Urban Manitobans don’t often visit farms, but they can see the benefits of the province’s ag sector on the screen.
Outreach, connecting consumers with the surrounding farming industry and celebrating local food are all part of the mandate for Great Tastes of Manitoba.
It’s the province’s longest-running cooking show, having been a staple in kitchens for 35 years. It markets itself as a source of practical, easy-to-follow recipes that highlight the best of what Manitoba’s farmers have to offer.
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Why it matters: Giving a face and voice to agriculture can be a key part of efforts to foster public trust in farmers and the food system.
Great Tastes of Manitoba is more than showing people how to cook. It’s a celebration of Manitoba’s rich agricultural heritage. The show brings together local ingredients and simple, delicious menu ideas that make it easy and fun to eat local.
It also shares stories of local farmers, offering a glimpse into the hard work and dedication that go into producing high-quality food in a sustainable manner.
The success of Great Tastes of Manitoba lies in its unique collaboration between local agricultural organizations such as the Manitoba Pork Council, the Hello Canola campaign, Manitoba Chicken Producers, Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers, Manitoba Crop Alliance, Manitoba Turkey Producers and Manitoba Beef Producers.
Each episode gives the highlighted industry group a platform. Viewers get expert advice, nutritional information and recipes developed and triple tested by chefs, home economists and food experts who understand the value of cooking with Manitoba-grown products.
In a time when more families focus on eating local and reducing food waste, the show’s emphasis on seasonal, local products couldn’t be more relevant. Here are a few examples of the types of dishes you’ll see:
- Hearty, family friendly meals: From roasts and stews to casseroles and burgers, these recipes feature flavours from around the world and are perfect for either weeknights or special occasions.
- Plant-based meals: Learn how to make the most of prairie pulses like peas and beans by incorporating these nutritious proteins into soups, salads, mains and sweet treats.
- Baking and desserts: Using local oils, grains and seeds, the show demonstrates how to create everything from classic pies to modern baked goods that suit any occasion.
You can watch Great Tastes of Manitoba in the fall and spring on Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. on CTV Winnipeg. The show also broadcasts on the Rural Channel or on the Great Tastes of Manitoba website and YouTube channel.
Whether you prefer to watch live or catch up online, it’s easy to follow along with the show and try these recipes at home.
Toasted pecan breakfast cookies
Makes: 12 cookies
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup canola oil
- ½ cup brown sugar (can reduce to 1/3 cup if desired)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup chopped pecans
- 1 ¾ cups quick cooking oats
- ¾ cup whole wheat flour or barley flour
- ¼ cup ground flax seed
- ¼ cup shelled sunflower seeds
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup dates, chopped
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350 F (180 C).
- In medium bowl, whisk together eggs, canola oil, brown sugar and vanilla. Set aside.
- Heat small frying pan over medium-high heat. Add chopped pecans and cook until fragrant and just starting to turn golden brown. Watch carefully. They can burn easily.
- In large bowl, stir together toasted pecan pieces, oats, flour, ground flax seeds, sunflower seeds, baking powder and salt.
- Whisk egg mixture again and then whisk in chopped dates.
- Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until combined.
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a 1/3-cup scoop, scoop cookies onto parchment paper. One sheet should fit about 12 cookies.
- Bake for 10 minutes. Allow to cool fully and then store in a sealed container.
Source: www.greattastesmb.ca, courtesy of Manitoba Crop Alliance
Chicken and navy bean soup
Makes: Eight servings
Ingredients
- 2 cans (19 oz each) of navy beans, drained and rinsed
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into one-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ tsp each salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Add the chicken broth, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, smoked paprika, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, tomatoes and navy beans. Bring to a boil. Cover and adjust the heat so that soup cooks at a gentle simmer for 30 minutes.
- Add chicken and cook for another hour.
- Stir in parsley and add salt and pepper to taste.
Source: www.greattastesmb.ca, courtesy of Manitoba Chicken Producers
Beef pad Thai
Makes: Eight servings
Ingredients
Sauce:
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- ¼ cup tamarind paste
- ½ cup smooth peanut butter
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 ½ cups hot water
- 2 Thai chili peppers, thinly sliced (as desired)
Remaining ingredients:
- 250 g (1 cup) wide pad Thai rice noodles, prepared as per package directions
- 1 tbsp canola oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 1 medium carrot, cut into matchsticks
- ½ medium red bell pepper, julienned
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- ½ cup green onion, chopped
Garnish:
- Cilantro, finely chopped
- Roasted peanuts, chopped
- Bean sprouts
- Green onion, chopped
Directions
- Place all sauce ingredients in small pot and bring to simmer, whisking periodically. Adjust seasoning as required.
- In large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, add oil and beef. Once beef is about 75 per cent cooked, drain excess fat then add garlic, ginger, carrots, peppers, bean sprouts and green onion.
- Once vegetables are cooked but retain a slight crunch, add sauce and noodles. Toss to combine and coat evenly with sauce. Adjust seasoning and add additional water as required. Noodles should be well sauced.
- Plate pad Thai and garnish with desired toppings such as fresh bean sprouts, slivered green onion, crushed peanuts, chopped cilantro and lime wedges.
Source: www.greattastesmb.ca, courtesy of Manitoba Beef Producers
