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Poutine: Specialty Conquers Fast Food Lovers

In Canada, it has been the fast-food par excellence for several decades: poutine. The dish consists of French fries, pieces of cheese, and gravy and is slowly conquering the counters of various kitchens around the world. The calorie count doesn’t say thank you after eating poutine, but it’s still a taste highlight.

What is poutine?

Poutine first went over a restaurant counter in Canada in the 1950s. Today, all sorts of what “poutine” means when translated, is considered a fast-food specialty and is even offered in Canadian McDonald’s and Burger King branches. The ingredients are relatively simple – the taste should still be bombastic.

Roughly cut potatoes are fried for classic poutine, which makes them crispy on the outside and golden in color, but soft on the inside. Cheddar is traditionally used as a piece of cheese, it does not run and squeaks when chewed. Hot gravy is then poured over the fries and cheese and the poutine is ready.

Of course, there are also restaurants in Canada that specialize in poutine and offer various variations of the classic. There, the fast-food dish is offered with sauerkraut, gherkins, minced meat, or mushrooms, for example, as well as numerous sauces.

Not an easy pleasure

A serving of poutine hits the calorie account with a whopping 500 calories. This makes poutine a pleasure that you can of course treat yourself to every now and then – but the Canadian specialty should not become a regular occurrence.

The Poutine Recipe

Ingredients for four people

  • 30 g cornstarch
  • 90 grams of butter
  • 60 grams of flour
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 550 ml beef broth
  • 300 ml chicken broth
  • pepper
  • about 10 potatoes
  • rapeseed oil
  • 300g cheddar

The preparation

  1. For the gravy, mix the cornstarch in 30ml water until it dissolves.
  2. Now melt the butter in a large pan. Then add the flour and simmer, stirring, for about five minutes until it turns golden brown.
  3. Peel the garlic cloves, cut them into small pieces, and add to the roux and sauté briefly.
  4. In another bowl, add the beef and chicken broth, stir in the roux and simmer until the sauce thickens about 5 minutes. Season with pepper and keep warm.
  5. Wash the potatoes and cut them into finger-width wedges. Then heat plenty of rapeseed oil in a saucepan and fry the potato wedges in it until they are golden yellow in color. Then drain on kitchen paper. For that extra portion of crispiness, it can also be fried a second time.
  6. Cut the cheddar into bite-sized pieces.
  7. Now place the finished fries on a large, deep plate, pour over the gravy, and spread the pieces of cheese over them.
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Canada

Can you tell me about the role of poutine in Canadian cuisine?

Introduction: The Iconic Poutine in Canadian Cuisine

Poutine is a beloved Canadian dish that has become a cultural icon of the country’s cuisine. It is a simple yet satisfying dish made with fries, cheese curds, and gravy. Poutine has gained immense popularity in Canada over the years and has become a staple in almost every diner, restaurant, and food truck across the country.

The dish has also gained global recognition, and many countries have tried to replicate this Canadian classic. However, the authentic taste of poutine can only be found in Canada where it is a national treasure.

The Origin of Poutine: A Brief History

The origin of poutine is uncertain, but the dish is said to have originated in rural Quebec in the 1950s. It is believed that a customer walked into a restaurant and asked for fries and cheese curds with gravy, and thus poutine was born.

Initially, poutine was a relatively simple dish, consisting of just fries, cheese curds, and gravy. However, over the years, different variations of the dish have emerged, adding different ingredients such as bacon, pulled pork, and various sauces.

Ingredients & Preparation of Traditional Poutine

The traditional poutine consists of three main ingredients: fries, cheese curds, and gravy. The fries are usually made from freshly cut potatoes and are fried until crispy. Cheese curds are an important component of poutine, and their freshness is essential for the dish’s authentic taste. The cheese curds are usually made from cheddar and have a distinctive squeaky texture.

The gravy used in poutine is usually a beef or chicken-based gravy, which is poured over the fries and cheese curds and then baked in an oven. The dish is then served hot and ready to be devoured.

Regional Variations of Poutine Across Canada

Poutine is a versatile dish, and various regions across Canada have created their own unique variations. In Quebec, poutine is often served with smoked meat, while in Ontario, it’s not unusual to find poutine topped with pulled pork.

In Atlantic Canada, lobster poutine is a popular variation, while in the Western provinces, poutine is often served with chili. The variations of poutine across the country have made the dish even more popular and have helped establish it as a Canadian classic.

Poutine in Canadian Popular Culture & Festivals

Poutine has become a part of Canadian popular culture and is often featured in movies, TV shows, and advertisements. The dish has also become a staple at Canadian festivals, where vendors compete to create the best poutine.

The annual Poutine Festivals in Quebec and Ottawa attract thousands of visitors from across the country, who come to indulge in different variations of the dish.

Poutine’s Influence on Canadian Food Scene

Poutine has had a significant influence on the Canadian food scene, inspiring chefs and restaurateurs to create variations of the dish. The popularity of poutine has also led to the creation of poutine-centric restaurants, where the dish is the main attraction.

Poutine has also inspired other Canadian dishes, such as the Montreal smoked meat sandwich, which is often served with a side of poutine.

Global Recognition: Poutine Beyond Canadian Borders

Poutine has gained global recognition, and many countries have tried to create their own versions of the dish. However, the authentic taste of poutine can only be found in Canada.

Despite this, poutine has become a popular dish in the United States, with many restaurants serving their own variations of the dish. Poutine has also gained popularity in Europe and Asia, where it is often served in Canadian-themed restaurants.

Conclusion: Celebrating Poutine as a Canadian Delight

Poutine has become a cultural icon of Canadian cuisine, and its popularity shows no signs of fading. The dish has evolved over the years, with different regional variations and new ingredients being added.

Poutine has become a source of national pride and has put Canadian cuisine on the global map. Whether you’re a local or a visitor to Canada, no trip is complete without trying the iconic dish that is poutine.

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