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Serious Eats' Poutine

Why this recipe works:

A hybrid beef and chicken stock gives the gravy just enough beefy flavor, while still being mellow enough not to overpower the fries and cheese curds.

Fresh cheese curds at room temperature, made within 24 hours, provide the soft and squeaky cheese that's a hallmark of great poutine.

Soaking the potatoes in water, then frying them at 350°F (177°C) and again at 425°F (218°C) creates fries with a crisp exterior and a soft, pillowy interior.

Note: For the crispiest fries, freeze the potatoes after Step 4 by spreading them on an unlined baking sheet (before frying them a second time), then fry from frozen.

Preparation

Step 1

For the Gravy: Heat oil in a large stock pot over high heat until shimmering. Add oxtails and cook until deeply browned, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate. Add beef and veal bones and cook until deeply browned, about 10 minutes total. Transfer to plate with oxtails. Add chicken pieces and cook until well browned, 5 to 8 minutes. Transfer to plate with oxtails and bones. Stir in carrots, onion, and garlic and cook until well browned. Stir in chicken stock, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add water, parsley, thyme, bay leaves, peppercorns, oxtails, beef bones, chicken, and any accumulated juices from the plate. Bring stock to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook at a bare simmer for 3 hours. Pour stock through a fine mesh strainer into a large bowl. Remove fat from stock by skimming with a ladle, using a fat separator, or placing stock in the refrigerator until chilled, then discarding hardened fat from the surface.

Step 2

Melt butter in medium saucepan over medium-high heat until foaming. Whisk in flour and cook, stirring constantly, until golden blonde, about 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in 3 cups of stock in a steady stream. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook until reduced to 2 cups, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in vinegar, and season with salt.

Step 3

For the Fries: Place potatoes in a large bowl and cover completely with cold water. Let soak for at least 1 hour, or, alternatively, drain water and rinse again, changing water until it runs completely clear. Drain potatoes and dry thoroughly with paper towels.

Step 4

Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or wok to 350°F (177°C). Working in batches, add potatoes and cook, stirring and turning frequently until pale blonde, about 5 minutes. Transfer potatoes to a paper towel-lined baking sheet. (For crispiest fries, see note above about adding a freezing step.)

Step 5

Heat oil to 425°F (218°C). Add potatoes and cook, stirring and turning frequently, until deep golden brown, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined bowl and season with salt to taste.

Step 6

Reheat gravy over high heat until hot. Place fries in a shallow bowl or dish, top generously with cheese curds, and ladle on gravy. Serve immediately.