Cuisine of Quebec

A Classic poutine, such as this one from La Banquise, is made with french fries, cheese curds and gravy.
A bottle of maple syrup from Quebec, Canada.

Quebec's traditional cuisine is as rich and diverse as the province of Quebec itself. The historical context of 'traditional' Quebec cuisine is from the fur trade period, and many dishes have a high fat content through the use of ingredients such as lard.

Traditional cuisine

Quebec is most famous for its poutine, tourtières (meat pies), pâté chinois, pea soup, dumplings, baked beans, cretons, ham dishes, maple desserts such as Grand-Pères and molasses treats such as "tire Ste-Catherine" (St. Catherine's taffy). The strongest influences on traditional Quebec cuisine come from the cuisines of France and Ireland, as the two largest ethnic groups in the province are French and Irish, although many aspects of Canadian aboriginal cuisine have also had a significant impact on Quebec cuisine. Other European influences on Quebec cuisine include British, German, and Italian cuisines, since there are also significant populations of British, German, and Italian people in Quebec.

The sugar season (temps des sucres) is one of the oldest of Quebec culinary traditions. During springtime, many Québécois go to sugar shacks (cabanes à sucre) for a traditional meal that features eggs, baked beans, ham, oreilles de crisse, and bacon, which they then cover in maple syrup. Associated activities are a horse-drawn sleigh ride in the woods and sugar on snow (tire sur la neige) — boiled maple tree sap dribbled over snow, which then hardens, and is eaten as a treat.

Many traditional dishes are intrinsic to holidays. Réveillon, the Christmas Eve (or New Year's Eve) feast, usually features items like a bûche de Noël (Yule log) and tourtière.

Spruce beer is a traditional beverage.

See also

References

  • Mongrain-Dontigny, Micheline (2003) A Taste of Maple : History and Recipes, Saint-Irénée: Éditions La Bonne recette, 127 pages ISBN 978-2-9804058-9-1
  • Couillard, Suzette and Normand, Roseline (2002) Best Quebec Recipes of Bygone Days , L'Islet: Éditions Suzette Couillard, 367 pages ISBN 978-2-920368-06-4
  • Armstrong, Julian (2001) A Taste of Quebec. Second Edition, Toronto: Macmillan, 214 pages ISBN 978-1-55335-005-7
  • Mongrain-Dontigny, Micheline (1995) Traditional Quebec Cooking : A Treasure of Heirloom Recipes, La Tuque : Éditions La Bonne recette, 156 pages ISBN 978-2-9804058-2-2
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