Canadian vegan poutine makeover recipe
Poutine, a dish originating from Quebec, Canada, traditionally consists of fries topped with cheese curds and gravy. It's a comfort food known across Canada and has gained popularity worldwide. However, the classic poutine is not vegan-friendly due to its dairy and meat components. This tutorial will guide you through making a delicious vegan version of this beloved dish. Let's get cooking.
Gather the following ingredients
For this vegan makeover, you will need two large potatoes (cut into fries), two tablespoons olive oil, one teaspoon salt for the fries, one cup vegan cheese curds or shredded vegan cheese, two tablespoons cornstarch, two cups vegetable broth, one tablespoon soy sauce, one minced clove garlic, half a teaspoon black pepper, and chopped fresh chives for garnish.
Prepare the fries
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). Toss the cut potatoes with olive oil and salt in a bowl until they are evenly coated. Spread them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in a single layer. Bake for about 25 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy, flipping them halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.
Make the vegan gravy
While the fries are baking, prepare the gravy. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a quarter cup of vegetable broth to create a slurry. In a saucepan over medium heat, add the remaining vegetable broth, soy sauce, minced garlic, and black pepper. Bring it to a simmer then slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry until the gravy thickens—about five minutes.
Assemble your poutine
Once your fries are baked to a golden crisp and your gravy has thickened to your preference, it's time for assembly. Carefully place the crispy fries onto a plate or into a shallow bowl. Next, evenly sprinkle vegan cheese curds or shredded vegan cheese over the hot fries, allowing the warmth from the fries to slightly melt the cheese.
Pour gravy and serve
Ladle hot gravy over the cheesy fries, making sure each is well-covered for an authentic poutine experience. Garnish with fresh chives for flavor and a color contrast against the gravy and fries. Enjoy this Canadian vegan poutine as a snack or a main meal, illustrating that traditional recipes can adapt to modern dietary needs without losing flavor.
