Canadian gastronomic specialties fall into two categories. On the one hand, there is English-speaking Canadian gastronomy. On the other hand, there are French Canadian specialties. What are these must-have Canadian dishes?
Poutine and tourtière
Poutine is a well-known dish in Canadian gastronomy. This speciality from the Quebec region is composed of french fries, grain cheddar cheese and a brown sauce. The latter is a simple barbecue sauce or a meat broth-based sauce. Many ingredients can be added to poutine, such as varieties of cheese and sauces. This dish can be accompanied by braised meat.
Tourtière or meat pie is also a Canadian specialty. It is often served at Christmas or at the holiday season. The recipe may vary from one region to another, but the main ingredient is ground meat marinated with cinnamon or cloves. It is garnished with potatoes, garlic and onions.
Pea soup and baked beans
Pea soup is a typical Canadian dish, often served during the winter. It is based on whole yellow peas with salt pork and herbs. The meat can be served on the side or placed directly in the soup. Vegetables are added to this soup depending on the region.
There are also rustic dishes in Canadian cuisine, such as baked beans. These were once cooked by trappers and voyageurs. Later, they became a typical Canadian dish. Baked beans consist of black beans, pieces of bacon, molasses and maple syrup. This dish is often eaten for breakfast.
Maple Syrup and Potato Candies
Maple syrup is an inseparable product of Canada. It is obtained from the sap of the sugar maple tree. This product is often in a liquid state and can be incorporated into sweet as well as savoury dishes, such as spreads, baked beans and sausages. Maple syrup is also a key ingredient in Canadian whiskey.
Potato candy is a sweet delicacy that is part of Canadian gastronomy. It is not a candy, but a Quebec cake made with potatoes. They look a lot like an orange wrap.