One legend of Valentine’s Day is that a priest in the third century performed secret marriage ceremonies for couples as Emperor Claudius of Rome outlawed marriage for young men. The Emperor felt single men would stay more focused as soldiers. The priest was beaten, stoned, and beheaded when the Emperor found out. Valentine’s Day has become a day to celebrate love.
If you want a special meal to celebrate your loved one this Valentine’s Day, here is an easy menu for a delicious Indian meal that can be prepared early and left in a warm oven until you are ready to eat. The dishes are light on spices. You can prepare it a day ahead, zap it on the microwave, and keep it in the warm oven until dinner time.
The heat in Indian food comes from the use of red and green chilies. You can moderate it according to your taste by adding less. If you want to turn it up, add more!!
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Suggestions for an Easy Valentine’s Day Menu
Cocktails
Your choice
Hors d’Oeuvres
Pick these up from an Indian Restaurant or an Indian grocery store. If you have a Trader Joe’s near where you live, they have them as well.
Mini samosas
Pakoras
Dinner
Kala Zeera Gajar Chawal (Black Cumin Carrot Pilaf)
Chicken Chatpata (Spicy Chicken)
Palak Allu Sabzi
Bread – Any kind of flatbread. Naan, Paratha, Roti /Tortilla. These are all available at the Indian Grocery Store, Whole Foods, or Trader Joe’s.
Dessert (Any or all)
Seviyan Kheer (Vermicelli Pudding)
Vanilla Ice Cream topped with Kesar Mango Pulp (These cans are available at the Indian grocery store).
