The Classic Poutine

The Classic Poutine: A Canadian Comfort Food with a ChefBanker Twist

Hey, craving the ultimate comfort food? Look no further! Let’s dive into making the legendary Canadian Poutine. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

When it comes to comfort food, poutine is the ultimate indulgence . Imagine crispy fries, rich gravy, and squeaky cheese curds all in one bite. This iconic Canadian dish has stolen hearts and filled bellies worldwide.

But wait, there’s more! Did you know you can get super creative with poutine without emptying your wallet? Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special and how you can give it a ChefBanker twist. A Quick Poutine History Lesson ​ Poutine made its debut in Quebec in the late 1950s. It all started with a request to top French fries with cheese curds. Add some gravy, and boom—a culinary legend was born! Fun fact: The name “poutine” comes from Quebecois slang, meaning “a mess,” which perfectly describes this delightful dish.

Ready to elevate your poutine game? Let’s get cooking!

​ Ingredients:
For the Fries:

• 4 large russet potatoes
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• Salt to taste

For the Gravy:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef or chicken broth
• 1/2 cup water
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Curds:

• 2 cups cheese curds (white cheddar or a similar type)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fries:
   1. Peel the potatoes and cut them into thin strips.
   2. Rinse the potato strips in cold water to remove excess starch. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
   3. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   4. Toss the potato strips with vegetable oil and salt. Spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet.
   5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside.
2. Make the Gravy:
   1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
   2. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes to create a roux (a thickening mixture).
   3. Gradually whisk in the broth and water. Continue to whisk until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken, about 5-7 minutes.
   4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to low and keep warm.
3. Assemble the Poutine:
   1. Place a layer of fries on a serving plate or dish.
   2. Sprinkle cheese curds generously over the fries.
   3. Pour the hot gravy evenly over the fries and cheese curds.
   4. Serve immediately while the cheese curds are melting and the fries are hot.

Budget-Friendly Tips, Poutine is already an affordable dish, but here are some tips to make it even more wallet-friendly:

• Homemade Fries: Instead of buying frozen fries, make your own at home. Potatoes are inexpensive and making fries from scratch is easier than you think.
• Stock Up on Sales: Cheese curds and gravy ingredients can be stored for a while. Stock up when they’re on sale to save money.
• Use Leftovers: Have leftover roast or veggies? Incorporate them into your poutine for a zero-waste, cost-effective meal.

An overview of what we covered:

1 Golden Fries: • Start with crispy, golden fries. You can bake, fry, or even air fry them. Just make sure they’re perfectly crispy!

2 Cheese Curds: • Don’t skimp on the cheese curds. These little nuggets of joy are essential. The squeakier, the better!

3 Rich Gravy: • Pour that delicious, hot gravy all over. Make it rich, make it thick, and make it generous.

4 Assemble & Enjoy: • Layer the fries, sprinkle the cheese curds, and drench it all in gravy.

Poutine is more than just a dish; it’s an experience that brings together the joy of good food and the comfort of home. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try out a ChefBanker twist, poutine is a delicious way to treat yourself without stretching your budget. And there you have it – the classic Canadian Poutine. Ready to dig in?

Tag a friend who needs to try this! Happy cooking (and saving)!