Louisiana Cheese Fries with Crayfish and Gravy

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Serving size:4
Prep Time:
Total Time:
Louisiana Cheese Fries with Crayfish and Gravy

To make pimento cheese

  • 1 red bell pepper
  • freshly ground pepper
  • kosher salt
  • 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 tbsp chopped cilantro
  • 2 tbsp sour cream
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 lb white cheddar cheese, shredded (3 1/4 cups)
  • 1 jalapeño
  1. MAKE THE PIMENTO CHEESE Roast the red pepper and jalapeño directly over a gas flame or under a preheated broiler, turning, until charred all over. Transfer the red pepper and jalapeño to a large bowl, cover tightly with plastic and let cool for 15 minutes. Peel, seed and stem the red pepper and jalapeño, then cut them into 1/4-inch dice.
  2. In a large bowl, mix half of the red pepper with half of the jalapeño; reserve the rest for another use. Add the cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, cilantro, lemon juice and cayenne to the bowl and mix well; season with salt and pepper. Chill for at least 2 hours.

    To make andouille gravy

    • 1/2 lb andouille sausage, cut into 1/4-inch dice
    • kosher salt
    • 1/4 cup thinly sliced scallion
    • 11/2 cup chicken stock or low-sodium broth
    • 1/4 cup chopped tomato
    • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
    • 1/2 tbsp minced garlic
    • 1/3 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
    • 3/4 cup finely chopped onion
    • 1 tbsp canola oil
    1. MEANWHILE, MAKE THE GRAVY In a medium cast-iron skillet, heat the oil. Add the andouille and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until the fat is rendered and the sausage is crispy, 8 minutes. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until translucent, 3 minutes. Stir in the green pepper and garlic and cook, stirring, until the garlic is fragrant, 2 minutes. Sprinkle in the flour and stir until incorporated; add the tomato and cook over moderately low heat, stirring, until it starts to break down, 3 minutes. Add the stock and bring to a simmer; cook until the gravy is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, 5 minutes. Stir in the scallions and season with salt.

      To make poutine

      • 1/2 lb cooked and shelled crayfish tail
      • 4 cup cooked french fries
      1. MAKE THE POUTINE Preheat the oven to 450°. Spread the french fries on a heatproof serving platter. Spoon the gravy all over the fries and top with the crayfish. Dollop 1 cup of the pimento cheese all over the fries; reserve the rest for another use. Bake the poutine for about 5 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and melted. Serve immediately.

      Make Ahead: The pimento cheese and andouille gravy can be refrigerated separately for up to 3 days.

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      Recipe Credit: Kelly English
      Image Credit: Jonny Valiant