As the old adage goes, 'the way to the heart is through the stomach,' making Valentine's Day an ideal occasion to whip up a heartfelt meal. Whether you're spending the day with a partner, friends, or family, a simple yet delicious dinner can add a touch of love to your celebrations.
Courtney Roulston's Romantic Meal Ideas
Courtney Roulston, a culinary expert, recently appeared on Sunrise to share her tips for crafting the perfect romantic dinner as part of the 'Cooking With Coles' segment. Her recipes are designed to be both impressive and straightforward, ensuring you can focus on enjoying the moment rather than stressing in the kitchen.
Hot Smoked Salmon Fettuccini with Capers, Lemon & Dill
This dish serves two and combines rich flavours with a creamy texture, making it a luxurious choice for a special evening.
Ingredients:- 1 x 150g Coles Hot Smoked Salmon, skin removed and flaked into chunks
- 200g Cucina Matese Fettuccini
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Sea salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ brown onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon baby capers
- 1 tablespoon dill (substitute with parsley, thyme, or chives if preferred)
- 120ml thickened cream
- 1 lemon
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccini and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the cooking water.
- Meanwhile, heat the oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Cook the onion and garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the capers and cook for another minute.
- Pour in the cream, then add the drained pasta along with a dash of the reserved cooking water. Toss until the sauce becomes silky and coats the pasta evenly.
- Scatter in the flaked salmon, dill, half the lemon zest, and a squeeze of juice. Serve in bowls, garnished with black pepper, lemon zest, and dill sprigs.
Steak Frites with Garlic & Thyme Butter
This classic dish makes two portions and pairs tender steak with crispy homemade chips for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:- 1 x 450g pack Coles Beef Eye fillet
- 3 large potatoes, washed and cut into thin chips
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Sea salt to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, skin on and gently crushed
- 6 sprigs thyme
- 60g butter
- Preheat the oven to 180°C. Remove the steaks from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking and pat dry with paper towel.
- Place the sliced potatoes on a lined oven tray, drizzle with 2 tablespoons of oil and a pinch of salt. Bake for 40 minutes, tossing every 10 minutes, until golden and crisp.
- Heat a frying pan over medium heat. Rub the steaks with the remaining oil and season with salt. Cook for 3 minutes on one side, then turn over.
- Add the garlic, thyme, and butter to the pan. Cook for another 2 minutes until the steak is golden. Tilt the pan and spoon the foaming butter over the steak for 1-2 minutes to create a golden crust.
- Remove the steaks and let them rest for 5 minutes. Serve with the chips and a fresh green salad, spooning the butter over the steak.
These recipes from Courtney Roulston offer a delightful way to celebrate Valentine's Day with homemade flair. By using quality ingredients and simple techniques, you can create a memorable dining experience that truly speaks from the heart.
