The holidays are quickly approaching and for many of us, that means busting out our beloved family recipes, hosting dinner parties with good eats, and showing those we love just how much we care about them through a special meal. If you ask us, there’s nothing more special or show-stopping than a veal dish. Ontario veal farmers offer the tender, naturally lean protein in grocery stores across the province, giving hosts everywhere the perfect ingredient to impress with.
Veal takes on whatever flavours you pair it with, which makes many veal cuts an excellent base for traditional recipes. Think veal scaloppini, veal marsala or even a veal sandwich. In short, reach for Ontario veal if you want to transform any meal into a memorable experience. Need some inspiration? We’ve got ten flavourful veal dishes to prepare any time of the year.
1/10
Traditional Tourtière
Pies always deliver a warm and festive feeling thanks to the buttery crust and warm fillings. This take on the traditional French-Canadian staple invokes all of those feelings with flaky pastry, a ground veal and pork filling and savoury spices. For those who don’t eat pork, you can just stick to veal for an even fuller flavour. Either way it’s a beautiful centerpiece to any celebratory table, and pairs easily with roasted veggies, salads, potatoes and more.
Recipe and photo courtesy of Amina Al-Saigh, Hungry Paprikas
2/10
Shawarma Spiced Veal Roast
Shawarma is a favourite fast food staple, but with an Ontario veal roast and a selection of warm spices you can easily make an impressive shawarma platter at home the next time you’re hosting. Prepare these savoury parcels in advance or place all of the ingredients family style and let guests make their own. They’re a fun but elegant way to celebrate any occasion, especially with the accompanying homemade tahini sauce.
3/10
Rigatoni Bolognese
The perfect Bolognese sauce is rich, meaty, and cooked slowly but surely, resulting in a special dinner that any guest will fawn over. We think this recipe nails it with fresh ingredients like ground veal, a translucent mirepoix, and blitzed tomatoes that come together for the kind of sauce you dream of until the next time you get to dig in. There is ground pork in the sauce, but you can just as deliciously sub in extra ground veal instead.
Recipe and photo courtesy of Fariha Ekra, @lifewithfarihaa
4/10
Veal Bhuna
Nothing makes guests feel more special than a thick and rich curry that you’ve put extra care into, and this veal bhuna is no exception. Each bowl is a perfectly curated bite of warmth and spice, with tender Ontario veal and baby potatoes bringing immediate comfort. Serve this dish with buttery naan, rice, or flaky parathas.
5/10
Stuffed Eggplant with Veal and Spinach
Transform eggplants into impressive boats bursting with flavour courtesy of this veal-based recipe from Rachael Ray. The trick is to properly drain the eggplant shells for a more flavourful and sturdy base, then stuff these beauties with the creamy, buttery veal concoction for a pretty and delicious dish that’s worthy of any celebration.
Recipe and photo courtesy of Cindy Chan, Hungry Cindy
6/10
Veal and Shiitake Meatballs in a Tomato Hot Pot
Hot pots are the perfect way to celebrate with friends and family because they encourage the act of making and enjoying food together, setting the stage for long, leisurely meals and good company. This tomato hot pot is extra festive because the star ingredient is veal meatballs: delicate, juicy bites comprised of garlicky, gingery ground veal, light soy, oyster sauce and sesame oil.
7/10
Spaghetti and Meatballs with Veal and Ricotta
Juicy and perfectly seasoned veal meatballs are tossed in chef Mark McEwan’s signature marinara sauce, elevating traditional spaghetti and meatballs into something truly exceptional. Pair it with fresh pasta for an even more impressive dinner party or intimate soirée and watch as your guests quickly go for seconds.
Courtesy of Ontario Veal Appeal
8/10
Mini Veal Wellington Bites in Red Wine Demi Glacé
Everyone knows that if you want to impress, you bust out a Wellington. But if you have yet to sample a Veal Wellington, you’re missing out. Traditional mushroom duxelles and crepes bring out the juicy and delicate flavour of veal tenderloin. It’s a pretty and Instagram-worthy dish from Chef Raquel Fox that will make everyone at the table feel special and festive.
9/10
Veal Osso Bucco
For a restaurant-style dish that you can easily recreate at home, grab some Ontario veal shanks and get going on this rich but delicate pot. Wine, flavourful stock, and veal come together for a layered and impressive dish that cooks up in the oven with minimal effort, and leaves you with more time to hang out with your guests.
Courtesy of Ontario Veal Appeal
10/10
Veal Roast with Pesto
If you’re looking for a real show-stopping dish to celebrate with family and friends, this Ontario veal rib (or loin) roast is it. It makes a beautiful centerpiece on any table and pairs with a variety of veg and sides, plus the accompanying pesto is bursting with flavours to make each and every last bite a memorable experience.
