Poutine is a delicious Canadian dish that consists of french fries topped with cheese curds and smothered in gravy. A step-by-step guide to making poutine:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups of frozen or homemade French fries
- 2 cups of cheese curds (you can use cheddar cheese if curds are not available)
- 2 cups of beef or chicken gravy (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the French Fries:
1.1. If using frozen French fries, follow the instructions on the package to cook them. This usually involves baking them in the oven or frying them in oil until they are golden and crispy.
1.2. If making homemade French fries, peel and cut potatoes into thick strips. Rinse them in cold water to remove excess starch.
1.3. Heat a pot of oil (vegetable oil or peanut oil works well) to 325°F (163°C). Fry the potato strips in batches until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Season with salt immediately.
2. Make the Gravy:
2.1. You can use either beef or chicken gravy, depending on your preference. You can use store-bought gravy or make your own by following a simple recipe. Heat the gravy in a saucepan over medium heat until it's hot and simmering.
3. Assemble the Poutine:
3.1. Place a portion of hot French fries on a serving plate or dish.
3.2. Sprinkle a generous amount of cheese curds over the hot fries. The heat from the fries will help melt the cheese curds slightly.
3.3. Pour the hot gravy over the fries and cheese curds. Make sure the gravy is hot enough to melt the cheese curds further.
4. Season and Serve:
4.1. Season the poutine with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
4.2. Serve the poutine immediately while it's hot. The cheese should be partially melted, and the gravy should be steaming.
Poutine is a comforting and indulgent dish that's perfect for a hearty meal. You can also experiment with variations by adding toppings like sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or pulled pork for a unique twist on this classic Canadian comfort food. Enjoy!