A perfect Valentine’s Day date night doesn’t always demand grand gestures or reservations at a fine restaurant. Sometimes, all it requires is the soft glow of a candle, a familiar dish plated with care and the unhurried joy of being present. This Valentine’s Day, think of the table as a storyteller — one that speaks of love and comfort, with quiet romance served on the side.
To save you time, My Kolkata has hand-picked five delicious and easy-to-make recipes as a guideline to help you start preparing for your special night.
Say those magical words with heart-shaped fondant potatoes
Start off your menu with an easy, no-nonsense dish of fondant potatoes, prepared in butter, garlic sauce and slowly simmered in a rosemary-infused broth. Surely, since it is for a special day, instead of sticking to those same, usual cylindrical shapes, try to give it a spin — in the shape of a heart. Romantic and perfect to impress your date.
Bouquet of roses? That’s so passe! Offer ‘Rose Momos’ instead
Roses are red, violets are blue; this time, your favourite plate of momos can look vibrant, too! Momos are an emotion for every Kolkatan. From jhol to barbeque sauce, momos can be prepared in many ways. This Valentine’s Day, why not give a plate of delicious and juicy momos the shape of adorable roses? Too cute to sink your teeth into, but mouth-watering enough to want more.
Ti amo Pizza!
If you are confident enough to bake a pizza, surely you can pull off an endearing-looking but equally delicious heart-shaped pie for the love of your life this Valentine’s Day. Toss it with a spicy sauce and add bacon, chicken, vegetables, mushrooms, and anything else your heart desires.
Mutton Nihari with udon noodles? An unconventional love
They say that if you are a dedicated mutton lover, you don’t really care about anything else. This mutton dish is the kind that goes almost with everything — rice, roti, paratha and even udon noodles! Prepare a delicious plate of mutton nihari served with home-made udon noodles that will even leave you pleasantly surprised.
Say yes to home-cooked sweets
Bengalis love sweets, and stopping ourselves after a single piece is nigh impossible. Bring a desi spin to your dessert by preparing a rich home-made sweet dish with cooked carrots and chhana (curdled milk) — the perfect way to end on a sweet note.
Dessert with a crunch
Those who are not a fan of hot and heavy sweets must try out this crunchy dessert, which has freshness and helps deal with a sugar rush. Arrange tiny pomegranate seeds in the shape of a heart, pour some sweet pastry cream, let it freeze and have a bite.
