Poutine: the dish that seems simple but packs a whole lot of flavor and comfort. Traditionally, poutine is a Canadian classic made up of crispy fries, rich gravy, and squeaky cheese curds. But what if you want to enjoy this indulgent dish without the meat? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with a vegetarian version of poutine that is just as tasty, satisfying, and flavorful as the original.
In this guide, we’ll walk through everything from the ingredients to the science behind each one, how to customize your poutine, and some expert tips to take your poutine game to the next level. You’ll be able to make a bowl of poutine that even non-vegetarians will love. So, let’s get started with our vegetarian poutine recipe!
Poutine Vegetarian Recipe
Here’s how you can create a vegetarian-friendly version of this beloved dish. You still get all the crispy, melty, savory goodness of poutine but with ingredients that keep it plant-based.
What’s different? We’ll substitute meat-based gravies with veggie-friendly ones, and we’ll pick cheeses that are not just flavorful but also vegetarian-approved.
Ingredients Needed
For this recipe, you need a few key ingredients, each bringing its own role to the final dish. Let’s break them down:
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Frozen Or Homemade Fries
- The backbone of any poutine, the fries should be crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. You can make your own or opt for frozen fries if you’re looking for convenience.
- Tip: For homemade fries, use Russet potatoes. They’re perfect for crispiness due to their high starch content.
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Vegetarian Gravy
- Traditional poutine uses a beef or chicken-based gravy, but here we’re using a vegetable-based gravy made with vegetable broth, flour, and seasonings.
- Tip: Make sure to cook your flour and broth long enough to create a smooth, thick texture.
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Cheese Curds
- Poutine is traditionally topped with cheese curds, which are fresh, mild, and a little squeaky. For a vegetarian version, you can use fresh mozzarella or white cheddar curds. Just be sure they haven’t been processed with animal rennet.
- Tip: Look for cheese labeled ’vegetarian-friendly’ to ensure it’s made without animal-derived rennet.
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Fresh Herbs Or Garnishes (Optional)
- Some poutine recipes throw in fresh herbs for an extra layer of flavor. A sprinkle of chives, parsley, or even a drizzle of sour cream or vegan mayo can elevate the dish.
Cooking Instructions
Now that we’ve got our ingredients lined up, it’s time to bring them together! Here’s a step-by-step guide to cooking your perfect vegetarian poutine.
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Prepare The Fries
- If you’re making your own fries, wash and cut the potatoes into even slices or wedges.
- Toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and bake them in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. If you’re using frozen fries, simply follow the package instructions.
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Make The Vegetarian Gravy
- In a medium saucepan, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 tbsp of flour and cook, whisking constantly, for about 2 minutes until it turns slightly golden.
- Gradually add 2 cups of vegetable broth, whisking to ensure no lumps form. Season with 1 tsp of garlic powder, 1 tsp of onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Let the gravy simmer for about 5-10 minutes until it thickens to a smooth consistency.
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Assemble The Poutine
- Once your fries are crispy and the gravy is ready, it’s time to layer! Start by placing a generous amount of fries on a plate or dish.
- Scatter cheese curds over the fries, ensuring they’re evenly spread. The heat from the fries will begin to melt the cheese slightly.
- Pour the hot vegetarian gravy over the fries and cheese curds. The warm gravy will further melt the curds, creating a gooey, cheesy layer.
- Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of vegan sauce.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Understanding the role each ingredient plays in this dish makes it easier to get things just right. Let’s take a deep dive into the science behind some of the main components:
- Fries: The key to crispy fries is starch. Potatoes, especially Russets, have high starch content that makes them perfect for frying or baking. When you fry or bake them, the exterior forms a crisp shell while the inside remains soft.
- Gravy: The thickening agent in gravy is typically flour. When you combine it with a fat (like oil or butter), it forms a roux. This roux binds with liquid (in this case, vegetable broth) to create a thick sauce. The simmering time also develops flavors and deepens the color of the gravy.
- Cheese Curds: Fresh cheese curds are essential for their squeaky, elastic texture when melted. The curds are slightly acidic, which helps balance the richness of the gravy. Plus, the high moisture content in the curds allows them to melt beautifully when combined with the hot fries and gravy.
