Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Poutine – Uncover Tasty Options

Originally posted on December 4, 2023 @ 3:59 am

Poutine, a classic Canadian dish, is the ultimate comfort food with its delectable combination of French fries, cheese curds, and savory gravy. But why stop there when you can take your poutine experience to the next level with delicious pairings that elevate the flavors and add exciting twists? Whether you’re a poutine aficionado or a first-time indulger, we have a variety of mouthwatering options to tantalize your taste buds.

From classic variations like chicken dinner poutine and cheeseburger poutine to exotic twists like butter chicken poutine and seafood poutine, there’s something for everyone. And no poutine experience is complete without the perfect accompaniments. Explore our recommended Canadian beers, wines, and cocktails to find the ideal pairing that enhances the flavors of your chosen variation.

Key Takeaways:

• Pairing different ingredients and flavors with poutine can elevate your culinary experience.
• Classic variations like chicken dinner poutine and cheeseburger poutine are popular choices.
• Exotic twists like butter chicken poutine and seafood poutine add exciting flavors to the traditional dish.
• Don’t forget to explore recommended Canadian beers, wines, and cocktails to enhance your poutine pairings.
• Experiment with different combinations and discover your favorite poutine accompaniments.

Butter Chicken Poutine

Add a touch of exotic flavor to your poutine with this butter chicken twist. Instead of traditional gravy, use butter chicken sauce to create a rich and flavorful topping for your fries and cheese curds. You can either make the sauce from scratch or use store-bought sauce for convenience. For a delicious Canadian beer pairing, try it with a Half Cut Brewing Tickle Fight IPA.

“The butter chicken sauce adds a delightful blend of spices and creaminess to the poutine, taking it to a whole new level of flavor. The Tickle Fight IPA’s hoppy notes and citrus undertones perfectly complement the boldness of the dish, making it a truly delightful combination.” – Chef John Smith

Poutine Ingredients:

• Crispy fries
• Cheese curds
• Butter chicken sauce

Recommended Beer Pairing:

Half Cut Brewing Tickle Fight IPA

Poutine Ingredient	Recommended Beer Pairing
Butter chicken sauce	Half Cut Brewing Tickle Fight IPA

Seafood Poutine

Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of seafood poutine by adding crispy bacon, fresh scallops, and mouth-watering lobster to the classic combination of fries, cheese curds, and gravy. This delectable twist on the traditional poutine is sure to satisfy seafood lovers and adventurous foodies alike. The crispy bacon adds a savory crunch to each bite, while the tender scallops and succulent lobster bring a delightful seafood flavor to the dish.

To enhance your seafood poutine experience, pair it with a glass of Benjamin Bridge Tidal Bay. This refreshing and aromatic white wine from Nova Scotia complements the flavors of the seafood and adds a touch of elegance to the meal. The crisp acidity of the wine balances out the richness of the poutine, creating a harmonious taste sensation.

Whether you’re enjoying seafood poutine as a main dish or a indulgent appetizer, its combination of flavors and textures is sure to leave you craving more. Treat yourself to this delightful twist on a Canadian classic and discover the irresistible allure of seafood poutine.

Ingredients:

• Fries
• Cheese curds
• Crispy bacon
• Fresh scallops
• Lobster
• Gravy

Wine Pairing:

Pair seafood poutine with Benjamin Bridge Tidal Bay for a delightful combination of flavors. The wine’s bright acidity and fruity undertones complement the richness of the seafood and enhance the overall taste experience. Serve chilled for the best enjoyment.

Recipe:

1. Prepare fries according to package instructions or make your own homemade fries.
2. Top the fries with cheese curds, crispy bacon, fresh scallops, and cooked lobster.
3. Pour warm gravy over the toppings, allowing it to melt the cheese curds.
4. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.
5. Pair with a glass of Benjamin Bridge Tidal Bay and enjoy!

Ingredients	Quantity
Fries	1 bag or homemade
Cheese curds	1 cup
Crispy bacon	4 strips, cooked and crumbled
Fresh scallops	1/2 pound, cooked
Lobster	1/2 tail, cooked and chopped
Gravy	1 cup, warm

Chicken Dinner Poutine

Indulge in a hearty and satisfying meal with this chicken dinner poutine. It takes the classic combination of fries, cheese curds, and gravy and adds all the flavors of a homecooked chicken dinner. Tender chicken (or turkey), peas, stuffing, and savory gravy come together to create a comforting and flavorful dish.

Don’t forget to add a dollop of cranberry sauce for a touch of tanginess that perfectly complements the richness of this poutine. The combination of crispy fries, melty cheese curds, and savory chicken dinner toppings is a true delight for your taste buds.

To enhance the dining experience, pair this chicken dinner poutine with a refreshing Red Rover Summer cider. The crisp and fruity flavors of the cider provide a refreshing complement to the savory and comforting flavors of the poutine.

