Italian Easter Made Simple
As the saying goes, “Natale con i tuoi, Pasqua con chi vuoi” (Christmas with your family, Easter with whomever you want), Easter in Italy is a big deal: almost as big as Christmas!
In this spirit, we’ve crafted a delicious Italian-inspired menu that brings together the flavours of the season. From classic dishes you can prepare ahead of time to simplified versions of traditional recipes, our menu is designed to help you enjoy a stress-free Easter while savouring every bite.
Buona Pasqua!
These olive oil knots are somewhat like a distant cousin of the bagel … but much smaller and crunchier—perfect for appetizers! This recipe calls for fennel, which adds a springlike freshness to the crunchy treat, but you could easily swap it out for chili flakes or sesame seeds if you prefer. Make ahead of time and serve on an antipasto board with cured meats, cheeses, and marinated vegetables. It doesn’t get much easier!
The savoury Italian torta pasqualina oozes spring, right down to its name—pasqualina meaning “Easter.” As you might have guessed, it’s the perfect Easter lunch showstopper! Filled to the brim with crunchy greens, silky ricotta, and whole eggs, the torta pasqualina is nutritious, festive and (most importantly) delicious. Try it once, and we guarantee you’ll be serving it every Easter from now on!
This lamb ragù is a great recipe you can prepare in advance, so that you can make the most of your company. What’s more, this easy version using lamb shanks is prepared in one simple, single pot. It’s a great way to showcase the classic Easter meat, which, in our opinion, should be served much more frequently throughout the year! You’ll need to factor in the cooking time, but that just means you’ll have extra time to put the finishing touches on your other dishes and relax … or maybe organize the Easter egg hunt!
Grilled lamb chops with hazelnut tapenade
These lamb chops are a quick fix, yet still absolutely chic and delicious. You’ll see that the hazelnut tapenade packs a punch while also ensuring the lamb stays tender and juicy. Generous, fresh, and truly scrumptious, these lamb chops deliver everything you need for a beautiful Easter meal or any festive occasion!
Finocchio alla parmigiana (Fennel with parmesan)
Vegetables are a staple in Italian cuisine, and fennel is a firm favourite. Known for its crunchy texture and aniseed flavour, it can be enjoyed raw, roasted, braised, grilled, or sautéed—the possibilities are almost endless. This simple yet elegant recipe showcases the bright, fresh flavours of lemon and tarragon, beautifully rounded out with Parmesan and balsamic vinegar.
Maple-balsamic roasted rainbow carrots
We’ve long believed the Italy-Quebec fusion is a force to be reckoned with, but this recipe is irrefutable proof! The maple and balsamic vinegar duo ensures the carrots are caramelized to perfection while also introducing a delicious, balanced, sweet flavour. It’s the perfect contorno for your Easter feast and a perfect everyday side dish.
Make room on the table for this classic French side dish: the unbeatable potatoes Savoyarde. We think every big meal should have a delicious potato side dish because, let’s face it, everyone loves potatoes. Especially when they’re that creamy and cheesy! Rich yet delicate, versatile, delicious, and easy to make, this is one side dish you won’t want to skip.
Lemon ricotta cookies (Easter cookies)
Whether you’re looking for a treat for your Easter feast, to celebrate spring or simply to add some sprinkle magic to your day, these lemony cookies are just what the doctor ordered. Sweet and creamy ricotta balanced with delicious citrus flavours … what’s not to love?
Part cheesecake, part pie, this fruity, smooth crostata is entirely irresistible. The classic recipe features visciole, which are small, sharp cherries that resemble our morello cherries. The tart fruit pairs beautifully with the rich ricotta, all layered on top of a beautiful pasta frolla (shortcrust) base. Our ricotta cherry crostata is a fresh, gourmet desert reminiscent of the first days of spring. No wonder it makes for the ideal finishing touch to any Easter feast!
