after consumption.

What is Canada's national dish?

What is Poutine ? Poutine is Canada's national dish, which usually consists of french fries topped with cheese curds and hot gravy.

Are cheese curds illegal in US?

At this point, the milk is legally pasteurized. (Raw or unpasteurized milk is banned in the United States, but luckily, cheese curds are 100 percent legal !)

Does poutine taste good?

So what does this combination of fries, gravy and cheese taste like? No surprise here, but it's delicious ! The french fries provide crispness and saltiness—two must-haves for any savory snack. The cheese is mellow and creamy.

Why is poutine so delicious?

The hot fries and steaming gravy gently melt the cheese a bit; at first, the three elements are eaten alongside one another but as you get further into the bowl they meld more and more, changing each others' textures and flavors along the way.

A large poutine, incredibly high in total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, and refined carbs, can raise the triglyceride levels in your blood for 6-12 hours after consumption . Triglyceride levels will rise even higher if you have alcohol in your system, which most people eating a late-night poutine probably do.

What are Canadian cheese curds made of?

Cheese curds are made from fresh pasteurized milk to which cheese culture and rennet are added . After the milk curdles it is then cut into cubes; the result is a mixture of whey and curd. This mixture is then cooked and pressed to release the whey from the curd, creating the final product.

Are cheese curds supposed to melt in poutine?

You want it in chunks so it doesn't melt completely . Don't be skimpy. Some cheese curds are the size of my baby finger. That's part of the poutine experience – the chunks of warm, softened cheese and shredded just won't cut it because it melts completely and mixes in with the gravy.

Poutine: the classic recipe for one of Canada’s most famous dishes (2024)

Poutine: the classic recipe for one of Canada’s most famous dishes (1)

If you've never had poutine, you've seriously been missing out. This amazing Canadian comfort food is made with crispy, golden-brown French fries, mouthwatering tangy, savory gravy, and tender, springy cheese curds.

This hearty comfort dish comes from rural Quebec and is so delicious it has spread across Canada, and many parts of the USA. There is even an American version of poutine called disco fries, although the two dishes are a little different from one another.

Although traditional poutine is made from fries, cheese curds, and gravy, the dish has spawned dozens upon dozens of delicious variations. It's a great-tasting cozy dish you can enjoy as a main meal or a side, and it's one both kids and adults are sure to love.

What is Poutine?

Poutine (pronounced “poo-teen”) is one of Canada's most famous dishes. It comes from rural Quebec, where it was first created in the 1950s. It quickly became popular as a delicious, hearty comfort food and today remains one of Canada's most beloved dishes.

Poutine is a Quebecois word, whose etymology is still uncertain. Many suggest that poutine is Quebecois slang for “mess”.

What are the Best Potatoes for Poutine?

If you're making the French fries from scratch, a starchy, floury potato like Idaho, Russet or Maris Piper is ideal. These types of larger potatoes make the best, crispiest, tastiest fries.

What is the Best Cheese for Poutine?

Cheese curds are the classic cheese for making poutine. The springy, squeaky texture goes perfectly with the crispy, crunchy texture of the French fries, while the curds' mild flavor is delicious with the savory meat gravy. However, you can use any type of cheese you fancy.

Poutine: the classic recipe for one of Canada’s most famous dishes (2)

How to Make Poutine Gravy

Poutine is a great way to use leftover gravy. If you don't have any gravy on hand and don't want to use store-bought gravy, it's easy to make a fresh batch, no beef drippings needed. Combine 1 cup of chicken broth, 1 cup of beef broth, 1 beef stock cube, 1 ½ teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and a generous splash of Worcestershire sauce into a pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Whisk 3 to 4 tablespoons of water with 3 tablespoons of cornstarch to form a slurry.

Stir the slurry into the broth, whisk continuously until combined. Lower the heat and gently simmer the gravy until it reaches your preferred consistency. Just before pouring it over the fries, swirl in one tablespoon of cold butter for extra richness and silkier texture.

Can You Replace the Cheese Curds in Poutine?

Can't find cheese curds? No problem! While cheese curds are the traditional choice for poutine, you can use absolutely any type of cheese (or a mix of different cheeses) to make this dish. Cheddar, gruyere, gouda, jack, mozzarella, – anything goes!

If you want the most authentic substitute for cheese curds, mozzarella is hands down the best choice.

How to Serve Poutine

Once you've poured the gravy over the fries, serve your poutine immediately. The fries will start getting soggy. Poutine is usually enjoyed as a main or as a side dish. Eat it with some roasted veggies, a side salad, or some freshly baked dinner rolls.

Tips for Authentic Poutine

Use homemade or frozen French fries to make your poutine.

Poutine Variations

There are so many fantastic poutine variations you can make. Add chicken, bacon, pancetta, ground beef, sausage, or shredded beef for ultra-hearty, savory poutine.

If you're in the mood for something a little fancier, you can top your poutine with lobster, truffle oil, foie gras, or duck confit.

You can mix up the cheeses and opt for cheddar cheese, jack, provolone, Swiss, parmesan, or gruyere.

Sprinkle some fresh chives, green onions, or caramelized onions over the top of your poutine, or swap out the French fries for sweet potato fries.

You can also add in veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, shallots, zucchini, or carrots for vegetarian poutine. Chili peppers are great if you love spice. Or get creative and make up your own takes on poutine – it's the perfect canvas to unleash your culinary creativity.

How to Store Poutine

Poutine tastes best when enjoyed straight after making it. However, if you have leftovers, you can transfer the poutine to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days.

Ingredients

french fries

28 ounces

How to Make Poutine

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Heat the oil to 300°F.

Working in batches, cook the French fries for 5 to 6 minutes.

Remove with a slotted spoon to a paper towel to drain.

Turn the hob and heat the oil to 400F.

Cook the fries a second time until golden brown and crispy.

Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Place the French fries on a baking tray. Layer the cheese over the fries.

Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.

Pour the gravy over the fries, and serve.

Notes

Use an oil with a high smoke point for frying. Vegetable, canola, peanut, or sunflower oil all work well.