Poutine facts for kids
A serving of poutine from Les 3 Brasseurs, Montreal, Quebec
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| Course | Main course or side dish |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Canada |
| Region or state | Quebec |
| Created by | Many claims |
| Invented | late 1950s |
| Main ingredients | French fries, gravy, cheese curds |
Poutine is a super popular and yummy dish from Quebec, Canada! It's made with crispy French fries, squeaky cheese curds, and a warm, savory brown gravy. Sometimes, people add even more tasty things on top!
It started as a fast food dish in Quebec. Now, you can find poutine in many places. Big fast food chains like McDonald's, A&W, KFC, and Burger King often sell it.
Contents
Where Did Poutine Come From?
Poutine first appeared in Quebec in the late 1950s. Many towns claim to be its birthplace. One popular story says it started in Warwick, Quebec, in 1957. A customer asked a restaurant owner to mix fries and cheese curds. The owner supposedly said, "Ça va faire une maudite poutine!" which means "That will make a messy mixture!"
Another story points to Drummondville, Quebec, in 1914. A restaurant there was known for its fries and cheese curds. People would order both and mix them. The gravy was added later, making the dish complete.
What Makes Poutine Special?
The Perfect Ingredients
Poutine is simple but delicious. The three main parts are:
- French Fries: These are usually thick-cut and cooked until golden and crispy. They need to be strong enough to hold the gravy and cheese.
- Cheese Curds: These are fresh pieces of cheese that haven't been aged. They are famous for making a "squeaky" sound when you bite into them. They should be at room temperature so they melt just a little from the hot gravy.
- Gravy: This is a rich, brown sauce. It's usually made from beef or chicken broth. The hot gravy melts the cheese curds slightly, making them soft and gooey.
How Poutine Became Popular
Poutine started as a simple snack. It was often sold in small diners and roadside stands. Over time, its popularity grew across Quebec. By the 1990s, it became a symbol of Quebecois food. Now, it's enjoyed all over Canada and even in other parts of the world.
Different Kinds of Poutine
While classic poutine is amazing, there are many fun variations. Chefs love to get creative with this dish.
- Pulled Pork Poutine: This version adds tender pulled pork on top.
- Smoked Meat Poutine: A popular choice in Montreal, using smoked meat.
- Breakfast Poutine: Some places add eggs, bacon, or sausage.
- Vegetarian Poutine: Made with vegetable gravy and sometimes different toppings.
- International Twists: You might find poutine with Pierogi (like in the image below) or other global flavors.
Where to Find Poutine
You can find poutine almost everywhere in Canada. From fancy restaurants to small chip trucks, it's a staple. Many cities have special poutine festivals. These events celebrate the dish and offer many unique kinds to try. It's a great way to experience Canadian culture through food!
Images for kids
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La Banquise in Montreal serves more than thirty varieties of poutine.
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Poutine made with thick beef gravy on french-fried potatoes with fresh cheese curds is a style commonly found outside Quebec.
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Polish-inspired poutine with pierogi instead of French fries
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A poutine stand sign (also offering Buffalo wings, which originated In the United States) styled as the Flag of Canada during Canada Day celebrations in Trafalgar Square
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Joey Chestnut holds the trophy at the 2012 World Poutine Eating Championship in Toronto.
See also
In Spanish: Poutine para niños
