Bushra Griffith
Poutine, a French-Canadian dish that originated in Quebec, traditionally consists of French fries, cheese curds, and gravy. The cheese curds are said to provide the ideal texture, while the gravy is typically a light and thin beef or chicken gravy, mildly spiced with a hint of pepper. While poutine is the most well-known dish of its kind, there are variations such as Disco Fries, which are popular in New Jersey and often made with mozzarella cheese. Other types of cheese used in gravy fries include cheddar, Gruyere, and Brie.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dish Name | Disco Fries, Poutine |
| Type of Cheese | Mozzarella, Cheddar, Gruyere, Brie, Cheese Curds |
| Type of Gravy | Beef, Chicken, Brown Gravy |
| Fries Type | Crinkle-cut, Crunchy |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Mozzarella is a popular choice for gravy fries
Disco fries, a New Jersey diner classic, typically consist of crunchy crinkle-cut fries topped with gravy and gooey mozzarella cheese. The combination of melted mozzarella and gravy is a favourite among many, with the cheese adding a stringy, gooey texture that complements the crispy fries. Some people prefer using shredded mozzarella, while others opt for melted mozzarella slices, but the key is to achieve that signature stretchiness that makes disco fries so indulgent.
In Atlantic Canada, poutine is a beloved dish that traditionally features French fries, cheese curds, and gravy. However, variations of poutine sometimes substitute the cheese curds with shredded mozzarella. The hot gravy melts the mozzarella, creating a delicious, creamy texture that blends perfectly with the crispy fries. This variation is especially popular in certain regions, such as Atlantic Canada, where diners enjoy the unique taste and mouthfeel that mozzarella brings to the dish.
Mozzarella is a versatile cheese that can be shredded, sliced, or melted to create different textures and presentations in gravy fries. Its mild flavour and creamy texture make it an excellent pairing with the savoury gravy and crispy potatoes. When paired with a rich, beefy gravy, mozzarella adds a layer of creaminess that enhances the overall flavour profile of the dish.
Additionally, mozzarella's melting properties are particularly well-suited for gravy fries. Its low melting point ensures that it melts smoothly and evenly, creating a cohesive dish where the cheese blends seamlessly with the gravy and fries. This melting quality also contributes to the dish's visual appeal, as the melted mozzarella can coat the fries evenly, creating an inviting and appetizing appearance.
In conclusion, mozzarella is a popular choice for gravy fries, especially in the context of disco fries and certain variations of poutine. Its versatility, mild flavour, and excellent melting properties make it a favourite among those who enjoy the combination of crispy fries, savoury gravy, and stretchy, gooey cheese.
McDonald's Breakfast: What's the Cheese?
You may want to see also
Brie is another option for gravy fries
While cheese curds are the traditional choice for poutine, some people prefer to use other types of cheese. Brie is another option for gravy fries, as it has a strong flavour and a creamy texture when melted.
One way to prepare brie for gravy fries is to bake it in the oven. First, carefully slice off the top rind and place the brie wheel on a small baking dish or oven-safe plate. Put the brie in the oven for the last 10 minutes of baking time for your fries. When the brie is melted and the fries are fully cooked, sprinkle salt over the fries, then divide them onto serving plates. Spoon the melted brie over the fries and serve immediately.
Another option is to fry the brie. Start by coating the brie in egg and pressing Panko breadcrumbs into it. Then, fry the brie in olive oil until the breadcrumbs are golden brown. Fried brie can be served with apricot preserves or honey, and it can be paired with sandwiches or a cheese board for a light meal.
You can also make "French cheese fries" by baking brie and serving it with sauteed filet mignon, bearnaise sauce, and raspberry preserves for dipping. This indulgent dish is perfect for a party or large family dinner.
Salsa vs Cheese: A Tasty Alternative?
You may want to see also
Poutine is a Canadian dish of fries, cheese curds and gravy
Poutine is a Canadian dish of fries, cheese curds, and gravy. The dish is said to have originated in Quebec in the 1950s and became popular in small diners and pubs, as well as at roadside chip wagons and in ice hockey arenas.
There are different stories about the origin of poutine. One story claims that in 1957, a customer at Le Café Idéal in Warwick, Quebec, asked for a bag of french fries with a handful of cheese curds. The restaurateur, Fernand Lachance, exclaimed, "ça va faire une maudite poutine!", which translates to "it will make a damn mess!". The dish was then added to the menu. Another story credits Jean-Paul Roy, the owner of Le Roy Jucep, a drive-in restaurant in Drummondville, who began serving french fries with gravy in 1958, and added cheese curds to the dish in 1964.
