The holidays are busy and expensive. Lately, you might feel like your budget will burst at the seams. You feel like you’re running in every direction and don’t have any time for yourself. If that’s the case, we’ve got a bunch of cheap and easy dinner ideas for you to cook in between turkey dinners. Many of them are one-pot meals showing off Alberta’s cultural melting pot.
Of course, you can always bring some of these to one of the multiple potlucks you’ve been invited to over the holidays. Or, if you’re feeling extra spicy, bring them as a side or main to Christmas dinner!
English
Alberta is a province of immigrants, and in 2021, 18.3% of us identified as “English.” This has decreased significantly since the 1900s – in 1911, over half of the people living in Alberta were from England.
Cook it: Sausage casserole. This one-pot meal is packed with delicious herbs and is easy to prepare. If you want to make it even more budget-friendly, swap out the cherry tomatoes for good, old-fashioned Roma tomatoes.
Scottish
The Scottish people are known for their storytelling and their lightheartedness. Scottish immigrants have also made their mark on Alberta – even the city of Calgary was named after a Scottish castle.
Cook it: Meat pie. This one combines a flaky and delicious pastry crust with salty ground beef. It won’t disappoint!
German
In the 1800s, Canadian Immigration agents convinced the Germans that they should move to Alberta by telling them that the temperature was moderate and that farming in Alberta was a sure way to get rich. They were in for an unfortunate surprise when they arrived! Still, they stuck around, and in 2021, 15.3% of Albertans said they were of German heritage.
Cook it: Sauerkraut and sausages with apples. Serve with mashed potatoes and your favourite vegetable for an easy, filling dinner!
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own sauerkraut – it’s easy and costs pennies. All you need is a head of cabbage, some salt, and a couple of canning jars. Get the recipe here.
Chinese
When Chinese people first arrived in Alberta in the late 1800s, most headed to southern Alberta, specifically Calgary, Medicine Hat, and Lethbridge. They brought with them their culture, festivals, and cuisine. Most of them moved into neighbourhoods in larger cities today known as Chinatowns. Here, they opened laundromats, grocery stores, and restaurants.
Cook it: General Tso’s Chicken. This one is always a crowd-pleaser. Serve with rice and broccoli for a sweet and sour dinner!
Dutch
Canada liberated The Netherlands from the Germans at the end of World War 2, winning the loyalty of many Dutch citizens. After the long and gruelling war, the country struggled economically, and many Dutch people wanted a new home. They chose to immigrate to Canada, and many ended up in Alberta.
Cook it: Boorenkol Stamppot. This recipe is simple and delicious. Serve with sausage for an easy and hearty weekday meal.
Irish
Both Alberta and Saskatchewan worked hard to attract Irish Protestant farmers, but local Irish newspapers advised people against it. In the end, many Irish people did come, as they wanted to escape the Irish Potato Famine.
Cook it: Shepherd’s pie – There’s nothing more comforting and delicious than a good old shepherd’s pie. You’ve surely eaten this before, but now you know it’s an Irish dish.
Filipino
While the other cultural groups immigrated here in the 19th and early 20th centuries, Filipino immigration to Alberta started in the 60s. It took a while for the first arrivals to adjust to being surrounded by tall people. Most Filipino immigrants move to Alberta hoping to benefit from and contribute to the province’s strong economy. That was one goal, but the other was because their friends and family had immigrated here.
Cook it: Chicken Afritada. This stew has a delicious tomato base and is low-prep.
Ukrainian
Alberta has always had a large population of Ukrainian immigrants. In recent years, with the country’s recent war with Russia, many new Ukrainian refugees have found their way to Alberta.
Cook it: Beef Stroganoff. Made with simple ingredients that you’re sure to already have in your pantry; this recipe is finger-licking good!
French
Alberta’s French roots run deep. The earliest European visitors to the province were from France. Despite the English-only policies the government implemented in the 20th century, Alberta’s French communities survived. Today, around 9.8% of Albertans say they are of French or French-Canadian origin.
Cook it: Ratatouille. This French classic turns eggplant, zucchini, and tomatoes into a mouth-watering stew. Serve with crusty bread or a side of baked chicken to make it a full meal!
