Foodie Friday – Poutine

One day I'd like to taste some genuine Canadian Poutine.  I find it difficult to imagine exactly what it tastes like.  I'll do a bit of research and see if they have it anywhere in Auckland.

Poutine is a dish invented in Quebec and is popular throughout Canada.  It started to be made in the 50's in greasy spoons (diners).  Apparently 'poutine' is a French Canadian slang word for 'mess'.  And it does sound (and look) messy.

Here is a traditional recipe from Seasons & Suppers

Ingredients

Poutine Gravy:

• 3 Tbsp cornstarch
• 2 Tbsp water
• 6 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup unbleached all purpose flour
• 20 oz beef broth
• 10 oz chicken broth
• Pepper, to taste

For Deep Fried Fries:

• 2 lbs Russet potatoes (3-4 medium potatoes)
• Peanut or other frying oil

Toppings:

• 1 - 1 1/2 cups white cheddar cheese curds (Or torn chunks of mozzarella cheese would be the closest substitution)

Instructions

1. Prepare the gravy: In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in the water and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter. Add the flour and cook, stirring regularly, for about 5 minutes, until the mixture turns golden brown.
3. Add the beef and chicken broth and bring to a boil, stirring with a whisk. Stir in the cornstarch and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes or until the sauce thickens. Season with pepper. Taste and add additional salt, if necessary, to taste. Make ahead and re-warm or keep warm until your fries are ready.

4.    For Deep-Fried Fries: Prepare your potatoes and cut into 1/2-inch thick sticks. Place into a large bowl and cover completely with cold water. Allow to stand at least one hour or several hours. When ready to cook, heat your oil in your deep fryer or large, wide, heavy cooking pot to 300° F.

5.    Remove the potatoes from the water and place onto a sheet of paper towel. Blot to remove as much excess moisture as possible.

6.    Add your fries to the 300°F oil and cook for 5-8 minutes, just until potatoes are starting to cook but are not yet browned. Remove potatoes from oil and scatter on a wire rack. Increase oil temperature to 375°F Once oil is heated to that temperature, return the potatoes to the fryer and cook until potatoes are golden brown. Remove to a paper towel-lined bowl.

7.    To Prepare Poutine: Add your fried or baked fries to a large, clean bowl. Season lightly with salt while still warm. Add a ladle of hot poutine gravy to the bowl and using tongs, toss the fries in the gravy. Add more gravy, as needed to mostly coat the fries.

8.    Add the cheese curds and toss with the hot fries and gravy. Serve with freshly ground pepper. Serve immediately.