Crispy French fries topped with savoury gravy
French fries and gravy – a match made in heaven, an unabashedly savory collage of flavors, textures, and aromas that overwhelms the senses. It’s a true Canadian classic that has become a staple of cuisines around the world. But what makes this dish so special? Why are we so enamored with fries smothered in brown gravy and squeaky fresh cheese curds?
The answer goes beyond just a simple combination of ingredients. It’s the crispy texture of the fried potatoes coupled with the rich umami flavor from the beef gravy. It’s the creamy warmth of melted cheese curds that ooze generously over every inch of golden fries. It’s about bringing people together to share a meal that reminds them of home or their favorite diner.
In this recipe article, we’ll be showing you how to make easy brown gravy french fries – a quick and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether made for a crowd or enjoyed on your own, these fries topped with savory gravy and smothered in fresh cheese are sure to leave you hooked after just one bite.
So why not step outside your comfort zone and take a culinary journey up north to Canada with this mouthwatering poutine recipe? Trust us; your taste buds will thank you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There is something unabashedly comforting in the combination of french fries and gravy. Every bite of smothered fries covered in savory gravy and squeaky fresh cheese curds is a satisfying experience that will leave you asking for more. This dish of poutine has quickly become a Canadian staple but now it’s time to bring it to your kitchen.
One of the reasons you’ll love this recipe is because it is incredibly easy to make. All you need are some fresh potatoes, basic pantry ingredients like flour and black pepper, and some broth or water. The best thing about this recipe is that you can adjust the flavor and consistency to your preference. Add soy sauce or butter for extra richness, or adjust the amount of salt to your liking.
Another reason why you’ll love this recipe is its versatility. You can serve it as a side dish, snack, or even as a main course if you’re feeling indulgent. Plus, the fries can be easily substituted for baked or sweet potato fries, and the gravy can be made with chicken or beef broth instead of water for an extra depth of flavor.
But perhaps the most important reason why you’ll love this recipe is its comforting properties. Just imagine digging into a plate of hot, crispy fries topped with savory gravy and fresh cheese curds after a long day at work or during a cozy night in with friends. It’s the ultimate comfort food that will warm your soul and create lasting memories.
In conclusion, this recipe combines the simple pleasures of fried potatoes with an unabashedly savory collage of gravy and cheese curds that will leave you wanting more. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also versatile and comforting – perfect for any occasion. So what are you waiting for? Bring Canada’s favorite dish to your table today!
Ingredient List
Before we start our French Fries and Gravy recipe, let’s make sure we have all the necessary ingredients. These are the ingredients you’ll need:
For the French fries:
- 4 large potatoes
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Water for rinsing
For the gravy:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- ¼ soy sauce
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Optional toppings:
- Cheese curds or mozzarella cheese shredded.
Make sure to measure everything carefully, as having the correct amount of each ingredient is crucial in making the perfect French fries and gravy dish. Additionally, feel free to use this recipe as a base and switch it up with your favorite spices and toppings!
The Recipe How-To
Now let’s dive into the French fries and gravy recipe how-to. Here are the step-by-step instructions to recreate this classic dish from scratch and enjoy a Canadian favorite.
Ingredients Required
First, gather all of your ingredients. You’ll need:
- 4 large potatoes
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- Salt and black pepper for seasoning
Making the Fries
For the perfect fries, cut your potatoes into thin sticks using a sharp knife or fry cutter. Rinse them in cold water twice, then shake off any excess water or dry with a towel. Next, heat up some oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot until it reaches medium heat. Test if it’s hot enough by dropping one potato slice in – if it sizzles, your oil is ready.
Add your potatoes to the oil, being careful not to overcrowd them in the pot. Fry until they are golden brown and crispy, then remove from the oil with a slotted spoon or spider skimmer and place on paper towels to drain off any excess oil.
Making the Gravy
To make the gravy, melt the butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth to make a roux. Slowly add the beef broth to the pan while continuing to stir with a whisk. Stir until it thickens up, then add in the soy sauce and season with salt and black pepper according to your preference.
Assembling the Dish
Now comes the fun part – assembling your French fries and gravy! Take your freshly made fries and place them onto a large serving platter or individual plates. Pour your hot gravy cheese curds over the fries so that they get smothered but still retain their crunchiness.
Optional: Substitutions and Variations
Feel free to get creative with this dish by adding other toppings such as chopped onions, bacon bits, sliced jalapenos or shredded mozzarella cheese. This dish can also be served as an appetizer by using smaller portions or as a main course for more substantial servings.
