Poutines Rapees

SOURCE: A Taste of Acadie by Marielle Cormier-Boudrau

Yield: 6 servings 

1/2 lb Salt pork, fatty 

4 Potatoes; cooked & mashed 

10 Potatoes; finely grated 

-Salt & Pepper 

"For many Acadians living in southeastern New Brunswick, Poultine Rapee, potato dumpling dish with a mixture of seasoned pork in the center, is considered a national dish. In other parts of Acadia, these delicacies are prepared without the meat and fish is sometimes added to fricot. Although the grayish colour and gluey texture of the poutines makes them appear somewhat unappetizing, their taste more than compensates for their unattractive appearance." 

Soak the pork overnight in cold water to remove the salt, and cut into cubes. Extract the water from the grated potatoes by putting them in a cotton bag and squeezing vigorously. Mix the mashed potatoes with grated potatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Roll the potato mixture into balls resembling small snowballs. Make a hole in the center of the potato ball and add 1 Tbsp of the salt pork. Close the hole and roll the poultines in flour. Gently drop the poultines 2 or 3 at a time, into a large pot of boiling salted water, ensuring that the water is kept at a rolling boil. Simmer the poultines for 2-3 hours. Eat the poultines hot with butter, salt and pepper, or as a dessert with sugar and molasses.

MAKES: 6 POULTINES