Poutine
INGREDIENTS
Gravy
3 Tbsp cornstarch
2 Tbsp water
6 Tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 cup unbleached all purpose flour
20 oz beef broth
10 oz chicken broth
Pepper, to taste
Frozen fries, hash browns, or Tater tots
OR
3-4 medium Russet potatoes
Peanut or other frying oil
1 - 1 1/2 cups white cheddar cheese curds, (Or torn chunks of mozzarella cheese would be the closest substitution)
METHOD
Prepare the Gravy
1. In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in the water and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter.
3. Add the flour and cook, stirring regularly, for about 5 minutes, until the mixture turns golden brown.
4. Add the beef and chicken broth and bring to a boil, stirring with a whisk.
5. Stir in about HALF the cornstarch mixture and simmer for a minute or so. If you'd like your gravy thicker, add a more of the cornstarch mixture, in small increments, as needed, to thicken.
6. Season with pepper. Taste and add additional salt, if necessary, to taste. Make ahead and re-warm or keep warm until your fries are ready.
Potatoes
Prepare your frozen fries, hash browns, or tots according to the package instructions.
OR
For Deep-Fried Fries:
1. Prepare your potatoes and cut into 1/2-inch thick sticks.
2. Place into a large bowl and cover completely with cold water. Allow to stand at least 1 hour or several hours.
3. When ready to cook, heat your oil in your deep fryer or large, wide, heavy cooking pot to 300° F.
4. Remove the potatoes from the water and place onto a sheet of paper towel. Blot to remove as much excess moisture as possible.
5. Add your fries to the 300°F oil and cook for 5-8 minutes, just until potatoes are starting to cook but are not yet browned.
6. Remove potatoes from oil and scatter on a wire rack.
7. Increase oil temperature to 375°F
8. Once oil is heated to that temperature, return the potatoes to the fryer and cook until potatoes are golden brown. Remove to a paper towel-lined bowl.
Assembly
1. Add your potatoes to a large, clean bowl. Season lightly with salt while still warm.
2. Add a ladle of hot poutine gravy to the bowl and using tongs, toss the fries in the gravy.
3. Add more gravy, as needed to mostly coat the fries.
4. Add the cheese curds and toss with the hot fries and gravy. Serve with freshly ground pepper.
5. Serve immediately.
OR
1. Lay the potatoes on a plate or bowl.
2. Top with some cheese curds.
3. Ladle some gravy on top.
4. Serve immediately.