Poutine: Canada’s Ultimate Comfort Food

Poutine is a classic Canadian dish that combines three delicious components: crispy French fries, squeaky cheese curds, and a rich, savory gravy. Born in Quebec, this indulgent comfort food has won the hearts of many around the world. Imagine a pile of golden fries smothered in hot gravy, with gooey cheese curds melting into the mix—it’s the ultimate comfort food experience. Here’s how you can make this tasty treat at home!

Ingredients

For the Poutine:

    •    4 large russet potatoes (perfect for crispy fries)   •    Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil works well)   •    Salt to taste   •    1 to 1 1/2 cups cheese curds (white cheddar or mozzarella cheese curds work well)

For the Gravy:

    •    4 tablespoons butter   •    1/4 cup all-purpose flour   •    2 cups beef broth   •    1 cup chicken broth   •    Salt and black pepper to taste   •    1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for added depth)   •    1/2 teaspoon garlic powder   •    1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Step 1: Prepare the Fries

Start by scrubbing the potatoes (no need to peel them unless you prefer peeled fries) and cut them into 1/4-inch thick strips for that classic poutine fry. Rinse the cut fries under cold water to remove excess starch, which helps them get extra crispy. Pat the fries completely dry with a towel to ensure they fry evenly.

Heat a large pot of oil to 300°F for the first round of frying. This “blanching” step softens the fries without browning them. Fry the potatoes in small batches for about 4-5 minutes, then remove and let them drain on a paper towel. After all the fries are blanched, increase the oil temperature to 375°F.

Once the oil reaches 375°F, fry the potatoes a second time for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with salt while they’re still hot.

Step 2: Make the Gravy

While the fries are cooking, prepare the gravy. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour, stirring continuously, to create a roux (a thickening base for the gravy). Cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the roux turns a light golden brown.

Slowly whisk in the beef broth and chicken broth, stirring to avoid lumps. Add the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Continue to cook the gravy, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a smooth, pourable consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Keep the gravy warm until you’re ready to assemble the poutine.

Step 3: Assemble the Poutine

Place a generous portion of hot fries on a serving plate. Scatter a handful of cheese curds over the fries (the fresher the curds, the better the squeak!). Ladle the hot gravy over the top, letting it melt the cheese curds slightly and soak into the fries. For the best poutine experience, the fries should stay crispy while the cheese is gooey and the gravy is rich and warm.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Poutine is best enjoyed fresh and hot! Serve immediately, and be prepared for the delicious combination of textures and flavors: crispy, salty fries, squeaky cheese curds, and savory, hearty gravy.

This homemade poutine is a fun, indulgent dish that’s perfect for satisfying your comfort food cravings. Whether you’re recreating a piece of Canada or just looking for something deliciously cheesy and comforting, poutine is sure to hit the spot. Enjoy!