Alright! There you have it – an easy recipe for delicious poutine French fries!! But take note of these tips below so that you don’t miss out on anything!
Tips for Perfect Results
- For extra-crispy fries, soak them in cold water for at least 30 minutes before frying.
- Use grated mozzarella cheese instead of cheese curds for an interesting twist.
- Substitute beef broth with chicken or vegetable broth for more variety.
- Wrap leftovers tightly before storing them in your refrigerator or freezer.
Now that you know how easy it is to make this Canadian classic at home, gather around friends and family for an unabashedly savory collage of flavors that everyone will enjoy.
Bon Appétit !
Substitutions and Variations
One of the greatest things about cooking is that you can always personalize a recipe to your liking. In this case, there are many ways you can tweak this French fries and gravy recipe to suit your taste buds. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try something new, keep reading.
For those who are looking for a gluten-free option, simply switch out the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour alternative. You can also play around with the type of potato used; russets or Yukon golds are preferred, but sweet potatoes or purple potatoes would add a unique twist.
If you’re not a fan of beef broth, you can swap it out for vegetable broth. Additionally, if the soy sauce is too strong for your taste buds, opt for Worcestershire sauce instead. This will give the dish a subtle smoky flavor.
For a more cheesy option, substitute the cheese curds with mozzarella cheese or shredded cheddar cheese. This will give the dish a completely different taste and texture. Adding black pepper to the gravy mixture can also enhance its flavor profile.
To make this dish even more indulgent, top your french fries with some bacon bits or shredded chicken before pouring the gravy on top of them. This will add an extra layer of heartiness to an already filling meal.
Finally, if you’re looking for ways to put a unique spin on this classic Canadian dish, go ahead and experiment with different topping combinations like green onions or diced tomatoes.
Overall, have fun with this recipe and make it your own! There really is no wrong way to enjoy french fries smothered in unabashedly savory gravy and squeaky-fresh cheese curds.
Serving and Pairing
Now that your juicy and crispy french fries have been smothered in the unabashedly savory gravy, it’s time to serve them up and enjoy!
Poutine is a popular Canadian dish mostly served as a late-night snack, side dish or an indulgent comfort food on a cold winter evening. To fully enjoy this delicacy, you need to serve it hot and fresh so that the cheese curds soften and melt in a way that blends with the savory brown gravy.
Traditionally, Poutine is served in the same container it was cooked in. However, if you want to add some edge to your serving game, you can use a fancy platter or basket instead of the classic paper cone.
This dish is rich and flavorful, made for pairing with a refreshing beverage. A cold beer, fizzy soda or even an iced tea complements the smothered fries perfectly.
If you’re feeling adventurous with your serving suggestions, you can accompany your poutine by any of these suggested pairings:
– A side salad tossed in vinaigrette to balance out the fries’ richness
– Fresh or lightly pickled vegetables like cucumbers, radishes or scallions for added crunch
– A grilled meat or fish that doesn’t get overshadowed by the decadent flavors of poutine
– Sweet treats like homemade cookies or cupcakes as a dessert option
With these elevated serving options and surprising pairings, not only are you treating yourself to one of the best french fry dishes out there but also delighting in an enticing gastronomic experience.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now that you have your savory French fries and gravy ready to go, you may be wondering how long you can keep them fresh and tasty. The good news is that this recipe can be easily made ahead of time and reheated when needed, and it will still taste just as delicious.
If you’re making a large batch to serve a crowd or planning to indulge in leftovers, you can store the fries separately from the gravy to prevent sogginess. Place the French fries in an airtight container or plastic bag and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. However, make sure they are totally cooled down before storing them.
For the gravy, transfer it to an air-tight container and let it cool completely before placing it in the fridge. It can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 1 month. If you’re reheating refrigerated gravy, simply heat it up slowly over medium heat while stirring occasionally until heated through. If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before heating on the stovetop or microwave.
When it comes time to reheat your smothered fries, avoid using a microwave because it could leave them uncrispy and soggy. Instead, preheat your oven to 400°F/205°C degrees, place the fries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 5-10 minutes or until they’re hot and crispy again.
Whether you’re serving these French fries and gravy immediately or saving them for later, proper storage and reheating techniques will ensure they remain tasty and flavorful no matter what.
