The French-Canadians claim ownership of this concept, but at the risk of an international incident, I suggest that all they can claim is the distinction of providing a name for what has been a Friday night tradition in England for as long as chip shops have been in business. Poutine literally means "mess" and is a logical name for chips covered in grated cheese and swamped in gravy. English pubs serve "cheesy" chips as cheap accompaniment to beer and chip shops offer pots of curry sauce. So in the version described below we have an example of cultural fusion.
3 lb (1.5 kg) of chips
2 oz (50 gm) of grated cheese (anything gratable will do)
450 gm tin/jar of curry sauce.
Method
Cook chips using your favorite method. Whilst the chips are cooking, grate the cheese and warm the curry sauce. When the chips are done, divide between four plates, sprinkle with cheese, give it a minute to melt a bit, then cover with curry sauce.
Comment
This is late night food and should only be cooked by persons sober enough to operate a chip pan safely.
Page Created: 4th December 2000