I Can’t Believe It’s Vegan Poutine

I think I’m the most excited I’ve ever been! Guys, I made the ultimate vegan poutine with cheese curds that SQUEAK!!!

Traditional poutine, if you’re not familiar with this Canadian comfort food is a layer of crispy french fries and cheese curds smothered in delicious, warm gravy.

So how does this fit in with this health kitchen? Well, a traditional poutine definitely would not.

This version is lightened up, and although still not a health food per say, it’s FAR healthier and FAR fewer calories than traditional poutine. So grab a fork and DIG IN to this one! 🙂

How do you make vegan poutine?

I like russet potatoes for this recipe because they make longer french fries. If you don’t have any on hand, other potato varieties will be just fine.

Poutine fries should be crispy, but in the interest of health and all, I’m making these potato fries using very little oil, some seasoning, and cornstarch to add extra crispiness, without the fried.

If you’re avoiding oil, you can still bake the fries using a little water or broth on a baking tray with parchment paper. Use very little liquid and spray more on the fries as they’re cooking, if possible.

Make sure the fries are in a single layer with some space in between, so that they don’t stick to one another.

I use this  french fry cutter to make shoestring french fries. If you don’t have a tool, you may also use a sharp knife. I prefer shoestring for ultimate crispiness, but you may cut them a little thicker if preferred.

How to make the vegan cheese curds (that SQUEAK!!!)

Follow my instructions for this vegan mozzarella cheese, using only half the recipe ingredients. Then refrigerate while you prepare the gravy.

Can you tell I’m excited about the squeak? I’m SO excited!!

For all of you rolling your eyes at me, let me explain.

True cheese curds squeak when they are freshly made.

After sitting in the fridge, for even just a day, the squeakiness can be lost. As moisture gets into the cheese, the texture changes and squeak is gone. So when you’re eating a traditional poutine, you want to hear a squeak as you bite into the cheese curd. This will indicate it’s freshly made.

In the case of my vegan mozzarella cheese, I discovered it’s squeak completely by accident.

After refrigerating the leftover cheese I made, and scooping it with a melon baller (to resemble cheese curds), is when I heard the squeak.

At first, I thought I was hearing things. But sure enough, this cheese squeaks when scooping it out!!! How cool is that???

Once you’ve prepped the cheese and have your fries going in the oven, get your gravy made.

The mushroom gravy is super simple to make. Just cook up the mushrooms, add some broth, and then flour to thicken it up.

If you’re not a mushroom fan, you can follow the same technique with onions instead.

Gravy usually uses butter or oil, but in the interest of cutting calories, I’m skipping those ingredients. The taste is still phenomenal.

Can you prepare vegan poutine ahead of time?

You can fully prepare the vegan mozzarella cheese, and refrigerate up to 1-2 days beforehand. You may also make the gravy ahead of time and just reheat it when needed. However, the french fries taste best when freshly made, so I wouldn’t make the fries in advance. But having the toppings ready to go will definitely save you time.

If you tried this recipe, please let me know about it in the comments below. I always love hearing from you! Don’t forget to Subscribe to This Healthy Kitchen to be among the first to get my new recipes! You can also FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter to see more delicious food and get all the latest updates.

Buon appetito,
Rosa

I Can't Believe It's Vegan Poutine!

A vegan poutine with cheese curds that SQUEAK!!! It's the ULTIMATE vegan poutine and it truly tastes like the real deal. It doesn't get any better than this!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine: Canadian

Servings: 3 Servings

Calories: 311kcal

Author: Rosa

Equipment

• ▢
  French Fry Cutter

Ingredients

For the Fries

• ▢ 1.5 lbs russet potatoes approx. 3 large potatoes
• ▢ 1 teaspoon avocado oil sub for a tablespoon of broth for oil free
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon rosemary
• ▢ 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Cheese

• ▢ 1/2 recipe vegan mozzarella cheese

For the Gravy

• ▢ 100 g cremini mushrooms sliced thin, approx. 4-5 small
• ▢ 1 teaspoon tamari or soy sauce if not avoiding gluten
• ▢ 1 cup low sodium vegetable broth
• ▢ 1 tablespoon brown rice flour or all purpose if not avoiding gluten

Optional Garnish

• ▢ green onion

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

• First, make your vegan mozzarella cheese, transfer to a container or bowl and refrigerate to let cool.
• Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F convection bake and line a large baking tray with parchment paper.
• Peel or scrub your potatoes and slice into fries using a french fry cutter or a sharp knife.
• Toss the french fries with the oil, salt, rosemary and cornstarch until evenly coated. Then spread into a single layer on your prepared tray. Bake for 20-25 minutes, then flip your fries and bake an additional 15-20 minutes, or until desired crispiness level is reached.
• While the fries are baking, make the gravy. Add the sliced mushrooms and tamari to a small pot and cook over medium heat until the mushrooms are reduced, approx. 5 minutes. Add the broth and bring to a boil, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
• Meanwhile, mix the tablespoon of flour with a tablespoon of water in a separate small bowl to make your slurry. (This will thicken your gravy.) Then pour the slurry into the pot and whisk well to combine. Cook for 1 more minute and remove from the heat. The gravy will further thicken as it begins to cool.
• Assemble your poutine by layering the fries first, and then scoop the vegan cheese using a melon baller (or teaspoon) to add the "cheese curds" on top. (As you scoop the curds listen for the SQUEAK! :)) Finally, pour the gravy on top and sprinkle with green onion, if desired. ENJOY!!!

Notes

Make sure to arrange your fries in a single layer with plenty of space in between for the crispiest baked french fries and to prevent sticking.

For a non convection oven, the fries may need a little more cooking time. Keep baking until desired crispiness level is reached.

For a smooth gravy without mushroom pieces, you may blend it once cooked.

If you don't like mushrooms, you can follow the same technique using thinly sliced onions, or try this onion gravy instead.

Don't skip making a slurry! You may be tempted to add the flour directly to your hot gravy, but doing so will result in lumps.

If working ahead, you may fully prepare the cheese and refrigerate for a couple of days, until needed.

Nutrition

Calories: 311kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 788mg | Potassium: 1223mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 3mg

DID YOU TRY THIS RECIPE?Mention @this.healthy.kitchen on IG and tag #thishealthykitchen!

*Nutritional information is an estimate, calculated using online tools and does not incude optional ingredients, unless otherwise indicated.