Expert Tips
Here are some pro tips to make sure your vegetarian poutine is on another level:
- Perfecting Fry Crispiness: To get fries extra crispy, consider double frying. First, fry at a lower temperature (around 300°F/150°C) until soft. Then, fry again at a higher temperature (around 400°F/200°C) to get them crispy and golden.
- Gravy Texture: If you prefer your gravy thinner or thicker, simply adjust the cooking time. The longer it cooks, the thicker it will get. If it becomes too thick, just add a bit more vegetable broth to loosen it up.
- Cheese Curds Alternative: If you can’t find cheese curds, shredded mozzarella can work as a substitute. But fresh cheese curds are the traditional choice and will give you that signature texture.
- Vegan Version: To make this recipe fully vegan, swap the cheese for vegan cheese curds or meltable vegan cheese. Also, use a plant-based butter and a vegan-friendly vegetable broth for the gravy.
Recipe Variations
While this classic vegetarian poutine recipe is a winner, there are plenty of ways to make it your own:
- Mushroom Poutine: Add sautéed mushrooms to the mix for an earthy, meaty texture. Mushrooms like cremini or portobello are excellent choices to give it depth.
- Sweet Potato Poutine: Try substituting the fries with roasted sweet potato wedges. The sweetness of the sweet potato paired with the savory gravy is a delightful contrast.
- Spicy Poutine: Add some heat with pickled jalapeños, hot sauce, or a spicy gravy made with chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
- Mediterranean Poutine: Swap the gravy for a tahini-based sauce and top with feta cheese, olives, and a sprinkle of oregano for a Mediterranean twist.
Final Words
Vegetarian poutine is not only a great way to enjoy a classic comfort food dish without the meat, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Whether you prefer it loaded with mushrooms, topped with a spicy kick, or even made with sweet potatoes, there’s no wrong way to enjoy poutine.
This recipe gives you the foundation, and from here, you can get creative. At its core, poutine is about crispy fries, creamy gravy, and cheese curds-each element working together to create the perfect bite. Once you’ve mastered the basic version, you can experiment with flavors and textures that reflect your taste preferences.
FAQs
What Is A Vegetarian Poutine?
A vegetarian poutine is a variation of the traditional Canadian dish poutine, made by replacing meat-based gravy with a vegetarian or plant-based alternative. It typically includes fries, cheese curds, and vegetarian gravy.
How Do I Make Vegetarian Gravy For Poutine?
To make vegetarian gravy, you can use vegetable broth, flour, and seasonings like garlic, onion, and herbs. Some recipes include soy sauce or miso paste for umami flavor, and nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste.
Can I Use Vegan Cheese For Vegetarian Poutine?
Yes, you can use vegan cheese curds or shredded vegan cheese for a fully plant-based version of poutine. Make sure to choose a brand that melts well for the best experience.
What Type Of Fries Are Best For Vegetarian Poutine?
For the best poutine, choose crispy, thick-cut fries. You can use homemade fries, frozen fries, or even sweet potato fries for a twist on the traditional recipe.
Can I Make Vegetarian Poutine Gluten-free?
Yes, you can make a gluten-free version of vegetarian poutine by using gluten-free fries (if buying frozen) and a gluten-free gravy, which is typically made with cornstarch or rice flour instead of wheat flour.
How Do I Add Flavor To The Vegetarian Gravy?
To enhance the flavor of vegetarian gravy, try adding sautéed mushrooms, onions, garlic, soy sauce, or miso paste for depth. Herbs like thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves can also add complexity.
Can I Make Poutine Without Cheese Curds?
While cheese curds are traditional, you can substitute them with any melty cheese, like mozzarella, or vegan cheese curds if you prefer a dairy-free version. The key is to have a cheese that will melt over the hot fries and gravy.
Is Poutine A Healthy Dish?
Poutine is generally considered indulgent, as it’s high in calories and fat. However, you can make it healthier by opting for baked fries instead of fried, using a lighter vegetarian gravy, and controlling portion sizes.
What Are Some Variations Of Vegetarian Poutine?
There are several creative variations of vegetarian poutine. You can add toppings like sautéed vegetables, vegan sausage, or even a drizzle of balsamic reduction for a gourmet twist.
How Can I Make Vegetarian Poutine In Advance?
To prepare vegetarian poutine in advance, you can make the gravy ahead of time and store it in the fridge. You can also cook the fries beforehand and reheat them. Assemble the poutine just before serving to keep the fries crispy and the cheese melty.