Sweet Potato Poutine with Vegetarian Gravy

1/15/16

Poutineeeeeee. A Canadian classic.?It's by far one of my favourite comfort foods, regardless of the time of year. Unfortunately for me, there are just way too many calories consumed with this dish so it's not something I indulge in very often. Well, I've got good news poutine lovers and calorie counters! This Sweet Potato Poutine with Vegetarian Gravy is a healthier, more wholesome alternative to traditional poutine.

With everything you see here made from scratch – with the exception of the cheese curds – this is the perfect Friday night meal to hide out from the cold with.?

Believe it or not, sweet potatoes are in season in January so now is the perfect time to pick some up and enjoy! As a general rule, I substitute regular potatoes, rice and other starches with sweet potatoes on a regular basis because they are an excellent source of vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene), vitamin C, dietary fibre and potassium. Don't get me wrong, regular potatoes are still great for you, but one serving of these bright orange-coloured potatoes can serve up to 90% of your daily vitamin A intake!

This vegetarian gravy is super quick to put together, and will remind you of a richer French onion soup. It definitely is different from the traditional beef gravy used on regular poutines, but I think it tastes different in a good way. I mean, I'm already shaking things up here with sweet potato fries! And the best part is, you most likely already have all the ingredients on hand: olive oil, onions, garlic, a vegetable bouillon cube, butter and flour. Boom.

I topped this Sweet Potato Poutine with green onions but you don't have to add any toppings. Classic Canadian poutine is just fries, gravy and delicious cheese curds – why mess with a classic, right??*drool*

Are you going to give this Sweet Potato Poutine a try? If you do be sure to tag me on Instagram and Twitter – I’d love to see what kinds of toppings you use!?

Print Recipe

5 from 4 votes

Sweet Potato Poutine with Vegetarian Gravy

This Sweet Potato Poutine with Vegetarian Gravy is a healthier, more wholesome alternative to traditional poutine!

Prep Time20 mins

Cook Time30 mins

Total Time50 mins

Course: Entree

Servings: 4

Ingredients

Fries

• 3 sweet potatoes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp garlic salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Gravy

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion sliced
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1 vegetable bouillon cube
• 3 cups water
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp red wine optional - this is just for added flavour
• 1/4 cup flour

Toppings

• Cheese curds
• Green onions
• Tomatoes
• Cheddar cheese
• Bacon
• Sour cream
• + Anything you can think of adding!

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 475.
• Cut sweet potatoes into 1/2 inch thick fries, then immerse in cold water to get rid of starch. Dry fries with clean towel and place in large bowl.
• Toss fries with olive oil, salt and spices then transfer to parchment-lined baking sheets (you will probably need one sheet per potato).
• Cook in the oven on the middle oven rack for 15 minutes, then flip and cook for another 12-15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, while fries are cooking, make your gravy. In medium saucepan on med-high heat, add olive oil. Slice onion and chop garlic, then add to pan, sautéing for about 6-7 min stirring often.
• Add bouillon cube and water, and stir until well blended. Pour mixture into food processor, blender or Magic Bullet and blend until combined.
• Pour back into saucepan, then bring mixture to a boil. Add butter and red wine, stirring until combined. Add flour in slowly and gradually, whisking to avoid lumps. Let simmer for 10 minutes on low heat.
• Fries should be finished around this time, so pull them out of the oven and transfer them to a pasta bowl or plate.
• Sprinkle with cheese curds, then ladle gravy overtop. If gravy isn't hot enough (but try and make sure it is!) then you can always put the dishes into the oven and broil until cheese becomes melted. Of course if you choose to do this make sure your plates are safe to go into the oven!
• Enjoy right away and be prepared to be stuffed!!