Get ready to experience a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Canada! Poutine is not just a dish; it's a legendary comfort food that combines crispy golden fries, squeaky cheese curds, and rich, savory gravy in a mind-blowing combination that will make you forget about every other side dish you've ever tasted. Whether you're a food adventurer or a comfort food enthusiast, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Canadian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- French fries
- Cheese curds
- Gravy
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the French fries by either cutting fresh potatoes into thick strips or using high-quality frozen french fries. If using fresh potatoes, cut into uniform 1/2-inch thick strips and soak in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch.
- Preheat a deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). If using an oven, preheat to 425°F (220°C) for baking fries.
- For fresh-cut fries, pat potato strips completely dry with paper towels to ensure crispy texture. Fry in batches for 3-4 minutes until golden and crisp, then drain on paper towels and season immediately with salt and pepper.
- Prepare the gravy from scratch or use a high-quality store-bought brown gravy. If making homemade, use beef or chicken stock, flour, and seasonings to create a rich, smooth sauce.
- Keep the gravy hot and at a pourable consistency, ensuring it's warm enough to slightly melt the cheese curds but not too hot to make them completely liquid.
- Arrange hot, crispy fries on a large serving platter or individual plates, creating an even layer.
- Generously scatter fresh, room-temperature cheese curds over the hot fries. Use authentic Canadian cheese curds for the most traditional flavor and texture.
- Immediately pour hot gravy over the fries and cheese curds, ensuring even coverage. The heat will slightly melt the cheese curds, creating a creamy, gooey texture.
- Serve immediately while hot, with additional salt and pepper available for personal seasoning. Enjoy the classic Canadian comfort food experience.
Tips
- Temperature is key: Ensure your fries are piping hot and your gravy is warm enough to slightly melt the cheese curds.
- Cheese curd quality matters: Use fresh, authentic Canadian cheese curds for the most authentic flavor and that signature "squeaky" texture.
- Crispy fries are non-negotiable: Pat your potato strips completely dry before frying to achieve maximum crispiness.
- Don't skimp on seasoning: Liberal amounts of salt and pepper can elevate the entire dish.
- Serve immediately: Poutine is best enjoyed hot, right after assembly, to maintain the perfect texture of crispy fries and melty cheese.
- Experiment with homemade gravy: While store-bought works, a homemade gravy can take your poutine from good to extraordinary.
- Consider portion sizes: This recipe serves 4, but you might want to make extra – trust us, everyone will want seconds!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
