It might not be a looker, but this Québec dish is certainly delicious, and is now not only popular across Canada and the northeast of the US but further afield too. Comprising fluffy-on-the-inside, crunchy-on-the-outside French fries, and thick, rich and meaty gravy, poutine is elevated to a culinary event by the addition of cheese curds. These small, solidified white cheese bites retain some of their shape under the heat of the gravy.
Cuisine
CanadianRecipe Type
PotatoDifficulty
EasyPreparation Time
10 minsCooking Time
25 minsServes
21 vegetable oil spray
500 g large white potatoes (such as Maris Piper)
200 g cheese curds, or buffalo mozzarella
400 ml gravy, beef or onion, either shop-bought or homemade
Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil and pre-heat the oven to 220°C/430°F/gas mark 7.
Keeping the skin on, slice the potatoes lengthways into 1cm (0.5in) slices then cut into sticks (chips).
Cook the chips in the boiling water for 5 minutes then drain.
Line a large baking tray with parchment paper and spray with a little light oil spray.
Place the chips onto the baking tray in a single layer, season and spray all over with the light oil. Cook in the pre-heated oven for 25 minutes giving them a shake halfway through or until golden and crispy.
Make sure the gravy is at boiling temperature or piping hot.
Transfer the chips to a serving dish, break the cheese curds (or mozzarella) into small chunks, place them on the chips and pour over the hot gravy.