POUTINE

Prepare the Fries:

• Fresh Potatoes:

Peel and cut the potatoes into 1/4-inch thick fries. Soak them in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch. Drain and pat them dry with a towel.

Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the potatoes in batches until golden and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove and drain on paper towels. Season with salt.

• Frozen Fries:

Follow the package instructions for frying or baking.

Make the Gravy:

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for about 5 minutes, until the mixture turns golden brown (this is a roux).

Gradually add the beef broth and chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.

Bring the gravy to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until it thickens to your desired consistency, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Assemble the Poutine:

• Place a generous portion of hot fries on a serving plate.
• Sprinkle a good amount of cheese curds over the fries.
• Pour hot gravy over the fries and cheese curds, ensuring the curds begin to melt slightly.
• Serve immediately and enjoy your classic poutine!

Health Benefit of Poutine  

Poutine, a beloved Canadian comfort food made of fries, cheese curds, and gravy, is not typically known for its health benefits due to its high calorie, fat, and sodium content. However, there are some nutritional aspects to consider:

• Protein Source:

Cheese curds provide a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth, and for maintaining healthy skin, hair, and nails.

• Calcium and Other Nutrients:

Cheese curds also offer a significant amount of calcium, which is vital for maintaining strong bones and teeth. They contain other nutrients like phosphorus, vitamin A, and vitamin B12.

• Energy Boost:

The carbohydrates from the fries can provide a quick source of energy. This can be particularly useful if you need a rapid energy boost, although it’s important to balance this with other nutrient-rich foods.

• Comfort and Satisfaction:

Poutine can offer psychological benefits as a comfort food. Enjoying a favorite dish in moderation can boost mood and provide satisfaction, which is an important aspect of overall well-being.

• Considerations for a Balanced Diet

While poutine has some nutritional elements, it’s important to consume it in moderation due to its potential downsides:

• High in Calories

A typical serving of poutine can be calorie-dense, which can contribute to weight gain if consumed frequently.

• High in Fat

The dish contains a significant amount of fat, particularly saturated fat from the cheese curds and gravy, which can impact heart health if consumed in excess.

• High in Sodium

Gravy and cheese curds often contain high levels of sodium, which can lead to increased blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues if not balanced with a low-sodium diet.

• Healthier Alternatives

To enjoy poutine more healthily, consider these modifications

• Baked Fries: Use baked instead of fried potatoes to reduce fat content.
• Low-Fat Cheese Curds: Opt for low-fat or reduced-sodium cheese curds.
• Healthier Gravy: Make a lighter gravy using low-sodium broth and less butter.
• Vegetable Additions: Add vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas to increase the nutritional value.