Recipes

How to Make Poutine

Last updated on Oct 10, 2024
Kevin Singhel

Poutine is a popular dish of Canadian origin that typically consists of crispy french fries topped with cheese curds and smothered in rich gravy. The combination of crispy, salty fries with the creamy cheese curds and savory gravy creates a unique and satisfying flavor profile that pairs great with beer and various bar foods. While traditional poutine includes these three main ingredients, modern variations often incorporate additional toppings such as bacon, pulled pork, or vegetables to add a personal touch to this classic dish. Whether enjoyed as a hearty snack, a side dish, or a main course, poutine offers a delicious and comforting dining experience that is sure to please customers in a variety of commercial foodservice settings.

What Is Poutine Made Of?

poutine

French fries serve as the base of poutine, providing a crispy and hearty foundation for the dish. The fries are typically cut into thick strips and fried until golden and crispy, ensuring they can hold up to the rich gravy without becoming soggy. Cheese curds are another crucial component of poutine, adding a creamy and tangy element to the dish.

Gravy is the final key ingredient that brings the whole dish together. Traditionally, poutine is topped with a generous serving of hot brown gravy, which adds a savory flavor to the fries and cheese curds. The gravy is typically made from a combination of beef or chicken stock, flour, butter, and seasonings, creating a rich and flavorful sauce that ties all the elements of poutine together.

What Does Poutine Taste Like?

The overall taste of poutine can be described as a perfect balance of salty, savory, and creamy notes. The crispy fries provide a satisfying crunchy mouthfeel, while the warm gravy adds a savory richness to each bite. The cheese curds, which are typically fresh and slightly tangy, melt slightly from the heat of the gravy, creating a creamy element to the dish.

How to Make Poutine

While there are many different ways you can make poutine and additional ingredients you can add to the dish, we decided to create a traditional poutine. A traditional poutine is made with freshly cut, deep fried french fries with cheese curds on top, followed last by a healthy ladle of gravy. Check out the video below to see how to make poutine:


Poutine Ingredients

  • 1 - 2 large Idaho potatoes
  • 1/2 Tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1/2 clove minced garlic
  • 1/2 Tablespoon minced onion
  • 1/2 cup beef stock
  • 1 Tablespoon ketchup
  • 1/2 Tablespoon cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 Tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1/2 Tablespoon flour
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese curds
  • Kosher salt and black pepper to taste

Directions to Make Poutine

  1. Thoroughly scrub potatoes and cut into 1/2" sticks using a french fry cutter.
  2. Place potatoes in cold water for about an hour. Drain and dry well before frying.
  3. In a saucepan over medium heat, add oil, onion, and garlic. Cook for about 3 minutes.
  4. Add ketchup, vinegar, peppercorns, Worcestershire sauce, and beef stock to saucepan.
  5. Stir ingredients and bring to a boil.
  6. In another saucepan, melt butter. Add flour to make a roux .
  7. Stir roux for about 3 minutes or until it’s light brown in color.
  8. Whisk roux into stock mixture.
  9. Simmer for about 20 minutes, or until reduced by half.
  10. Strain sauce through a china cap strainer.
  11. Season liquid with salt and pepper to taste.
  12. Fry potatoes until golden.
  13. Place fries on a dish and top with cheese curds. Add gravy on top and serve.

Types of Poutine

types of poutine

Poutine, a beloved Canadian dish, comes in various delicious forms to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are some popular types of poutine you may encounter:

  1. Traditional Poutine - The classic rendition of poutine consists of crispy french fries topped with cheese curds and savory gravy. This traditional version is a comforting and indulgent treat that satisfies cravings for a hearty meal.
  2. Tater Tot Poutine - For a fun twist on the original, tater tot poutine swaps out the french fries for crispy tater tots. The crunchy exterior of the tater tots adds a unique texture to the dish while still maintaining the signature cheese curds and gravy.
  3. Vegan Poutine - Catering to plant-based diets, vegan poutine offers a vegan alternative to the traditional version. This variation typically features plant-based cheese and gravy, allowing vegans to enjoy the rich flavors and textures of poutine without compromising their dietary choices.
  4. Pulled Pork Poutine - Adding a protein-packed twist to the dish, pulled pork poutine combines the classic poutine elements with tender, flavorful pulled pork. The addition of pulled pork enhances the dish with smoky, savory notes, creating a satisfying and filling meal.
  5. Beef Poutine - Beef poutine takes the dish to the next level by incorporating tender pieces of beef into the mix. The rich and savory flavor of beef complements the creamy cheese curds and savory gravy, offering a hearty dining experience.

What to Serve with Poutine

poutine being served

When serving poutine, consider pairing this savory Canadian dish with a variety of complementary items to enhance the overall dining experience. Below we've listed some delicious options to serve alongside poutine:

  1. Sandwiches and Burgers - Sandwiches and burgers are a popular choice to serve as a main course alongside poutine. The hearty nature of these items pairs well with the rich and flavorful combination of fries, cheese curds, and gravy in poutine.
  2. Roasted Veggies - If you're planning poutine as a main dish, roasted vegetables make a nutritious and flavorful side dish. The caramelized flavors of roasted veggies add a delicious contrast to the indulgent nature of poutine.
  3. Side Salad - A side salad is a refreshing option to serve alongside poutine, providing a light element to balance out the richness of the dish. Choose a fresh and vibrant salad with a variety of greens, vegetables, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing to complement the flavors of the poutine.
  4. Dinner Rolls - Soft and fluffy dinner rolls are a classic accompaniment to poutine, perfect for sopping up any leftover gravy on the plate. Warm dinner rolls straight from the oven add a comforting touch to the meal and are an excellent option for soaking up the delicious flavors of poutine.

Poutine FAQ

Below we answer some of the most common questions regarding poutine:

Disco Fries vs Poutine

Disco fries, a beloved staple in diners and eateries across the United States, are typically made with a base of crispy french fries topped with melted mozzarella cheese and smothered in a rich gravy. While both disco fries and poutine share the common elements of fries, cheese, and gravy, the choice of cheese sets them apart. Disco fries use melted mozzarella cheese, which creates a gooey and melty topping, while poutine features cheese curds that add a unique texture and flavor to the dish.

Where Is Poutine From?

Poutine originated in the French-speaking province of Quebec, Canada, in the late 1950s. Since its humble beginnings in Quebec, poutine has become a beloved dish across Canada, with variations and adaptations found in restaurants and food trucks throughout the country. While poutine's roots are firmly planted in Canadian culture, its popularity has spread beyond the country's borders, with restaurants in the United States, Europe, and other regions offering their take on the dish.

How to Pronounce Poutine

The correct pronunciation of poutine is poo-TEEN. The word is derived from Quebec French, where it originally referred to a messy concoction. The pronunciation may vary slightly depending on regional accents, but the emphasis is typically placed on the second syllable.

Because poutine is easy to make, the ingredients are inexpensive, and there is a large profit margin, it's an excellent addition to the menu at your restaurant or bar. Another benefit to offering poutine on your menu is that it is very customizable, so you can increase your profit margin even more by giving your customers the option of adding other ingredients, like other sauces, bacon, or extra cheese. So, if you're looking for a new recipe that's as profitable as it is easy to make, consider poutine as a cost-effective, delicious addition to your bar menu.

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