Valentine’s Day is around the corner and you may be wondering how you will spend the day with your partner aside from the usual outings. Well, what about cooking together? Yea, this activity is known for bringing loved ones together. In your case, it will just be you and your partner and it will be fun.
Even if you or your partner cannot cook, you can just hang around the kitchen, with one person preparing the ingredients (they have to be taught that one which can be another type of cooking fun) while the other does the cooking.
So, what are you going to cook on this special day? Here are the top 10 sweet Valentine’s Day recipes to cook together.
Top 10 Nigerian Valentine’s Day recipes to cook with your partner
1. Jollof rice
No other Nigerian recipe fits the Valentine’s Day vibe than the ever-flavourful jollof rice. In fact, this meal is perfect for any occasion. Made with rice, tomatoes, proteins and plenty spices, it is an easy meal to make at home. Add some rich salads and you will be in heaven.
2. Coconut rice
Ok here is the thing, rice is going to be the main food on this list. Who does not love rice? And there are plenty recipes to try with rice. Coconut rice is one of them and if you have not tried it before, you are seriously missing something sweet.
Delicious, healthy, flavourful, and satisfying, coconut rice is a recipe you should definitely on a date night in the kitchen.
3. Peppersoup
Craving something spicy on Valentine’s Day, try peppersoup. You can prepare it with catfish, goat meat, chicken or any proteins of your choice. Peppersoup is an easy meal and can go with any side dish including rice (yep!), yam, plantains, potatoes and more.
4. Pounded yam and egusi soup
Pounded yam is a real representation of a labour of love. Not a lot of people have the strength to pound yam and that is okay. However, how about making that sacrifice on Valentine’s Day? Pair it with egusi soup, which is a symbol of Nigerian soups, and your day with your partner will be special indeed.
Do not forget you are not alone in the kitchen. Either one of you can pound the yam, really, while the other cooks the soup. Think about it.
5. Peppered chicken or turkey
Peppered chicken or turkey is one simple but special meal you can enjoy with anything. It is also easy to make. All you have to do is fry or grill your chicken or turkey. Then fry your peppers with mixed spices and oil. Add the proteins and mix everything together and voila, your peppered proteins are ready. You can pair with any meal of your choice such as rice (again!), soup and swallow, porridges and so on. You can also eat alone with any drink of your choice.
Just think of enjoying this meal with your partner while watching television at night and you will know their is no better romantic moment than that.
6. Nkworbi
Since you will be celebrating Valentine’s Day with your partner indoors, why not try an outdoor delicacy like nkworbi? The main ingredient is your proteins, preferably cow leg or goat meat. You will also need other ingredients such as pepper, uziza, palm oil, salt, crayfish, edible potash, ehu and seasoning cubes.
This is a fun meal to cook with your partner and even more satisfying when you eat it together.
7. Fruit salad
If you are looking to stay healthy while enjoying the Valentine’s Day with your partner, making a fruit salad is the perfect choice. You and your partner can have fun picking the fruits. That’s right. Fruit salads are not selective. You can use any fruits you can afford to make a salad.
However, choosing the fruits you will use for salad can be a fun activity with your partner. Both of you should get the fruits together, prepare them together and eat them together. That is what will make your Valentine’s Day special.
8. Pancakes
When you think of a classic breakfast in bed recipe, think of pancakes with a steaming cup of tea or coffee. In this case, it is not a one-sided romantic surprise. Instead, Valentine’s Day presents an opportunity for you and your partner to cook and enjoy breakfast in bed together.
Pancakes are easy meals that take only a few minutes. They can also be paired with anything such as beverages, eggs, honey and so on. If you have not tried this recipe, you do not know what you are missing.
9. Pies
Pies are classic Nigerian snacks and are perfect on Valentine’s Day. They include meat pie, chicken pie and fish pie. Pies are delicious especially when they are steaming hot.
Instead of buying some at a fast food joint, you can try making some in your kitchen with your partner. Your kitchen may likely be a mess, with flour, egg shells and the rest, the whole experience will be worth any extra cleaning you will likely do. So, pick up those delicious pies, enter the living room with your partner handling the drinks, sit in that beautiful couch or on the floor if you like, and Netflix and chill.
10. Ofada rice
To wrap up the list, Ofada rice remains a delicacy that you should treat yourself and your partner. Made with rice, tomatoes, pepper, oil and proteins.
Ofada rice is a meal many say is too spicy. But it is a special meal especially if your partner loves it. Step it down with a chilled bottle or can of soft drink or a glass of wine to clear your head.
Finally, cooking together as a couple is fun. As the Valentine’s Day approaches, clear your busy schedule to create more time to spend with your partner. After all, a couple that cooks together, stay together!
ALSO READ: Valentine’s Day: 12 charming destinations to celebrate love in Lagos
