National dishes of the world number 5, Canada with Poutine

 

Poutine

Poutine is a dish of french fries, fresh cheese curds, and sometimes additional ingredients, covered with brown gravy . Poutine is a diner staple that originated in Quebec and can now be found across Canada. It is sold by national fast food  chains, in small greasy spoon type diners (commonly known as "cantines" or "casse-croûtes" in Quebec) and pubs, as well as by roadside chip wagons (commonly known as "cabanes à patates", literally meaning "potato shacks"). . Atypically, the dish may include additional ingredients such as bacon, lobster and  rabbit.

One online review says

"This traditional Canadian dish is DELICIOUS. It is better with cheese curds but you can use regular shredded mozzarella cheese if curds aren't available in your area. For something a little different use spaghetti sauce instead of gravy. Recipe calls for canned gravy but homemade leftover gravy is SO MUCH better. Also, you can use store bought french fries and make them as directed on the package. "

Must admit I agree with the tip about the gravy!!

Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes, peeled
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Oil for frying
• 1 cup cheese curds
• 1 1/3 cups beef gravy, heated

Preparation:

Cut the potatoes lengthwise into thin strips, about 1/3-inch in width. Soak the potatoes in ice-cold water for 1 hour, drain, and pat completely dry. Heat the oil in a deep fryer or deep skillet to 325F and fry the potatoes, in batches, for 3 minutes, until they turn dark white-yellow, but not brown. Drain the fries on fresh paper towels and allow them to rest for a few minutes.

Bring the oil back to 325F and fry the potatoes again, in batches, for 4 to 5 minutes, until they turn crisp and medium golden brown. Drain the fries on fresh paper towels, salt them, and divide them onto 4 serving plates or bowls.

Add 1/4 cup of the cheese curds and 1/3 cup of the hot beef gravy on each serving of fries. Serve hot.

This poutine recipe makes 4 servings.