Andy Montoya
Poutine is a Canadian dish that originated in Quebec in the 1950s. It consists of French fries topped with cheese and gravy. While various types of cheese can be used, including cheddar, mozzarella, and halloumi, cheese curds are considered the authentic choice. They provide the signature 'squeak when you bite into them and are less likely to melt completely. However, cheese curds can be hard to find outside of Canada, so substitutes are often used. The gravy also plays a crucial role in the dish, with many recipes offering different variations to elevate the flavour of the poutine.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese | Cheese curds, Mozzarella, Halloumi, Cheddar, Cottage Cheese |
| Cheese texture | Warm, softened, squeaky, not completely melted |
| Cheese colour | White, sharp |
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What You'll Learn
Cheese curds are the traditional choice
Poutine is a classic Canadian dish that originated in Quebec in the 1950s. It is made by topping French fries with hot gravy and cheese. While various types of cheese can be used, cheese curds are the traditional choice.
Cheese curds are made from the curds of milk, which are separated from the whey. They are typically fresh and have a subtle, mozzarella-like flavour. They are known for their distinctive "squeak" when bitten into and are usually served in chunks on poutine, so they do not melt completely.
Finding cheese curds can be difficult, as they are typically only available near dairy farms due to their short shelf life. However, they can be substituted with other cheeses that have similar characteristics, such as mozzarella, halloumi, light cheddar, or even cottage cheese.
When making poutine with cheese curds, it is essential to serve the dish immediately after preparation to ensure the cheese curds are warm and softened, but not completely melted. This balance is part of the poutine experience.
In summary, while various cheeses can be used in poutine, cheese curds are the traditional choice. They offer a unique texture and flavour that complements the dish, making them a beloved component of this classic Canadian comfort food.
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Mozzarella is a good substitute
Poutine is a classic Canadian dish that originated in Quebec in the 1950s. It is made by topping French fries with hot brown gravy and fresh cheese curds. While cheese curds are the traditional choice, they can be hard to find outside of Canada and don't stay fresh for long. As a substitute, soft or shredded mozzarella cheese can be used.
When using mozzarella in poutine, it is important to use it in chunks rather than shredded, as shredded mozzarella will melt completely and mix in with the gravy. Chunks of mozzarella will stay intact and provide a similar mouthfeel to cheese curds.
To make poutine with mozzarella, start by frying or baking your desired type of French fries until they are golden brown. Season the fries lightly with salt while they are still warm. Add a ladle of hot poutine gravy to the bowl and toss the fries to coat them evenly. Then, add chunks of mozzarella cheese and toss again. Serve the poutine immediately, with freshly ground pepper on top.
While mozzarella is a good substitute, it is important to note that some purists may not consider it to be authentic poutine. However, if you are unable to find cheese curds or want a longer-lasting alternative, mozzarella can be a delicious and suitable option for creating a dish similar to traditional poutine.
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Cheddar is also used, but not as a substitute
Poutine is a Canadian dish that originated in Quebec in the 1950s. It consists of French fries topped with cheese and hot gravy. While the traditional cheese used in poutine is cheese curds, some people also use cheddar cheese.
Cheese curds are small chunks of cheese that have a soft, pliable texture and a mild, mozzarella-like flavour. They are usually made from cheddar cheese, but they do not taste like cheddar because they are fresh and unaged. Cheese curds are the preferred choice for poutine because they provide a textural contrast to the crispy fries and gravy. They are also known for the ""squeak squeak" sound they make when bitten into.
However, cheese curds can be difficult to find outside of dairy farms as they do not stay fresh for long. As a result, some people substitute them with other types of cheese, such as mozzarella, halloumi, or cottage cheese.
While cheddar cheese can also be used in poutine, it is not considered the best substitute for cheese curds. This is because cheddar melts completely and mixes with the gravy, resulting in a different texture and taste. To use cheddar in poutine, it is recommended to use shredded or sharp cheddar cheese, which has a stronger flavour and melts more easily than milder cheddars.
In conclusion, while cheddar cheese can be used in poutine, it is not the ideal substitute for cheese curds. Cheddar melts more easily and has a stronger flavour, which can affect the overall taste and texture of the dish. For a more traditional poutine experience, cheese curds are preferred, but mozzarella, halloumi, or other similar cheeses can also be used as substitutes.
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Halloumi is another option
Poutine is a classic Canadian dish that originated in Quebec in the 1950s. It is made by topping French fries with hot brown gravy and fresh cheese curds. However, cheese curds can be hard to find outside of Canada, so what other types of cheese can be used?
When making poutine with halloumi, it is important to cut the cheese into chunks rather than shredding it, as shredded cheese will melt completely and mix in with the gravy. The chunks of halloumi should be similar in size to small fingers, providing a substantial bite-sized piece of cheese with each forkful of poutine.
In addition to halloumi, other cheeses that can be used in poutine include light cheddar, full-fat mozzarella, and cottage cheese. However, it is important to note that the taste and texture of these cheeses will be different from traditional cheese curds, and may not provide the same "squeak" when bitten into. For a closer resemblance to cheese curds, it is recommended to use fresh mozzarella rather than shredded mozzarella, as it will melt less and provide a more substantial bite.
Ultimately, the choice of cheese is a matter of personal preference, and different cheeses can be used to create a variety of flavours and textures in poutine. While halloumi may not be the first choice for everyone, it is a suitable option for those who want a cheese that resembles the texture and sound of traditional cheese curds, with a slightly saltier flavour.
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Cottage cheese can be used, but is less common
Poutine is a classic Canadian dish that originated in Quebec in the 1950s. It is made by topping French fries with hot gravy and cheese curds. While cheese curds are the traditional choice, some alternatives can be used, such as soft mozzarella cheese, halloumi, or light cheddar.
Cottage cheese can also be used in poutine, although it is less common. One way to use cottage cheese in poutine is to drain some of the whey and use the curds. Adding cream to the cottage cheese is also an option. This method may be preferable for those who have difficulty finding cheese curds in their area or want to use an alternative type of cheese.
It is worth noting that cheese curds are considered a key component of authentic poutine. They provide a unique texture and taste experience, with warm, softened chunks of cheese that haven't completely melted. The taste of cheese curds is often described as more mozzarella-like, with a soft, pliable, and subtle flavor.
When making poutine, it is essential to use fresh, crispy French fries and high-quality gravy. The gravy can be made from beef or chicken stock, and various ingredients can be added for extra flavor, such as wine, herbs, garlic powder, or onion powder. The combination of melted cheese and gravy can be messy to eat, so it is recommended to use a fork when enjoying poutine.
While cottage cheese can be used in poutine, it may not provide the same traditional taste and texture as cheese curds. Experimenting with different types of cheese and finding the right balance of ingredients is part of the fun of creating this classic Canadian comfort food.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese curds are traditionally used for poutine.
Cheese curds are fresh, unaged cheese that has a subtle taste and a soft, pliable texture. They are often described as having a "squeaky" quality.
Cheese curds are typically found in stores near dairy farms as they do not stay fresh for long.
Soft mozzarella, halloumi, light cheddar, or cottage cheese can be used as substitutes for cheese curds.
