03 May 2025
Cook time 15 min
Prep time 15 min
Ingredients:
5 potatoes
2 tbsp butter
5 bacon strips
1 onion
2 garlic cloves
1 tbsp fresh thyme
1 tbsp all-purpose white wheat flour
3/4 cup chicken gravy
1/3 cup red wine
1/3 cup mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup cheddar cheese
Poutine, a beloved Canadian dish, combines crispy fries, savory gravy, and melty cheese curds to create a comfort food that's hard to resist. Our version of this classic recipe includes bacon, onions, and a hint of red wine for an extra depth of flavor.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
- Peel and cut the potatoes into long, thin strips (like French fries).
- Rinse the potato strips in cold water to remove excess starch.
- Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
2. Cook the Bacon:
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon strips over medium-high heat until crispy.
- Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Onions and Garlic:
- Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves.
- In the same skillet used for the bacon, melt 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Make the Gravy:
- Sprinkle 1 tbsp of all-purpose flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Stir continuously to combine and cook for about 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Gradually add 3/4 cup of chicken gravy and 1/3 cup of red wine, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add 1 tbsp of fresh thyme and let the mixture simmer until thickened, about 5-10 minutes.
5. Cook the Fries:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Lightly oil a baking sheet and spread the potato strips in a single layer.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until the fries are golden brown and crispy.
6. Assemble the Poutine:
- Place the hot fries on a large serving platter or individual plates.
- Sprinkle the fries with the crumbled bacon.
- Pour the hot gravy mixture evenly over the fries and bacon.
- Immediately sprinkle with 1/3 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese, allowing the cheese to partially melt from the heat of the fries and gravy.
7. Serve:
- Serve the poutine immediately while hot and enjoy!
Tips:
- For the crispiest fries, make sure to soak the cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes before frying. This helps to remove excess starch.
- If the gravy is too thick, you can thin it out with a bit more chicken gravy or water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer or add a bit more flour to thicken.
- For best results, use cheese curds for an authentic poutine experience. If unavailable, a combination of mozzarella and cheddar works well, but ensure they are evenly spread out for every bite to have some cheesy goodness.
- Cook the bacon until it is crispy to add a nice crunch to the dish. Remember to drain and pat the bacon with paper towels to remove excess grease.
- Season your fries immediately after they come out of the fryer with salt and a bit of pepper for maximum flavor.
With crispy potatoes, rich gravy, and gooey cheese all in one dish, this poutine recipe is sure to be a hit. Whether you’re serving it as a snack, appetizer, or a main course, it captures the essence of comfort food and will satisfy even the heartiest appetites.