Canada Day: Poutine is Canada’s national dish
Poutine is considered Canada’s national dish, originating in Quebec in the 1950’s. What better way to celebrate Canada Day, than to serve homemade Poutine to your family and friends?
Authentic Poutine Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Soak Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Ingredients
8 ounces cheese curds (at room temperature)
(Store-bought cheese curds are sold in bags and are often found in the deli area and not always in the dairy case)
Fries:
2 large baking potatoes scrubbed
1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
Salt to taste
Brown Gravy:
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/2 yellow onion diced
2 cloves garlic minced
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups condensed beef broth
Instructions
Fries:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Wash and cut potatoes into 1/4 inch fries. Soak fries in cold water for at least 30 minutes, then dry thoroughly using paper towels.
In a large bowl, toss fries with olive oil and seasoned salt. Spread on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 20 minutes. Increase the oven temperature to 425 degrees F, stir the French fries and continue baking until golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.
(If you prefer you can deep fry your french fries or make air fryer french fries)
Gravy:
While the fries bake, heat one teaspoon olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook diced onion until tender. Add minced garlic, thyme and pepper to the saucepan. Cook the mixture for 2 minutes. Whisk in the butter until melted. Stir in flour, cooking for 4-5 minutes or until browned. Gradually add the condensed beef broth and 1 cup of water to the saucepan, whisking until smooth after each addition. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 2 minutes. Strain the gravy through a mesh strainer into a pot.
(The gravy can be made 48 hours ahead and reheated for serving.)
Assembly:
Place the hot fries on a serving plate and top with cheese curds. Pour very hot gravy over the fries and cheese. Serve immediately.
Toppings:
For a heartier Poutine, a topping of pulled pork, chopped bacon, ground sausage or seasoned taco meat is an option.