Peppercorn Poutine Recipe
Crispy fries covered in peppercorn sauce, baked with mozzarella cheese.
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Ingredients
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Fries
Peppercorn Sauce
Assembly / Cheese
Method
Fries
- 1
Prepare and cook fries
If using fresh potatoes: preheat oven to 220°C (430°F). Cut potatoes into 1/3–1/2-inch fries, rinse in cold water until water runs clear to remove starch, then pat very dry with towels. Toss potatoes with 3 tbs oil, 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Spread in a single layer on a large baking sheet lined with parchment, leaving space so fries can crisp. Bake 25–30 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden and crispy. If using frozen fries: cook according to package instructions (bake or deep-fry) until very crispy. Keep fries warm in a low oven (90–100°C / 200–210°F) while you make the sauce.
Peppercorn Sauce
- 2
- 3
Add peppercorns and deglaze
Add the drained/crushed green peppercorns and coarsely crushed black peppercorns to the pan and stir for 30 seconds to bloom their flavor. If using brandy/cognac, carefully add 1 tbs, let it bubble and reduce for about 30–45 seconds to burn off the alcohol and pick up any browned bits.
- 4
Build the sauce
Pour in 1 cup beef or chicken stock and bring to a simmer, scraping the pan. Reduce the stock by about one-third (3–5 minutes). Stir in 1 tsp Dijon mustard and 1/2 cup heavy cream. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until the sauce coats the back of a spoon.
- 5
Adjust thickness and season
If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk 1 tsp cornstarch into 1 tsp cold water until smooth and stir into the simmering sauce. Cook another 1–2 minutes until thickened. Taste and season with 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste). Keep sauce warm off the heat. Reserve a few teaspoons of sauce for drizzling if desired.
Assembly / Cheese
- 6
Assemble poutine
Preheat oven broiler (or keep oven at 200°C/400°F if you prefer baking rather than broiling). Place the warm fries in an oven-safe serving dish or baking sheet in an even layer. Spoon most of the warm peppercorn sauce evenly over the fries so they are well coated but not soggy. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the fries and sauce. If using, grate a little Parmesan over the top.
- 7
Melt the cheese
Place the dish under the broiler for 2–4 minutes, watching carefully, until the mozzarella is melted and begins to bubble and lightly brown. Alternatively, bake at 200°C (400°F) for 6–8 minutes until cheese melts. Remove from oven.
- 8
Finish and serve
Spoon any remaining peppercorn sauce over the melted cheese (or serve on the side). Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley if using. Serve immediately while hot, with extra cracked black pepper if desired.