Deliciously Authentic Canadian Poutine: A Taste of True North

Name: Authentic Canadian Poutine
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 4 large russet potatoes; 4 cups vegetable oil (for frying); 1 cup cheese curds; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups beef broth; 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; Salt and pepper to taste

Introduction

If you’ve ever wondered what the true taste of Canada is, look no further than the iconic dish of poutine. This delicious combination of crispy fries, rich gravy, and gooey cheese curds is a staple in Canadian cuisine, offering comfort and satisfaction in every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned poutine enthusiast or trying it for the first time, this recipe for Authentic Canadian Poutine will guide you through making this classic dish at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Authentic Flavor: This recipe captures the true essence of Canadian poutine.
Simple Ingredients: Made with easy-to-find ingredients.
Versatile: Perfect as a hearty snack, a side dish, or a main meal.
Fun to Make: Get the whole family involved in preparing this delicious dish.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s everything you need to create this mouthwatering Authentic Canadian Poutine:

4 large russet potatoes
4 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
1 cup cheese curds
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste

table of cheese curds, potatoes, flour, broth

How Kids Can Help

Cooking together can be a wonderful family activity. Here’s how kids can help with making this poutine recipe:

Washing Potatoes: Younger children can help scrub the potatoes clean.
Peeling and Cutting: With supervision, older kids can peel and cut the potatoes into fries.
Mixing Gravy: Let them help whisk the ingredients for the gravy.
Assembling Poutine: Kids can sprinkle the cheese curds and pour the gravy over the fries.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Potatoes

Peel and Cut: Peel the potatoes and cut them into 1/4-inch thick fries. Try to keep them as uniform as possible for even cooking.

Soak: Place the cut potatoes in a large bowl of cold water. Soak for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch. For best results, soak for up to 2 hours.

2. Preheat the Oil

Heat Oil: In a large pot or deep fryer, heat the vegetable oil to 325°F (165°C).

3. First Fry

Dry Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and pat them dry with paper towels. Ensure they are completely dry to prevent oil splatters.

Fry in Batches: Fry the potatoes in batches for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are soft but not browned. Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

4. Increase Oil Temperature

Heat Oil: Increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C).

5. Second Fry

Fry Until Golden: Return the fries to the oil in batches and fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Drain: Remove the fries with a slotted spoon and drain on fresh paper towels.

6. Make the Gravy

Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

Add Flour: Whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it forms a smooth paste.

Add Broth: Gradually whisk in the beef broth, continuing to stir until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken, about 5 minutes.

Season: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.

7. Assemble the Poutine

Layer Fries: Place a generous portion of fries on each plate or in a large serving dish.

Add Cheese Curds: Sprinkle the cheese curds evenly over the hot fries.

Pour Gravy: Pour the hot gravy over the fries and cheese curds, allowing the cheese to melt slightly.

8. Serve

Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy the ultimate Canadian comfort food!

How to Store Leftovers

Refrigeration: Store any leftover poutine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The fries may lose some of their crispiness, but the flavors will remain delicious.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave, though the fries will not be as crispy.

Substitutions and Additions

This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit your tastes:

Cheese Curds: If you can’t find cheese curds, use small chunks of mozzarella as a substitute.
Gravy Variations: Use chicken or vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a different flavor profile.
Extra Toppings: Add crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or caramelized onions for added flavor and texture.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the gravy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen fries for this recipe? A: Yes, you can use frozen fries if you’re short on time. However, homemade fries provide the best texture and flavor.

Q: What kind of cheese curds should I use? A: Fresh cheese curds are best for poutine. Look for white cheddar cheese curds if possible.

Q: Can I make the gravy ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the gravy ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stove before serving.

Q: How can I make my fries extra crispy? A: Double frying the potatoes, as outlined in the recipe, helps achieve the crispiest fries. Ensuring the potatoes are thoroughly dry before frying also improves crispiness.

Reasons to Love This Recipe

Authentic Canadian Flavor: This recipe brings the taste of Canada to your kitchen.
Comforting and Satisfying: Perfect for a hearty meal or a snack that satisfies cravings.
Fun to Make: Involve the whole family in preparing this delicious dish.
Versatile: Customize with your favorite toppings and variations.

