What Is Poutine? All About the Classic Canadian Dish

French Fries: French fries are the basis of a great poutine. If you’re not into making your own fries, frozen French fries work well for the base, or takeout French fries can work too. 

Gravy: Gravy is an essential poutine component, providing flavor and moisture. Jarred gravy, or pre-made gravy works well. Or, you can freeze your favorite gravy when you make it for dinner and defrost the leftovers for the poutine drizzle. Traditionally, beef or chicken-based gravy is used for poutine, but vegetarian versions can work well too. 

Cheese: Topping the hot fries with cheese helps it melt just enough to coat the potatoes. Cheese curds are essential for the squeaky texture of poutine, and can be found on Amazon. In a pinch, you can use mozzarella, Cheddar or the cheese of your choice, sliced into bite-sized pieces. 

To make poutine, heat your fries and gravy separately. Then, put fries on a platter. Disperse cheese across the fries, and drizzle gravy on top, saving some for dipping, if you choose. 

Poutine Recipe

Now that you’re fully acquainted with the deliciousness that is poutine, learn how to make the Canadian classic at home by following the step-by-step poutine recipe below.

Ingredients:

• 1 28-oz. pkg. frozen shoestring French fries, such as Ore-Ida
• 6 Tbsp (3/4 stick) unsalted butter 
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 
• 2 cups chicken broth, warm
• 1 cup beef broth, warm 
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 12 oz cheese curds, at room temperature

Method:

1. Cook fries according to package directions, keep warm.
2. While the fries are cooking, melt the butter in a medium skillet. Whisk in flour until combined, about 2 minutes. Stir in the broth while whisking constantly. Simmer and thicken, stirring intermittently, about 10-15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Add hot fries to a serving dish. Disperse cheese curds on top. Drizzle with half of the gravy, leaving the remaining gravy for dipping or leftovers.