poutine recipe
The Ultimate Poutine Recipe: A Guide to Making Mouthwatering Poutine
Sometimes referred to as Canada’s national dish, poutine is a classic cuisine that has become beloved all over the world. This hearty and tasty dish is the perfect comfort food for people of all ages. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to making the ultimate poutine recipe from scratch. Whether you are a seasoned cook or just starting in your culinary journey, this guide will take you step-by-step through the whole process.
Introduction
Poutine is a dish that originated in Quebec, Canada, during the late 1950s. The birthplace of this much-loved cuisine was a small town called Warwick, located near Montreal. Poutine is essentially a combination of three main ingredients - French fries, cheese curds, and gravy. This delicious combination has made it an instant hit among people all over the world.
Why Poutine is so Popular?
Poutine’s popularity can be attributed to its delicious blend of crispy fries smothered with gravy and cheese curds. It’s also a versatile dish that can be customized with various toppings such as meat, vegetables, herbs, sauces, and other condiments according to personal preference.
Ingredients for making Poutine
Before we start preparing poutine, we need to gather all essential ingredients. Here are the three main ingredients required for making poutine:
- Cheese Curds
- French Fries
- Sauce - Traditional Gravy or Vegetarian Gravy
Making Cheese Curds from Scratch
There are two ways to obtain Cheese Curds - purchase them from the store or make them at home from scratch.
Ingredients required for making Cheese Curds
- 4 Liters of Raw Milk
- A packet of Cheese-Making Culture
- 1/4 tsp Rennet Liquid
- 1/2 Cup Cold Water
- 1 Tbsp Salt
Steps of Making Cheese Curds:
- Heat the raw milk at a temperature between 31°C-33°C, depending on the culture.
- Once the temperature is achieved, add cheese-making culture and allow it to dissolve completely.
- Add rennet liquid to cold water, mix it properly and then add it to the heated milk. Stir it well using a whisk for approximately two minutes.
- Let mixture sit undisturbed for at least one hour or until the curd sets into identifiable pieces.
- Cut the curds into small cubes using a knife or cheese cutter.
- Slowly heat the curds to desired temperature (around 38-40°C) for at least 20 minutes, frequently stirring until moisture is released.
- Add salt and continue stirring for another 20 minutes until firm but not rubbery.
Preparing French Fries for Poutine
French fries are an essential element of poutine, and they need to be crispy yet fluffy to balance out the softness of cheese curds and gravy.
Selecting the Right Potatoes:
It’s important to choose high-starch potatoes such as Russet potatoes because their thicker skin holds up better during frying.
Cutting the Potatoes into Perfect Size:
Cutting potatoes into perfectly shaped pieces ensures that they cook evenly. A uniform thickness of around 1/4 inch is recommended.
Soaking the Potato Strips:
Soak the potato strips in cold water with some salt for at least 30 minutes or as long as overnight. This process helps remove any excess starch and sugar for crisper fries.
Cooking the Fries:
After soaking, dry the potato strips thoroughly using a paper towel and then preheat your oil to around 375°F. Double-fry the potato strips, first at lower temperatures for a few minutes to cook them through, then at higher temperatures (around 400°F) to achieve crispiness.
Alternative: Using Frozen Fries:
If you don’t have time to make French fries from scratch, you can use frozen fries that can be easily prepared in an oven or deep fryer.
Preparing Sauce for Poutine
The sauce is perhaps the most crucial component of poutine. In Quebec, the gravy for poutine is made using meat drippings mixed with flour and chicken broth. But there are also vegetarian options such as the mushroom or onion gravy.
Traditional Gravy Using Meat Drippings:
Ingredients Required:
- 3 Tbsp Unsalted Butter
- 1/4 Cup All-Purpose Flour
- 2 Cups Chicken Stock
- 1 Onion Chopped
- 2 Cloves Crushed Garlic
- Salt & Pepper to taste
The Step by Step Guide to Making Traditional Gravy:
- Melt butter into a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add onions & garlic and cook until fragrant for about 3-4 minutes until onions become translucent.
- Gradually add flour and stir well until a smooth mixture is formed.
- Pour chicken stock into the mixture and whisk continuously until it starts to thicken.
- Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for around 10 minutes.
- Add salt and pepper to taste and remove from the heat source once smooth and thick sauce is achieved.
Variations of Gravy:
There are lots of variations you can make to this gravy depending on your preferences, including adding red wine, beef broth, or vegetable broth instead of chicken.
Combining All Ingredients to Make the Poutine
With all the necessary components ready, finally, we need to assemble them into layers properly.
Layering Process:
- Add the French fries in a layer in a bowl or dish.
- Add cheese curds on top of fries.
- Pour hot gravy all over the dish until the cheese takes on a sauce-like consistency.
- The order of layers matters because you don’t want the cheese to melt by direct contact with hot gravy before putting it over fries.
Optional Addition of Meats & Veggies:
If desired, you can also add meats such as sausages, bacon or vegetables- like bell peppers or mushrooms as toppings to give extra flavor.
Tips for Making Perfect Poutine At Home
Making poutine at home can be intimidating sometimes, but with these helpful tips, you’ll be able to make perfect poutine every time.
Tips on Selecting The Right Potatoes:
Choose high-starch potatoes such as Russets or Yukon Golds for crispy fries every time.
What Type of Cream Should be used in Gravy?
Use heavy cream for thick, creamy gravy. Alternatively, you can opt for vegetable broth or mushroom soup to make a vegetarian gravy.
How to Make a Vegetarian Poutine?
Replace the meat-based gravy with mushroom or onion gravy, and add vegetarian protein sources such as tofu or chickpeas to add extra heft to the dish. You can also substitute cheese curds for vegan cheese options without sacrificing taste.
Variations of Poutine to Try at Home
Poutine is quite versatile, and there are many variations of poutine you can try at home:
Spicy Poutines:
Add some heat by using spices like cayenne or red pepper flakes on your fries or adding spicy sausage slices as toppings.
Breakfast Poutines:
Swap out traditional fries for hash browns and add bacon or breakfast sausage on top or use hollandaise sauce instead of traditional gravy.
Sweet Potato Poutines:
A healthy alternative is to use sweet potatoes; add toppings like caramelized onions, goat cheese crumbles, chorizo, and a balsamic glaze.
Best Places to Find Authentic Poutines in Canada
There are a variety of places in Canada where you can find authentic poutine that will satisfy every craving. Here are some suggestions:
Montreal vs Quebec Style: What’s the Difference?
Quebec-style poutine is the original recipe that consists of French fries, cheese curds with gravy mixed from chicken broth and flour. On the other hand, Montreal-style usually adds barbeque style smoked meat or corned beef in addition to all the elements of a Quebecois-style poutine.
Best restaurants to try authentic poutines
- La Banquise-Montreal
- Poutineville-Toronto
- Smoke’s Poutinerie-Canada wide chain
Conclusion
Poutine is a delicious and hearty meal that has gained popularity in Canada and around the world for its simplicity and flavors. It combines French fries with cheese curds and gravy to create a tasty, indulgent dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a bit of practice, guidance, and creativity, you can easily master making poutine at home using premium ingredients as per your taste.
7 FAQs About Poutine Recipe
What is poutine?
Poutine is a Canadian dish that originated in Quebec. It consists of french fries, cheese curds, and gravy.
What are the ingredients for poutine?
- French fries
- Cheese curds
- Gravy
Is there a specific type of cheese to use?
The traditional cheese for poutine is cheese curds. However, if you can’t find cheese curds, you can use mozzarella or cheddar cheese as an alternative.
How do I make the perfect gravy for poutine?
- Start by melting butter over medium heat.
- Add flour to create a roux.
- Slowly add beef broth while whisking until the mixture thickens.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
Can I make poutine ahead of time?
You can prepare the individual elements of the dish ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble it just before serving so that the fries stay crispy.
Can I customize my poutine recipe?
Absolutely! You can add any toppings you like such as bacon, pulled pork, or even vegetables like mushrooms or onions.
Is poutine a healthy dish?
Poutine is not known for being a healthy dish. It’s high in calories, fat, and sodium. However, you can make healthier versions by using baked fries and low-fat cheese and gravy substitutes.
