Seasonal recipes are a great way to infuse your cooking with fresh flavour and try something new at different times of year. In the spring, it’s all about cooking with crisp spring veggies.

Here are three simple recipes that celebrate spring with some of the green and vibrant in-season vegetables you’ll easily find at the grocery store. Great for family dinners or larger gatherings, these dishes are sure to be a hit with any crowd.

Roasted Spring Vegetables

What better way to sample the bounty of spring than with a medley of roasted vegetables? High-heat roasting helps to really bring out the flavour of the vegetables and takes little effort. You can include any vegetables you like, though some of the more popular spring choices are carrots, asparagus, artichoke, snap peas, broccoli, cauliflower, and radishes.

Ingredients

• 1 pound spring vegetables of your choosing
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

Directions

1) Preheat oven to 400 F.

2) Cut vegetables into similar-size pieces and combine in a large mixing bowl with olive oil and lemon juice. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a dash of paprika. Toss to mix.

3) Spread vegetables on a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for about 20 minutes, stirring halfway, until vegetables are tender and golden brown.

4) Remove from oven and serve!

Pea and Asparagus Gnocchi

A perfect spring dinner, pea and asparagus gnocchi combines a blend of tastes and textures. The crisp asparagus, bright peas, and soft gnocchi all work wonderfully together, especially when lightly topped with Parmesan. You’ll want to make this dish again and again.

Ingredients

• 1 package potato gnocchi, 450 grams
• 1 bunch asparagus, chopped
• 1 cup spring peas
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons cream
• Grated parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper

Directions

1) Bring large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add gnocchi, keep water at boiling, and drain when the gnocchi rise to the surface.

2) Heat oil to large skillet over medium heat. Add in asparagus and cook until tender.

3) Add cooked gnocchi and peas and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, sprinkling with salt and pepper.

4) Remove from heat and add cream and lemon juice, mixing to combine. Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top and serve!

Baked Stuffed Artichokes

A traditional Italian comfort food, baked stuffed artichokes are bursting with flavour. This filling dish makes a fantastic side and is great for sharing as well. However you choose to eat it, there likely won’t be any leftovers!

Ingredients

• 2 large artichokes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 halved lemon
• 2 tablespoons chopped basil, parsley, and oregano
• Salt and pepper

Directions

1) Bring large pot of salted water to a boil and trim artichokes.

2) Add artichokes to boiling water and squeeze in juice from lemon. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for about 30 minutes or until artichokes are tender.

3) Drain artichokes and allow to cool. Preheat oven to 375 F.

4) Combine breadcrumbs, cheese, oil, and herbs in a mixing bowl. Salt and pepper to taste.

5) Stand artichokes on base and spread apart the leaves, filling with bread crumb mixture.

6) Bake artichokes for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool and serve!

Fresh spring veggies can help brighten up any dish with an extra kick of flavour and nutrients, making spring one of the best seasons to try out new recipes. With the season well underway, it’s time to get chopping.