Tips for Perfect Results
If there’s one thing I’ve learned about making French fries and gravy, it’s that small details can make all the difference. Here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect dish:
Firstly, choose the right potatoes. Look for starchy potatoes such as Russet, which will absorb less oil and produce a crispier texture. Be sure to wash and dry your potatoes thoroughly to remove any excess starch.
When it comes to frying, use a deep fryer or large pot of oil on medium heat. Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying, as this can lower the temperature of the oil and result in soggy fries. Fry in batches if necessary.
Next up, season your fries generously with salt and black pepper immediately after they come out of the oil. This will help enhance their flavor.
For the gravy, be sure to start by making a roux using equal parts butter and flour. Cook this over medium heat until it’s a golden brown color.
Once you add the broth and soy sauce to the roux, whisk everything together well to avoid lumps in your gravy. Simmer over medium heat for a few minutes until the gravy thickens up nicely.
If you’re making poutine or smothered fries with gravy and cheese curds, it’s important to use fresh cheese curds for that signature squeaky texture. Make sure you get them as close to serving time as possible.
Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with variations on this classic recipe! Try adding different cheeses or seasonings to your gravy, or topping your fries with ingredients like bacon bits or caramelized onions. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to create delicious French fries and gravy that are sure to impress anyone who tries them.
FAQ
Before we conclude this recipe article, let us first tackle some of the frequently asked questions by our readers. We understand that cooking can be challenging sometimes, and we want you to have all the information you need to make the perfect unabashedly savory French fries and gravy dish. From potato preparation to gravy options, we have compiled a list of the most common inquiries and provided detailed answers to help make your cooking experience a success. Read on to learn more about this traditional Canadian dish and how to make it like a pro!
What is the poutine sauce made of?
For our homemade poutine gravy, we’ll need three key ingredients: unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, and reduced sodium beef broth. The butter serves as the base for the roux that creates the creamy texture of the gravy. We’ll combine equal parts of flour and butter for the roux. Using unsalted butter allows us to control the saltiness of the gravy, while the reduced sodium beef broth prevents the gravy from becoming too salty.
Why do Canadians put gravy on fries?
In 1963, a Canadian restaurant owner named Lachance had an innovative solution to the problem of rapidly cooling fries on a plate. He decided to pour gravy over the fries and curds, thereby keeping them warm and delicious for his customers.
Where do they eat french fries with gravy?
Discover a Canadian specialty that will revolutionize the way you experience French fries. Swap out the classic condiment choices of ketchup or fry sauce for this cheesy and savory gravy-drenched delight known as poutine.
Can you eat fries with gravy?
There’s truly nothing quite like indulging in a delicious serving of crispy fries coated in your favorite savory gravy. Known as a beloved street food in both America and Canada, gravy fries reign supreme as a classic comfort food option. While there may be some debate over poutine and cheese curds, there’s no denying the satisfying combination offered by the simple and season salted fries and savory gravy.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this French Fries and Gravy recipe is a must-try dish for all the fries and gravy lovers out there. This unabashedly savory collage of French fried potatoes, beef gravy, and squeaky fresh cheese curds is a Canadian dish that has taken the world by storm. And with good reason too, as this incredibly delicious dish packs a punch of flavors in every bite.
By following these simple steps and tips outlined in this recipe article, you will be able to create the best French fries and gravy recipe at home. Whether you are looking for a quick snack or planning a party, these smothered fries won’t disappoint.
So go on and indulge your taste buds with this hearty dish that is sure to leave you feeling content and satisfied. Whether you call it poutine or disco fries, one thing is for sure, this fries gravy cheese combo will become an instant classic once it graces your taste buds.
French Fries and Gravy Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 potatoes
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 cups oil (for cooking)
- 1 cup water
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 broth, cube
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
Instructions
- Wash, peel, and slice potatoes into 2-cm thick strips.
- Fry until the potatoes are crisp.
- Sprinkle with salt.
- Add water to the pan, then mix with 3 tablespoons flour until thick.
- Mix with butter, soy sauce, and 1 broth cube, stirring constantly.
- Add black pepper while the gravy simmers.
- Serve french fries with hot gravy.
Your own notes
Nutrition
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Tony is an experienced chef, crafting delicious comfort food. He’s also an influential blogger, providing helpful recipes and tips on his website, taosburgersandbeer.com. As an expert in his field, he offers valuable advice to readers. His knowledge and creative recipes make it easy to cook exciting, flavorful dishes.