Let’s take a minute and learn about a stick-to-your ribs dish hailing from our neighbors to the north, Quebec, Canada. Poutine is French fries doused in hearty gravy and sprinkled with fresh cheese curds. This may sound like a simple dish or it may even sound unappetizing, but do yourself a favor and never say that to a Quebecer. You see, poutine isn’t just French fries but it’s comfort food for Quebecers. It was voted the national dish of Canada by Globe and Mail readers. It’s also the go-to snack after a night of serious drinking. Nothing like greasy, cheesy fries to soak up the alcohol.

Luckily, several New York City restaurants are including poutine on their menus.

Take for example Brindle Room. Young Chef Jeremy Spector takes the classic fries-cheese-gravy combo and adds decadent duck confit ($18). At tiny Brooklyn restaurant Mile End, native Montrealer Noah Bernamoff serves it up the classic way ($8) or topped with smoked meat ($11). And finally, Windfall, a Midtown restaurant, hosts Canada Cabin, a Canadian-themed night complete with Hockey Night in Canada, Molson beer and, of course, large portions of poutine ($8).

To recreate this dish at home, start by frying up some Yukon Gold potatoes till crisp and golden brown. Then follow this recipe for the ultimate gravy.

Poutine Gravy

• 1 quart stock: chicken or veal
• 2 ounces flour
• 2 ounces butter

1. Bring the stock to a boil in a saucepan.

2. In another saucepan, combine the butter and flour.  Cook over high heat, stirring until you have a pale roux, about 2-3 minutes.

3. Pour the heated stock into the flour mixture and stir till well blended. Let simmer for about 30 minutes and stir occasionally. Strain the sauce through a strainer lined with cheesecloth. Salt and pepper to taste.

Pour the gravy over the fries and sprinkle with fresh cheese curds.

Poutine restaurant locations:

Brindle Room, 277 East 10th Street New York, NY 10009 (212) 529-9702 

Mile End, 97A Hoyt Street New York, NY 11217 (718) 852-7510

Windfall, 23 West 39th Street New York, NY 10018-3801 (212) 869-4606