The traditional poutine consists of french fries, usually of medium thickness, fried to a crispy exterior with a soft interior. These are topped with fresh cheese curds, which provide the desired texture, and then covered with gravy. The gravy is typically a light and thin beef or chicken gravy, mildly spiced with a hint of pepper.
Over the years, poutine has evolved and various ingredients have been added to the original recipe. Some popular additions include Italian sausage, bacon with maple syrup, ground beef with onions, and shredded turkey. Poutine Galvaude, for instance, includes shredded turkey and additional cheese curds, along with turkey gravy.
Poutine has also inspired similar dishes, such as Disco Fries, which are a New Jersey diner classic. These feature crunchy crinkle-cut fries topped with gravy and melted mozzarella cheese.
Rennet in Ricotta: What's the Coagulating Truth?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Gravy can be made from beef or chicken stock
Gravy is a beloved condiment, often used to elevate a variety of dishes, from fries to meats and vegetables. One of the most iconic combinations is gravy with French fries, also known as "disco fries" or "poutine". This delightful pairing is made even more indulgent with the addition of melted cheese, resulting in a comforting and satisfying dish.
While the specific type of cheese may vary, with options such as mozzarella, cheddar, Gruyere, or even brie, the gravy also plays a pivotal role in the overall taste experience. A good gravy can transform a plate of fries into a decadent and mouthwatering treat.
Gravy, in its simplest form, is made by combining stock with a thickening agent, such as flour or cornstarch, and seasoning to create a savoury sauce. In the context of fries, gravy can be effectively made using beef or chicken stock, resulting in a flavourful and visually appealing condiment.
When making gravy with beef stock, the resulting colour is a nice deep brown, and it adds a robust flavour that pairs well with red meats or heartier dishes. On the other hand, chicken stock serves as a more subtle base flavour, providing a lighter colour and a delicate taste that complements white meats or dishes with more nuanced flavours.
By combining these two types of stock, a well-rounded gravy is created, suitable for a wide range of dishes. This combination gravy, often referred to as "brown gravy," strikes a balance between the boldness of beef and the subtlety of chicken, making it a versatile and popular choice for gravy enthusiasts.
Panera's Mac and Cheese: What's the Secret?
You may want to see also
Disco fries are a New Jersey variation with mozzarella
Disco fries are a variation of Canada's poutine that originated in New Jersey. They are made with French fries, gravy, and cheese. While poutine uses cheese curds, disco fries typically use mozzarella cheese. This is because cheese curds can be hard to find and more expensive, so mozzarella is a good substitute. Mozzarella also melts well, which is important for gravy fries.
Disco fries are considered a New Jersey diner classic and are often made with crinkle-cut fries. The fries are baked until golden and crispy, and then topped with shredded mozzarella cheese. The mozzarella cheese melts into a gooey, stretchy texture that pulls with every bite. It is important to use a block of firm, part-skim, or whole-milk mozzarella cheese, as fresh mozzarella is too wet and may not melt properly.
The gravy for disco fries is typically a simple, savoury brown gravy made with beef stock, butter, flour, Worcestershire sauce, shallot, and garlic. This gravy is rich and silky, providing the perfect contrast to the crunchy fries. The gravy can also be made with chicken stock or turkey bones instead of beef stock for those who do not eat red meat.
Disco fries are often served as a late-night snack or party food, and they are known to be indulgent and satisfying. They are said to have gained popularity in the 1970s among disco goers, who would order them after a night out to stave off a hangover. Today, they remain a popular dish in New Jersey and have even spread to other parts of the United States.
Parmesan Cheese Topping Secrets for Crazy Bread
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The traditional cheese used in gravy fries, also known as poutine, is cheese curds.
Some other types of cheese used in gravy fries, or disco fries, include mozzarella, cheddar, Gruyere, and Brie.
Poutine is a French-Canadian dish that originated in the province of Quebec. It was first served in a restaurant in 1957 when a customer asked for a bag of french fries with a handful of cheese curds. The dish was later added to the menu with hot gravy to keep it warm.
The best type of cheese to use in gravy fries depends on personal preference. Traditional poutine purists prefer cheese curds, while others may opt for melted mozzarella or gooey, stringy cheddar.
