Despite what Hollywood films and social media influencers may tell you, there’s no need to buy lavish, expensive gifts or spend a small fortune dining out at a fancy restaurant this Valentine’s Day (unless you want to, of course!). Shocking, I know. But the truth is, we’re all feeling the cost of living pinch, and appreciating the person you love should be less about the money you spend, and more about the effort you make to show them you love and appreciate them.
It may be a cliche, but this saying is absolutely true: the way to the heart is through the stomach. Cooking a romantic dinner for the one you love is a surefire way to impress especially if you make one of these recipes (they’re simple enough for anyone to make yet exciting enough to make this meal feel extra special).
Romantic entree ideas
Romantic dinner recipes
Spinach and ricotta ravioli
Pillowy parcels topped with pine nuts
Ravioli is delicate and delicious. Plus, making it isn’t as hard as it looks! Make this on your own, or get your partner involved in the pasta-making process for a lovely dinner date activity. Finish with fresh basil, toasted pine nuts and extra parmesan.
Crab risotto
Easy yet oh-so-delicious
If risotto is already on frequent rotation in your home, take it and elevate it to Valentine’s Day dinner-worthy status… with crab! It’s fresh, succulent and incredibly tasty. Your better half will love it!
Four-cheese stuffed chicken parmigiana
With a garlic-bread crumb
There are people who love elaborate, complicated dishes and then there are those who just … love the classics. If your partner falls into the latter category, you can’t go wrong with a delicious chicken parmi. This recipe takes things to the next level with a garlic-bread crumb and gooey cheese stuffing.
Hokkien noodles with chicken and prawns
Quick and tasty
Are you the couple that loves nothing more than curling up on the sofa and watching a movie together? Go for a simple dinner you can whip up quickly and eat on the sofa. Serve Clarissa Feildel’s comforting Hokkien noodles in a bowl – spicy and delicious. Second helpings are mandatory.
Lamb, sage and white wine ragu
Slow cooked goodness
This sophisticated pasta dish requires 20-minutes of prep and 30-minutes of active cooking time. Once that’s done, this dish basically takes care of itself, slowly bubbling away for 2 hours on a low stove until the lamb shoulder is tenderised and falling apart in rich, red wine goodness. This recipe makes enough to feed six people, but the best thing about it is that it is perfect to freeze for later!
Beef cheeks in red wine
Rich and classic
Beef cheeks may be a regular feature of many fine dining restaurants, but it’s a dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Here, beef cheeks are slow cooked in the oven for 5-6 hours until the meat is melt-in-your-mouth soft. Serve with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed greens.
Steamed lobster
With lemon and garlic butter
If nothing but seafood will do for a romantic dinner at home, make a statement with decadent steamed lobster. Serve on a beautiful platter and drizzle with olive oil and garlic, lemon and herb butter.
Romantic dessert ideas
Tips for pulling off a romantic dinner at home
- Clean up as you cook. Nothing kills the mood quite like a sink full of dirty dishes
- Set the table with your best dinnerware, glassware, a tablecloth and taper candles
- Place a vase with flowers on the table as a simple centrepiece
- Turn off “the big light” and opt instead for moody, romantic lighting from lamps
- Create a playlist of background music – include your partner’s favourite songs, your favourite songs, and songs that are attached to shared memories
- Dress to impress – wearing clothes that makes you feel good will make this dinner at home feel less like ‘takeaway and Netflix night’ and more like a romantic event
- Don’t forget the bevvies – try making a delicious cocktail or ordering a bottle of your partners’ favourite vino
