The snow is melting and the days are getting longer. This can only mean one thing: spring has arrived! A change in season is the perfect opportunity to freshen things up in the kitchen. Seasonal cooking not only brings new flavours to the table, it also plays an important role in sustainability. But what’s the best way to incorporate these new ingredients into your spring cooking? Luckily, Olivieri® is here to inspire you with a range of pasta recipes featuring seasonal spring veggies. Let’s face it: few ingredients beat pasta for versatility. Perfect for absorbing all kinds of flavours, pasta provides the ideal base for a wide variety of spring meals. So let’s get into it!
Exploring Spring’s Influence on Pasta
As the weather warms and nature awakens, the culinary landscape also transforms. Spring brings an abundance of fresh produce that invites creativity in pasta dishes—the transition from winter to spring ushers in a shift in our approach to cooking. Heavy, comforting meals give way to lighter, vibrant flavours. Chefs and home cooks alike are inspired to explore new recipes that celebrate the freshness of the season.
Spring Vegetables Spotlight
Spring vegetables add a delightful burst of colour and taste to pasta dishes. Key ingredients include:
- Asparagus: Tender and bright, perfect for light pasta.
- Peas: Sweet and vibrant, great for enhancing texture.
- Radishes: Crisp and peppery, adding a unique flair.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil, dill, and parsley elevate flavours.
- Rapini: Earthy and pungent, it complements mild-flavoured ingredients in pasta dishes.
These vegetables play a crucial role in creating dishes that reflect the joy and renewal of spring. Quick cooking techniques ensure their vibrant colours and nutrients are preserved, resulting in meals that are both beautiful and satisfying. So, without further ado, let’s dive into some recipes!
Appetizing Recipes with Asparagus and Pasta
What better way to kickstart your spring cooking than with one of the season’s most singular flavours? There’s simply no mistaking the sweet and earthy taste of asparagus in dishes. Paired with pasta, the results are spectacular, as this Tortelloni Matane Shrimp and Quebec Asparagus amply demonstrate. The winning combo of seafood flavours with crunchy asparagus makes it the perfect dish to usher in the spring season.
For lovers of gnocchi meals, you’ll be pleased to know that asparagus works wonders with your beloved pasta dumplings. This Cheese Filled Skillet Gnocchi Lemon Ricotta and Asparagus recipe is the perfect way to enjoy Olivieri® Real Cheese Filled Skillet Gnocchi with asparagus.
Leafy Greens of Spring
Spring brings with it a host of leafy greens to incorporate into recipes. Embrace the flavour of spinach in this warm and comforting Mama’s Tortellini Soup. Made with Olivieri® 3 Formaggi Tortellini it’s a cheesy and comforting soup recipe with a herbaceous twist.
Recipe with Rapini and Gnocchi
Looking for a distinct-tasting leafy green to add to your spring shopping list? Pick up some rapini and embrace its pungent, bitter flavour in this Skillet Gnocchi Rapini and Pancetta recipe. You’ll find its strong flavour is complemented perfectly by the texture of our skillet gnocchi and savoury pancetta ham.
Alternatively, if you’re craving the refreshing flavours of the sea, try this Baked Salmon and Skillet Gnocchi. To give this recipe a taste of spring, we’ve added baby spinach. Its subtle, earthy flavours take salmon and gnocchi to new heights.
Recipes with Peas and Carrots
If you’re looking for a new recipe that features fresh spring produce, our Skillet Gnocchi with Fresh Goat Cheese and Green Peas is sure to satisfy. This easy recipe boasts a delicious combination of gnocchi, peas, and goat cheese, resulting in a comforting meal you can rustle up in minutes.
Last but not least, here’s a 3-ingredient recipe that’s sure to hit the spot. Made with savoury sausage, crunchy fried carrots, and Olivieri® Tomato Mozzarella Skillet Gnocchi, this dish packs oodles of flavour into one simple skillet meal. Ready in 15 minutes, it’s perfect for busy days when you’re craving something quick and yummy.
Using Spring Herbs for Flavour
Spring herbs play a crucial role in brightening pasta dishes. Herbs like basil, parsley, and dill infuse meals with aromatic complexity. These herbs can be used fresh to make pestos, sprinkled raw for garnish, or incorporated into cooking to create depth of flavour.
Using locally sourced herbs guarantees freshness and maximum flavour, making them ideal companions for the vibrant vegetables of the season. What’s more, locally sourced herbs and spices play an important role in sustainability in cooking.
Looking for culinary inspiration? Check out our blog to see what’s cooking in our kitchen.