What is poutine? Why It Called Canada's national dish?

What is poutine? Why It Called Canada's national dish?

Poutine is a popular Canadian dish that typically consists of three main components: french fries, cheese curds, and gravy. It originated in Quebec, Canada, in the late 1950s and has since become a beloved comfort food across the country and even internationally.

The dish's name "poutine" is thought to come from Quebecois slang, originally referring to a mess or mishmash. It's believed that poutine was created when someone poured gravy over a plate of fries and cheese curds, resulting in a delicious and satisfying combination.

As for why it's often considered Canada's national dish, there are a few reasons:

  1. Popularity: Poutine is widely enjoyed across Canada, from coast to coast, in restaurants, fast-food chains, and even at home. Its popularity transcends cultural and regional boundaries, making it a unifying symbol of Canadian cuisine.

  2. Cultural Identity: Poutine is deeply rooted in Canadian culinary culture, particularly in Quebec, where it originated. Its unique blend of ingredients reflects Canada's diverse culinary heritage, with influences from French, British, and Indigenous cuisines.

  3. Iconic Status: Poutine has achieved iconic status both within Canada and internationally. It's often featured on lists of must-try Canadian foods and has been celebrated in various food festivals and events across the country. Additionally, its fame has spread globally, with poutine appearing on menus in restaurants worldwide.

Overall, poutine's widespread popularity, cultural significance, and iconic status have earned it the title of Canada's national dish in the hearts and minds of many Canadians.

How Canada's national dish Poutine Prepared?

Ingredients:

  • 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into fries
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • Salt, to taste
  • 2 cups cheese curds (authentic cheese curds are preferable, but you can also use shredded mozzarella or another cheese if curds are unavailable)
  • 2 cups beef gravy (you can use store-bought gravy or make your own)
  • Optional: chopped green onions or parsley for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the fries:

    • Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 325°F (160°C).
    • Fry the potato fries in batches until they are light golden brown and crispy, about 5-6 minutes per batch.
    • Remove the fries from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Allow them to cool slightly.
  2. Increase the oil temperature:

    • Increase the temperature of the vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C).
  3. Fry the fries again:

    • Once the oil is hot, fry the fries again in batches until they are golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per batch.
    • Remove the fries from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Season with salt while they are still hot.
  4. Assemble the poutine:

    • Arrange the hot fries on a serving platter or individual plates.
    • Sprinkle the cheese curds evenly over the hot fries.
    • Heat the beef gravy until it's hot and pour it over the fries and cheese curds.
  5. Serve:

    • Garnish the poutine with chopped green onions or parsley if desired.
    • Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!

Feel free to customize your poutine by adding toppings like pulled pork, bacon, or sautéed mushrooms. You can also experiment with different types of gravy, such as chicken or vegetarian gravy, to suit your taste preferences.

Why People loved it?

People love poutine for several reasons, including its comforting taste, indulgent nature, and cultural significance. Here are some of the key reasons why poutine is beloved by many:

  1. Comfort Food Appeal: Poutine is the epitome of comfort food. The combination of crispy fries, gooey cheese curds, and savory gravy creates a satisfying and indulgent eating experience that evokes feelings of warmth and nostalgia.

  2. Rich Flavor Profile: Each component of poutine brings its own unique flavor to the dish. The salty fries, creamy cheese curds, and savory gravy come together to create a harmonious blend of flavors that tantalize the taste buds.

  3. Versatility: While the classic version of poutine consists of fries, cheese curds, and gravy, it's a dish that lends itself well to customization. People enjoy experimenting with different toppings, sauces, and variations to create their own unique spin on this iconic dish.

  4. Cultural Significance: Poutine is deeply ingrained in Canadian culinary culture, particularly in Quebec where it originated. As a result, it holds a special place in the hearts of many Canadians and serves as a symbol of national pride and identity.

  5. Social Aspect: Poutine is often enjoyed in social settings, whether it's at a restaurant with friends, at a food festival, or as a late-night snack after a night out. Sharing a plate of poutine can be a communal experience that brings people together and fosters a sense of camaraderie.

  6. Accessibility: Poutine is widely available across Canada and has gained popularity internationally as well. Its accessibility means that people from all walks of life can enjoy this delicious dish, whether they're dining out or making it at home.

Overall, the combination of its comforting taste, cultural significance, and versatility makes poutine a beloved dish that continues to capture the hearts (and stomachs) of people around the world.