Look no further, as our kind of Valentine’s Day recipes are surprisingly easy to rustle up allowing you to actually enjoy this special night in. We’ve scoured all of our favourite recipe repositories to find impressive main courses that involve neither long shopping lists nor lots of washing up. From seafood plates to cheese feasts, here are six fool-proof showstopping recipes to pull off this Valentine’s Day.
Harissa and Prawn Pasta
Jamie Oliver
Even the most inexperienced of chefs will manage this recipe which can be whipped up in less than thirty minutes. Seeing as it’s date night with that special someone, do make the effort to source beautiful shell-on king prawns from the fishmonger for this spaghetti recipe. The spicy harissa amplifies the rich sweetness of the prawns. Tastes spectacular. Get the recipe.
Lobster Thermidor With White Wine Sauce
Sainsbury’s
This Valentine’s Day, pull out all the stops with this decadent lobster dish which, while an impressive delicacy, is deceptively easy. This really is the kind of special recipe best saved to show off for special occasions like a birthday or Valentine’s Day. Serve with lemon wedges and reap the rewards. Get the recipe.
One-Pan Roast Rack of Lamb And Green Olive Potatoes
BBC Good Food
Who isn’t a fan of a one-pan dish? This roast rack of lamb dish is considered an easy, romantic meal for two that has little space for error. To keep it even simpler, you could leave the olives and anchovies out of this recipe. Delicious with the parsley and caper dressing. Get the recipe.
Wild Caught Plaice With Sparkling Wine Sauce
Delicious Magazine
When Valentine’s Day meal planning, it’s most appropriate to add a little spoiling luxury to the table, like the sparkling wine in this fish dish. The sweet, complex acidity of the wine contrasts with the butter and cream. Scatter the fish with dill and serve with greens and potatoes. Get the recipe.
Cheese Fondue
Nigella Lawson
Where else should you go to find date night cooking inspiration other than the site of flirty chef Nigella Lawson. Her advice? Have fun at home with a vat of bubbling cheese fondue, perhaps the simplest date night dish ever. Alongside toasted sourdough, you’ll want a mix of radishes, chicory, spears of radicchio and carrots to dip in the rich and gooey cheese mix. Get the recipe.
Seared Tuna Tatiki
Olive Magazine
For a super healthy recipe idea, consider making this Asian dish for your partner. The trick is to buy the best tuna you can find. Ask your fishmonger for sashimi-grade tuna. Sear the tuna loin for just twenty seconds on each side, brush with mustard and then roll in sesame seeds to coat. Chilli in the fridge while making the tangy tatami sauce. Exquisite. Get the recipe.
By Annabel Jack
Feburary 2024
