Karen vanBarneveld

What the Food?

Karen vanBarneveld

  • Poutine: Canada's Comfort Food That Divides and Delights

Poutine: Canada's Comfort Food That Divides and Delights

Sunday 6th March 2022

Explore the origins and cultural impact of poutine, Canada's beloved yet divisive comfort food, with hosts Andy and Miles.
55 minutes
informative
humorous
thought-provoking

About this podcast

What the Food?
Author:
Karen vanBarneveld
Overview:
Categories:
Nutritional Pathways to Recovery
Recovery Reimagined
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Family Recovery from Addiction
Financial Health in Recovery
Links:
Visit site
Episodes:
73 (View all)
Rounded Button Dark
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!

Poutine: Canada's Divisive Comfort Food

Episode Overview

  • Poutine originated in rural Quebec in the 1950s.
  • The dish combines fries, cheese curds, and gravy.
  • Poutine has sparked cultural debates in Canada.
  • Joey Chestnut holds a poutine eating record.
  • Poutineries have spread internationally.
Poutine was born in rural Quebec in the 1950s, combining crispy fries, fresh cheese curds, and rich brown gravy.
In this episode of 'What the Food?', hosts Andy and Miles delve into the fascinating history and cultural significance of poutine, a dish that has become synonymous with Canadian cuisine. Originating in the rural regions of Quebec during the 1950s, poutine combines crispy fries with fresh cheese curds and rich brown gravy. This simple yet satisfying dish quickly gained popularity across Quebec and eventually all of Canada, becoming a national comfort food.
The origins of poutine are debated, with multiple stories attributing its invention to different individuals and establishments. One popular narrative credits Fernand Lachance in 1957, when a customer requested cheese curds be added to fries, and later, hot gravy was included to keep the dish warm. Another story involves Jean-Paul Roy, who served fries with a special sauce and fresh cheese curds at his restaurant in 1958. Despite its popularity, poutine has been a point of cultural contention.
It has been used to stereotype Quebecois culture, and some argue that its presentation as a Canadian dish undermines Quebec's cultural identity. Nevertheless, poutine has transcended its origins, with variations like Italian poutine and international poutineries popping up worldwide. The episode also touches on the competitive side of poutine consumption, highlighting Joey Chestnut's record-breaking eating feats.
His ability to consume 28 pounds of poutine in just 10 minutes is a testament to the dish's allure and the extremes of culinary competitions. As Andy and Miles explore the modern history of poutine, they humorously discuss its impact on Canadian culture and its spread to other countries. With their signature blend of humor and insight, the hosts offer listeners an engaging look at how poutine has become both a beloved comfort food and a cultural symbol.
alcoholfree.com
Published by The Mindful Drinking Company Limited
4 Providence Court, Pynes Hill, Exeter, Devon, EX2 5JL, England
Registered in England and Wales.
Company Number: 1195057. Vat Number: GB320915135.
Registered address as above.
© Copyright 2005-2026 The Mindful Drinking Company Limited.
All Rights Reserved.
alcoholfree.com is a participant in the Amazon Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.