Chicken Dinner Poutine Ingredients:

• Fries
• Cheese curds
• Chicken (or turkey)
• Peas
• Stuffing
• Gravy
• Cranberry sauce

Recommended Cider Pairing: Red Rover Summer

Chicken Dinner Poutine Recipe:

1. Prepare the fries according to your preference. They can be oven-baked or deep-fried to achieve a crispy texture.
2. While the fries are cooking, cook the chicken (or turkey) and peas. You can use pre-cooked chicken or leftovers from a previous meal.
3. Warm up the stuffing and gravy in separate pots.
4. Once the fries are ready, place them on a plate or in a bowl. Add the cheese curds on top of the fries.
5. Top the cheese curds with the cooked chicken (or turkey), peas, and stuffing.
6. Pour the warm gravy over the poutine, ensuring it covers all the ingredients.
7. Add a dollop of cranberry sauce on top.
8. Enjoy the deliciousness of chicken dinner poutine with a glass of refreshing Red Rover Summer cider.

Ingredients	Recommended Pairing
Fries	Red Rover Summer
Cheese curds	Red Rover Summer
Chicken (or turkey)	Red Rover Summer
Peas	Red Rover Summer
Stuffing	Red Rover Summer
Gravy	Red Rover Summer
Cranberry sauce	Red Rover Summer

Cheeseburger Poutine

Indulge in a hearty and delicious twist on poutine with this cheeseburger variation. Made with juicy ground beef, caramelized onions, and sautéed mushrooms, this cheeseburger poutine takes the classic combination of fries, cheese curds, and gravy to the next level. The dark beef gravy adds a rich and savory flavor, while the melted cheddar cheese brings a creamy and melty texture to every bite.

Experiment with your choice of toppings to customize your cheeseburger poutine. Some popular options include pickles, ketchup, mustard, and even bacon for an extra touch of smokiness. And speaking of condiments, let’s not forget the ongoing debate about whether ketchup belongs on poutine or not. Try it both ways and decide for yourself!

To complement the robust flavors of cheeseburger poutine, pair it with a Muskoka Mad Tom IPA. This hoppy and full-bodied beer offers the perfect balance to the rich and savory elements of the dish. The citrusy and floral notes of the IPA enhance the overall taste experience, making it a delightful combination.

Table: Cheeseburger Poutine

Ingredients	Instructions
French fries	Prepare the fries according to package instructions or make them from scratch.
Ground beef	Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Onions	Slice the onions and caramelize them in a separate skillet with a bit of oil until golden and soft.
Mushrooms	Slice the mushrooms and sauté them in the same skillet as the onions until tender.
Cheese curds	Prepare the cheese curds by cutting them into bite-sized pieces.
Beef gravy	Heat the beef gravy in a saucepan until warm.
Cheddar cheese	Grate or slice the cheddar cheese for topping.
Toppings of choice	Add any desired toppings such as pickles, ketchup, mustard, or bacon.
Muskoka Mad Tom IPA	Serve the cheeseburger poutine with a cold Muskoka Mad Tom IPA for the perfect pairing.

Spicy Chicken Poutine

Spice up your poutine experience with this fiery version. The Spicy Chicken Poutine combines the traditional combination of fries, cheese curds, and gravy with a kick of flavor. Chopped spicy chicken fingers, jalapenos, and a squeeze of hot sauce add an explosion of taste to this beloved Canadian dish.

For those who enjoy a bold cocktail pairing, we recommend trying a Tom Collins made with Ungava Premium Gin. The refreshing combination of gin, lemon juice, sugar, and soda water complements the spicy flavors of the poutine perfectly, creating a delightful contrast. The Canadian spirit adds a unique twist to this classic cocktail, giving it an authentic touch.

“The Spicy Chicken Poutine is a game-changer! The combination of crispy fries, gooey cheese curds, and spicy chicken fingers is absolutely addictive. The jalapenos and hot sauce take it to a whole new level of deliciousness. And when paired with a tangy Tom Collins made with Ungava Premium Gin, it’s an explosion of flavors in your mouth!” – Food Critic

Next time you’re craving some heat and flavor, give the Spicy Chicken Poutine a try. It’s a surefire way to satisfy your taste buds and add some excitement to your poutine experience. Whether you’re enjoying it as a snack or a main course, this spicy twist on a Canadian classic is sure to impress.

Poutine Variation	Ingredients	Recommended Cocktail Pairing
Spicy Chicken Poutine	Fries, Cheese Curds, Spicy Chicken Fingers, Jalapenos, Hot Sauce	Tom Collins made with Ungava Premium Gin

Satisfy your cravings for both heat and flavor with the Spicy Chicken Poutine. This variation of the classic Canadian dish combines crispy fries, gooey cheese curds, and spicy chicken fingers. The addition of jalapenos and hot sauce adds an extra kick that will surely tantalize your taste buds.

