Recipe Details

• Country: Canada 
• Region/Province: Quebec (originated), now pan-Canadian
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Difficulty: Easy

Health Benefits

• Complex carbohydrates from root vegetables
• Plant-based protein and probiotics from nutritional yeast
• Anti-inflammatory compounds from sweet potatoes

Dietary Categories

•  Vegan, Gluten-free, High-fiber, Plant-based
•  None (allergen-friendly)

Nutritional Highlights (per serving)

• Calories: 245
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 6g
• Key Nutrients: Vitamin A, Potassium, B-vitamins, Beta-carotene

Ingredients

• 3 large sweet potatoes, cut into fries – beta-carotene, fiber
• 2 large parsnips, cut into fries – potassium, folate
• 2 tbsp olive oil – heart-healthy fats
• 1 tsp smoked paprika – antioxidants, smoky flavor
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder – immune support
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cashew Gravy:

• 1 cup raw cashews, soaked 2 hours – creamy base, healthy fats
• 2 cups warm vegetable broth – mineral-rich liquid
• 3 tbsp nutritional yeast – B-vitamins, cheesy flavor
• 1 tbsp soy sauce – umami depth
• 1 tsp onion powder – flavor enhancement
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder – aromatic base

Instructions

1. Roast vegetables: Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss sweet potato and parsnip fries with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Roast 25-30 minutes until crispy outside, tender inside.
2. Make cashew gravy: Drain soaked cashews. Blend with warm broth, nutritional yeast, soy sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder until smooth and creamy.
3. Warm gravy: Transfer to saucepan and warm over medium heat, stirring frequently. Adjust consistency with more broth if needed.
4. Assemble poutine: Arrange roasted root vegetable fries on plates. Pour warm cashew gravy over top. Serve immediately.

Chef’s Healthy Modifications

• Traditional French fries → Roasted root vegetables for nutrients
• Cheese curds → Nutritional yeast for B-vitamins without dairy
• Brown gravy → Cashew-based gravy for healthy fats
• Deep frying → Oven roasting for less oil

Cultural Context

Poutine originated in Quebec in the 1950s and has become a Canadian cultural icon. This healthy version maintains the comfort food appeal while transforming it into a nutrient-dense meal using indigenous root vegetables.