Be Mine, Vegetarian Valentine

It takes two

Take some of the pressure off and spice things up by cooking this menu together with your Valentine.

Put romance on the menu this Valentine’s Day by preparing this delicious vegetarian meal. The bright, lively flavours and aromas of these Moroccan-inspired recipes for two are healthy ways to satisfy all appetites.

These dishes are so hearty you won’t miss the meat, and so tasty you might almost forget that a diet rich in whole grains, legumes, nuts, fruits and vegetables provides protection against cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Both delicious and nutritious, this menu is sure to win hearts. After all, nothing is more romantic than showing the one you love just how much you care.

Recipes

• Moroccan Stuffed Red Capsicums / Ras el Hanout
• Cucumber and Poppy Seed Salad
• Herbed Quinoa with Dried Apricots and Pomegranate

Make ahead

With Valentine’s Day on a weekday this year, a little planning will ensure you are not stuck behind the stove come dinnertime.

The capsicums can be stuffed the day before and kept in the refrigerator. Allow for a little extra time in the oven to warm through.

Herbed Quinoa can be made two days ahead, as well as the dressing for Cucumber and Poppy Seed Salad

How to seed a pomegranate

1. Cut pomegranate in half.

2. Place halves, cut side down, in a large bowl of water and soak for 5 minutes.

3. Hold pomegranate half under water, break apart, separating arils (or seeds) from membrane. The arils will sink while the rind and membrane will float.

4. Skim off rind and membrane and discard.

5. Strain arils through a colander, drain and pat dry.