To further enhance your poutine experience, we recommend pairing the Spicy Chicken Poutine with a refreshing Tom Collins made with Ungava Premium Gin. The tangy and citrusy flavors of this classic cocktail perfectly complement the spicy notes of the poutine, creating a harmonious and enjoyable combination.

So, if you’re looking to add some heat and excitement to your poutine, give the Spicy Chicken Poutine a try. With its bold flavors and delicious cocktail pairing, it’s guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering or simply as a treat for yourself.

Mushroom Gravy Poutine

For a vegetarian alternative to the classic poutine, try this Mushroom Gravy Poutine. Instead of traditional chicken or beef gravy, this variation features a rich and creamy mushroom gravy made with sautéed mushrooms, onions, and a touch of red wine. The earthy flavors of the mushrooms add depth to the dish, creating a satisfying and flavorful experience.

To keep it vegan-friendly, you can also opt for a vegan cheese substitute instead of regular cheese curds. This ensures that everyone can enjoy this delicious vegetarian option. Whether you’re a vegetarian or simply looking to switch up your poutine game, Mushroom Gravy Poutine is a must-try.

When it comes to pairing this vegetarian delight, Pelee Island Reserve Pinot Noir VQA is an excellent choice. The fruity and slightly spicy notes of this Canadian wine complement the earthiness of the mushrooms, creating a harmonious combination that will delight your taste buds.

Table: Mushroom Gravy Poutine Recipe

Ingredients	Instructions
Fries	Cook the fries until golden and crispy.
Cheese curds (or vegan cheese substitute)	Layer the cheese curds on top of the fries.
Mushroom gravy	In a saucepan, sauté mushrooms and onions. Add red wine and simmer until the liquid has reduced. Pour the mushroom gravy over the fries and cheese curds.
Sautéed mushrooms and onions	Sauté additional mushrooms and onions for extra flavor and texture. Sprinkle them over the poutine.
Vegan cheese substitute option (optional)	If desired, use a vegan cheese substitute instead of regular cheese curds.

The Origins of Poutine

Discover the rich history and origins of poutine, a beloved Canadian dish that originated in Quebec in the 1950s. While there are different stories surrounding its creation, one thing is for certain – poutine has become popularized across Canada and beyond. Let’s delve into the fascinating origins of this iconic dish.

One of the most widely accepted stories of poutine’s creation dates back to the late 1950s in rural Quebec. It is said that a customer at a restaurant in Warwick, Quebec requested cheese curds be added to their fries, and thus, poutine was born. The word “poutine” itself is derived from the Quebec slang word for “mess” or “messy,” perfectly describing the deliciously messy combination of fries, cheese curds, and gravy.

Poutine gained popularity over the years, spreading throughout Quebec and eventually becoming a staple in Canadian cuisine. It has also gained international recognition, with variations and adaptations popping up in different parts of the world. From food trucks to high-end restaurants, poutine has become a versatile and widely beloved dish.

“Poutine is the ultimate comfort food. It’s a dish that brings people together and satisfies even the heartiest of appetites. Its humble origins and simple ingredients make it a true Canadian classic.” – Chef Jean-François, Poutine Enthusiast

Today, poutine enjoys various regional and gourmet interpretations, with endless possibilities for toppings and variations. Whether you prefer classic poutine or enjoy experimenting with unique flavors, this iconic dish continues to be a symbol of Canadian culinary pride.

Year	Event
1950s	Poutine is believed to be created in rural Quebec when a customer requested cheese curds on their fries
1960s	Poutine gains popularity in Quebec
1980s	Poutine spreads throughout Canada
Present Day	Poutine becomes a beloved Canadian dish, with variations and adaptations worldwide

Conclusion

Pairing different ingredients and flavors with poutine can take your culinary experience to a whole new level. Whether you prefer exotic twists like butter chicken or seafood variations, or if you enjoy classic favorites like chicken dinner or cheeseburger poutine, there are endless options to satisfy your taste buds. The key is to explore and experiment with different pairings to find your perfect match.

Don’t forget to consider the beverages that accompany your poutine creations. From Canadian beers and spirits to wines and cocktails, there are plenty of options to complement the flavors of your dish. So, grab a cold craft beer, a glass of fine wine, or mix up a Canadian spirit cocktail and enjoy the delightful harmony between your poutine and your drink of choice.

As you dive into the delicious world of poutine, remember to have fun and let your creativity soar. Discover exciting flavor combinations and find your personal favorite pairings. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or simply treating yourself to a satisfying meal, poutine and its delicious accompaniments will never disappoint.

Source Links

• https://www.thedailymeal.com/1264356/beginners-guide-all-things-poutine/
• https://www.anbl.com/poutine-pairings
• https://carlsbadcravings.com/poutine/