We can’t think of a better excuse to serve some signature dishes than Canada Day.
Celebrate Canada’s multiculturalism by enjoying the diverse cuisine this nation has to offer with family. There’s no shortage of savoury snacks, creamy sauces, and decadent dishes across the country. Let us guide you through using local products and Canadian delicacies to take your dishes to the next level.
Whether at your next family get-together or a weeknight meal, it’s a cinch to wow everyone when you serve up some Olivieri® Fresh Pasta, Gnocchi, and Sauces with some of the National favourites listed below! Let’s begin!
Syrups and Sauces
For an instant flavour boost, serve a delicious dip or drizzle on a tasty topping.
Maple Syrup
Maple syrup isn’t just a decadent dessert topping; it can do wonders in a savoury dish. In this Braised Beef au jus Ravioli, Mushrooms, Maple Syrup and Québec Cheese Curds, the maple complements the flavorful stock, acidic tomato sauce, and earthy sautéed mushrooms, creating a balanced blend of complex flavours.
Sauces
When making a gnocchi board, be sure to include Donair sauce! Donair sauce is a traditional creamy Nova Scotian sauce made with sweetened condensed milk, vinegar, and garlic powder that typically accompanies cheesy garlic fingers. Imagine how delicious it would taste with Real Cheese Filled Skillet Gnocchi!
It’s also worth knowing, we have plenty of ideas to share if you’re in need of a recipe for potato gnocchi.
Gravy
No guide to Canadian food would be complete without featuring the plate that is recognized as the national dish. While it’s found across Canada, poutine – both the origin and name – traces back to Quebec and the Quebecois slang word meaning “mess.” With Olivieri®, preparing Skillet Gnocchi Poutine is anything but messy; however, you have free reign when it comes to what you pile on your poutine!
Seafood
Fresh and flavourful, seafood is a protein that the whole family will enjoy! Situated between two oceans, Canada has plenty of fish, including Atlantic and Pacific salmon, smoked salmon, and arctic char. Moreover, plenty of juicy shellfish to feast on, such as Nordic Shrimp and East Coast lobsters.
Shrimp
Cook up a quick dinner like this Tortelloni with Matane Shrimp and Québec Asparagus using shellfish from the region of Québec. Small and salty, Matane shrimp – also known as Nordic shrimp – are perfect for tossing into pasta dishes. While you can score a fresh catch from April through November, you can find it cooked or frozen year-round.
Meat
Do you and your family want to include both surf and turf? Canada boasts some delicious meat options as well! For simple yet sophisticated meals, we offer some stuffed pastas that cook up in just a few minutes: enjoy tender 100% Canadian braised beef in a luxurious au jus sauce in every bite with Olivieri® Braised Beef au jus Ravioli. Let’s take a look at some other mouthwatering Canadian meats!
Montreal-style Smoked Meat
Akin to pastrami, Montreal’s smoked meat – a salted and spiced beef brisket that has been cured for a week before being smoked and steamed – can only be described as perfection. So make sure to showcase it in these Skillet Gnocchi Antipasto Bites! Montreal’s smoked meats – along with an assortment of pillowy gnocchi, tangy olives, roasted red peppers, marinated mushrooms, hot cherry peppers, and juicy cherry tomatoes – will level up your appetizer game. These savoury skewers would make an excellent garnish for a Caesar at brunch!
Back Bacon
It’s no surprise that back bacon – internationally known as Canadian bacon – is world-renowned! This meat is less fatty than American bacon as it’s cut from the loin rather than the belly. In other words, it has the perfect balance of fat and meat and provides just the right amount of flavour without tasting too greasy. Plus, back bacon is delicious any time of the day!
Breakfast: Bacon and breakfast is a classic duo for a good reason. Impress your family by whipping up a Loaded Bacon and Egg Breakfast Skillet Gnocchi: the tempting aromas will bring everyone – even those that aren’t easy to wake up – around the table.
Lunch: Toss a few strips in this Skillet Gnocchi With Bacon and Sun-Dried Tomatoes for a light yet satisfying midday meal.
Dinner: For an elegant dinner party or a romantic date night, this Bacon Rosé Gnocchi will be a hit!
Dairy
From cream to cheese, Canadian dairy is something the whole family – even the pickiest of eaters – will enjoy! When making any of our cheesy recipes, we invite you to explore various uniquely Canadian varieties. Become a cheese connoisseur and learn that while Ontario offers aged Cheddar, Quebec cheddars are sold young and thus are creamier. Also, as many recipes call for dairy, you could opt to buy locally. We proudly use 100% fresh Canadian cream in some of our Fresh Sauces:
- Olivieri® Classic Alfredo Sauce: A combination of nutty Italian cheeses – Parmesan, Asiago – and Canadian cream make for an extra velvety sauce.
- Olivieri® Creamy Rosé Sauce: With an irresistible combination of a blend of marinara and cream, pink sauce offers the best of both worlds!
Storage Tip: Keep Olivieri® Fresh Sauces in the fridge or store them in the freezer for up to three months.
Enjoy all the cuisine Canada offers with Olivieri® by browsing more meal inspiration in our recipe section. Share your creations with us by tagging us on social media @olivieripasta.