Poutine (pronounced putsɪn)
makes 4 side servings or 2 main servings
4 large russet potatoes
oil for deep frying
salt
2 cups beef stock
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup flour
1 1/2 cups cheese curds
1. Peel and slice the potatoes into thick fries (at least 1 cm thick).
2. Soak the potatoes in ice water for about 30 minutes. Remove and drain well.
3. Heat oil for frying to about 325F and deep fry potatoes for about 8 minutes.
4. Remove from oil and set on paper towel. Turn the oil up to 375F.
5. In a saucepan melt the butter and stir in the flour. Add the beef broth and stir over medium-high heat until thickened. Reduce heat and keep hot. (I use a tiny bit of gravy browning to get that nice dark colour).
6. Return the french fries to the oil and continue frying until golden and crispy. This should take about 5 more minutes. Remove fries to drain on paper towel and salt to taste.
7. Assemble the poutine quick while everything is still HOT. (Poutine is best made in a bowl or other container which will contain the heat and help melt the curds. Also, the curds should be at room temperature before assembling the Poutine). Start with a layer of fries. Put some cheese curds in the middle. Add more fries and top with more cheese curds.
8. Ladle gravy over the fries and cheese curds.
