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 cliché, 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
Lamb shanks with roasted beetroot
With loads of herbs and a horseradish cream
When it comes to romance, it’s hard to beat a pair of beautifully cooked lamb shanks. Make these all in one pot, along with beetroot, sweet potato and onion, for a feast that feels fancy but doesn’t take much prep.
Serve these up with candles on the table, fresh herbs and a horseradish cream that will delight and impress.
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!
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!
Seared scallops with green olive tapenade
To impress your special someone
Scallops are one of those ingredients that can easily be ruined – a lot of care and patience is required to pull them off. If you can make these, then your partner will surely be impressed!
Pair these with your favourite bottle of wine, and let the romancing begin.
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.
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.
Parmesan-crusted lamb cutlets
A Middle-Eastern marvel
Lamb cutlets say, “I know exactly what I’m doing in the kitchen”, but they’re easy as pie to cook. If you need a little extra confidence when cooking for your special someone, this is the dish to make. A parmesan crust, Mediterranean salad and a sprinkle of za’taar add the perfect flavouring to this dinner, without it feeling too complicated.
The only unromantic part of a lamb cutlet is gnawing on the bones at the end of the meal!
40 garlic cloves chicken in milk
For that extra special occasion
40 cloves of garlic may seem like the perfect vampire protection, but if you don’t mind a bit of bad breath at the end of dinner, this masterpiece dish is for you. This roast combines Italian and French classics to create a dinner that’s utterly delicious and will have you hankering for more.
Serve with simple sides of mashed potato and steamed greens to let the flavour shine through!
Coq au Vin pie
The quicker version of a classic
Finally, something with a fancy French name is sure to get you in the good books. This pie version of a traditional Coq au Vin is easy to make and will be devoured in minutes.
After a starter of oysters au gratin, serve up your pie to complete your French-style date night in.
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