Nutritional Value

Calories: 600 per serving
Protein: 15g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 800mg
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 2g

Shortcuts and Alternatives

Use Frozen Fries: For a quicker version, use high-quality frozen fries.
Instant Gravy: If you’re short on time, use store-bought gravy. Heat it up and pour it over the fries and cheese curds.

History and Cultural Aspects

Poutine originated in Quebec, Canada, in the late 1950s and has since become a beloved dish across the country. It is often enjoyed in casual settings, from diners to food trucks, and is a staple at festivals and events. The dish represents comfort and indulgence, and its simple yet rich flavors symbolize Canadian cuisine.

Busting Myths

Myth: Poutine is only made with gravy. Reality: While traditional poutine uses gravy, variations with different sauces and toppings have emerged, adding new twists to this classic dish.

Myth: You need special equipment to make poutine. Reality: Poutine can be made with basic kitchen tools you likely already have, making it accessible to everyone.

Letting Kids Experiment with Authentic Canadian Poutine

Encourage kids to get creative with their poutine:

Flavor Experimentation: Let them choose different spices to add to the fries or gravy.
Toppings: Kids can pick their favorite toppings like bacon bits, shredded chicken, or different cheeses.
Presentation: Have them arrange the fries and toppings in fun patterns or shapes on the plate.

Conclusion

Deliciously Authentic Canadian Poutine: A Taste of True North is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience that brings a piece of Canada into your kitchen. With crispy fries, rich gravy, and melty cheese curds, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Whether you’re making it for the first time or looking to perfect your technique, this guide has everything you need. Try it today and enjoy authentic Canadian poutine’s comforting, indulgent flavors!

Authentic Canadian Poutine

Experience the ultimate comfort food with this Authentic Canadian Poutine recipe. Featuring crispy homemade fries, rich gravy, and gooey cheese curds, this classic dish is a true Canadian favorite. Perfect for a hearty snack or a delicious meal, poutine is sure to satisfy your cravings.

5 from 1 vote

Total Time: 50

Servings:

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Equipment

Equipment and Ingredient sections may contain affiliate links to items we use and love.

Ingredients

▢ 4 This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Potatoes
▢ 4 cups This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Vegetable Oil, for frying
▢ 1 cup This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Cheese Curds
▢ 2 tablespoons This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Butter
▢ 2 tablespoons This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.All-Purpose Flour
▢ 2 cups This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Beef Broth
▢ 1/2 teaspoon This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Worcestershire Sauce
▢ This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Salt and Pepper

Instructions

Prepare the Potatoes

Peel and Cut: Peel the potatoes and cut them into 1/4-inch thick fries. Try to keep them as uniform as possible for even cooking.
Soak: Place the cut potatoes in a large bowl of cold water. Soak for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch. For best results, soak for up to 2 hours.

Preheat the Oil

Heat Oil: In a large pot or deep fryer, heat the vegetable oil to 325°F (165°C).

First Fry

Dry Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and pat them dry with paper towels. Ensure they are completely dry to prevent oil splatters.
Fry in Batches: Fry the potatoes in batches for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are soft but not browned. Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Increase Oil Temperature

Heat Oil: Increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C).

Second Fry

Fry Until Golden: Return the fries to the oil in batches and fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Drain: Remove the fries with a slotted spoon and drain on fresh paper towels.

Make the Gravy

Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add Flour: Whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it forms a smooth paste.
Add Broth: Gradually whisk in the beef broth, continuing to stir until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken, about 5 minutes.
Season: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.

Assemble the Poutine

Layer Fries: Place a generous portion of fries on each plate or in a large serving dish.
Add Cheese Curds: Sprinkle the cheese curds evenly over the hot fries.
Pour Gravy: Pour the hot gravy over the fries and cheese curds, allowing the cheese to melt slightly.

Serve

Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy the ultimate Canadian comfort food!

Notes

Cheese Curds: If you can’t find cheese curds, small chunks of mozzarella can be a good substitute.
Gravy Options: You can also use chicken or vegetable broth to make the gravy, depending on your preference.
Make Ahead: The fries can be prepared ahead of time and kept warm in the oven. The gravy can also be made in advance and reheated when ready to serve.
Variations: Add toppings like crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or caramelized onions for extra flavor.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Authentic Canadian Poutine

Serving Size

1 g

Amount per Serving

Calories

600

% Daily Value*

Fat

Saturated Fat

Cholesterol

Sodium

800

Carbohydrates

Fiber

Sugar

Protein

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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