A Recipe for Love: A Foodie Lover’s Guide to a Multicultural Valentines Day
All of us have our respective places within the love language paradigm. I appreciate gift-giving and adore compliments, but I’ve also found a special niche. To me, the ultimate form of endearment is food.
A thoughtfully prepared meal, recipe books scattered on the counter, maybe a cute cooking apron to top it off — these are true expressions of love for foodies. Unlike other love languages, everyone is fluent in food. I've prepared a helpful guide for those of you who are spending Valentine’s Day with a flirtatious foodie such as myself. Whether you are an experienced chef or a ramen-noodle newb, these recipes are guaranteed by a self-proclaimed gourmand to help you succeed in your culinary conquests and romantic endeavors.
Setting the Mood with Mezze
Your hands graze one another as you both dip your pita in the hummus. You lock eyes over the baba ghanoush. Middle Eastern mezze allows you and your partner to intimately share a delectable collection of Mediterranean delicacies.
This spread features a medley of spices and a variety of textures. The key to a successful mezze is simplicity, put out small dishes with olive oil, za'atar, labneh and an olive tapenade to dip your fluffy pita into. Another fun, effortless dipping is creamy whipped feta. If you really want to impress your special someone, you can challenge yourself to the tedious, but rewarding, task of hand-rolling your warak dawali, or stuffed grape leaves. But, if culinary labor is not your calling, fear not, Trader Joe's Dolmas Vine Leaves Stuffed with Rice will still have you blushing at the table.
In my family, Persian lamb kebabs are always featured as part of our mezze, but they are easily substituted for a more sustainable, vegetarian meal. I recommend grilled eggplant with goat cheese and honey, or falafel is a must for those eager for its earthy flavor and signature crunch. This feast is a culinary adventure, so let yourself get creative and experiment this Valentine’s Day.
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A Rome-antic Evening
Spaghetti is a classic romantic meal for a reason — it’s versatile, simple and consistently satisfying. However, for your gourmand, a Lady-and-the-Tramp-inspired spaghetti and meatballs will need a more sophisticated touch. Authentic Italian Spaghetti Bolognese is the perfect compromise.
Famed Italian culinary writer Marcella Hazan’s bolognese recipe is timeless and will undoubtedly impress your special someone. There’s sweetness with the onions and carrots, an overwhelming richness from the slow-cooked beef and the kick of nutmeg amplifies the subtle undertones of the ingredients. It’s a labor of love with a four-hour cooking time, which makes this luscious sauce a true expression of your affection. Pair this hearty dish with a deep, full-bodied red wine like a Brunello di Montalcino. As for dessert, nothing finishes off an Italian meal better than a rich and creamy tiramisu.
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Galentine's Day Tapas
For all of us who prefer to celebrate friendship on Valentine’s Day, tapas are the ultimate party food. Traditionally served with drinks at a bar, this Spanish-inspired meal is ideal for those who want to spend the night sipping on Strike-UF-certified cocktails and enjoying gourmet dishes.
To embrace that effortless and live-in-the-moment Spanish attitude, let everyone choose their own tapa to bring along. Finger-foods like meatballs and patatas bravas are always a hit. While it is a bit more time-consuming, my favorite tapa is a savory croquette. If your friend group likes themed parties, lean into the Spanish soiree. Otherwise, experiment with a multicultural potluck or charcuterie board picnic.
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BBQ and Boo
For the Valentine who wants it all — savory, sweet, sour, spicy—Korean barbeque will satisfy every craving. Marinated Galbi, or beef short ribs, are rich in smoky, salty and sweet flavors. These can easily be prepared from scratch and grilled or broiled. But, if you want to be economical, pick up Trader Joe’s Korean Style Beef Short Ribs for $13. Next, arrange a bowl of your favorite banchan, small Korean side dishes. There are endless to choose from, but you can stay classic with seaweed salad, kimchi and pickled daikon radishes. Or, if you’re like me and crave a kick, a spicy squid salad boasts a unique blend of spices and textures.
If you want to create a visual masterpiece that will swoon your boo, arrange your rice in a bowl, add your banchan of choice on top and top your creation with a fried egg and sesame seeds. Don’t forget to add Gochujang — a spicy, chili fermented paste that has a slight acidity, subtle sweetness and umami flavor. With this barbeque, you and your partner will get to indulge and experiment with a diverse melange of dishes.
Image Courtesy: The New York Times/ Christopher Simpson
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Short and sweet
For lovers of quick-fix Trader-Joe's frozen food, this is the section you've been waiting for. The traditional French chocolate mousse is rich and decadent. It’s fluffy, smooth and unbelievably creamy.
The best part is, this divine dessert is notorious for its quick cook time. NPR once featured a story about how reporter Dorie Greenspan spent a whole year in France trying to discover the famed French recipe. Luckily, she shared the mystery mousse recipe, and it has only five ingredients which can be whipped up in under 30 minutes. Your date never has to know — keep with the French tradition and let them wonder how you created a dessert like Chef Jacques Torres.
Image Courtesy: Epicurious/ Chelsea Kyle
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Sharing a meal with people you love is one of those rare, universally shared experiences. It fosters an intimate, open space for people to enjoy something together. Cooking for someone creates an even deeper bond — you have to be vulnerable, caring and committed.
This Valentine’s Day, take the next step with your fellow foodie lover. Bridge experiences and craft new ones. Indulge in the delicate and decadent. Cross international borders and explore bold new flavors. Strive to prepare something special. Whatever your love language may be, embrace your inner foodie and express love this Valentine’s Day through the international language of food.
Strike Out,
Writer: Naina Chauhan
Editor: Kate Corcoran
Gainesville
