It doesn’t matter if you’re single or loved-up, Valentine’s Day always consists of one thing and one thing only: food. Lots and lots of food. Oh, and a little wine, of course…
Now, if you’re keen to whip up a V-Day feast that tastes good and feeds your body with healthy nutrients and antioxidants, we highly suggest you recreate these three recipes on the evening of February 14…
A HEALTHY VALENTINE’S DAY FEAST
ENTREE
Avocado, coriander and chickpea salsa with wholegrain garlic pita chips
Prepared by Kate Save, Nature’s Owndietitian and health expert.
Ingredients
1 wholegrain pita wrap 1 clove of garlic – crushed 2 tb olive oil 1 ripe avocado – mashed 1 handful fresh coriander 100g chickpeas – canned or pre-soaked 1 fresh tomato – finely diced Pepper, salt and dried chilli flakes or small amount of fresh red chilli (if desired) to taste
Method
Pre-heat grill or oven to a moderate temperature. Mix 1tb olive oil with the crushed garlic and spread with a brush evenly across pita bread, before baking for 3-5 minutes until crisp. Let cool and break into triangles. Combine avocado, tomato, coriander, 1tb olive oil and chickpeas into a bowl and mix well. Then add salt, pepper and dried chilli flakes to taste. Serve salsa with pita chips.
Health notes: the fresh ingredients – avocado, coriander and tomato – won’t leave you feeling heavy or sluggish, which means you’ll most certainly be up for some romance later on.
MAIN
Atlantic salmon with beetroot, walnut and pomegranate Salad
Prepared by Kate Save, Nature’s Own dietitian and health expert.
Ingredients
1 Atlantic salmon fillet per person 2 fresh beetroot or canned if desired 100g walnuts 1 pomegranate 2 cups rocket leaves 3 tb olive oil 1 tb apple cider vinegar or balsamic 1 tsp honey Salt and pepper, to taste
Method
Pre-heat oven to 200 degrees and place salmon fillets in foil with a small drizzle of olive oil and salt and pepper to taste. Cook until still dark pink in the middle but well cooked outside – approximately 20-25 minutes depending on size of fillet. Cook beetroots by gently steaming or boiling until soft, then peel and dice. Combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar and honey. In a large bowl, mix the beetroot, pomegranate, walnuts and rocket leaves and pour dressing over the top. Serve salmon on top of salad.
Health notes: salmon is high in omega-3s, making it great for the skin and hair. You’ll also get a double dose of anti-ageing antioxidants from the pomegranate and walnuts.
DESSERT
Secret chocmint mousse
Created by Abigail O’Neill, Australian model and author of Model Chocolate.
Ingredients
2 medium-large ripe avocados 200mL organic coconut cream or 3/4 cup green coconut water + 1/2 cup green coconut flesh 1/3 cup coconut sugar 2 tb tahini 6-8 drops essential oil peppermint 3/4 cup organic cocoa powder
Method
Blend altogether until velvety smooth, beginning with avocadoes and continuing in order. Once perfectly combined, present small portions of mousse in glasses or small bowls to serve, or freeze into popsicle moulds.
Health notes: “Don’t tell a soul that this rich creamy mousse is based on avocado and see if anyone can guess the secret healthy ingredient!” suggests Abigail. The addition of peppermint essential oil is also not only refreshing, but helps aid digestion, too.
Are you excited about Valentine’s Day? What do you normally do to celebrate this loved-up day? Will you be recreating any of these healthy recipes?
