The Most Romantic Ingredients for a Vegetarian Valentine's Day

Think romantic dinners need to involve oysters and caviar? Think again! When it comes to romance, vegetarian ingredients rule. Whether it’s chocolate or basil, there is plenty of #veggiebuzzing inspiration out there! Here are our top 7 love foods that can be used to cook up a romantic vegetarian Valentine's Day dinner, and impress your loved one. Just add candles and flowers, then let the ingredients work their magic…

1. Chocolate
   
   It isn’t just coincidence that Valentine’s Day is eternally associated with chocolates – this is the ultimate love food for a reason. Chocolate, or cocoa rather, contains chemical compounds that produce feel-good hormones such as dopamine and serotonin in our bodies. It’s dark chocolate (60 per cent cocoa or higher) that has this effect however, so steer away from the milky, sweet varieties.What to make with it: If you’re feeling creative, bake up a chocolate fondant using high quality dark chocolate. Otherwise, just serve some chocolate squares as petit fours and that should do the trick!
2. Garlic
   
   Having Garlic breath may not be the best idea for a date, but ironically, the ingredient has been known to spark romance since ancient times. Mainly because of its high allicin content, which helps boost blood flow, which in turn makes you feel good. Raw garlic is the most effective, so find ways to include that on your menu; just don’t forget the mouthwash after!What to make with it: Garlic can be used in most cooking, whether it’s an Indian curry or a pasta dish. Use minced raw garlic in a salad dressing, or blitz it up in a hummus or pesto, and you’re sorted.
3. Bananas
   Surprise, surprise - it is this humble fruit that is more love-friendly than the heart shaped strawberries you see everywhere, come February. And that’s because bananas are packed with potassium and B vitamins such as riboflavin, which are required to produce the love hormones. Plus, they are energy-boosting and also help soothe nerves – ideal for any date night anxiety.What to make with it: Banana cream pie or banana cake are obvious choices, or you could simply put together an indulgent banana split ice cream sundae!
4. Asparagus
   Not just a delicious seasonal vegetable, these green spears have been renowned for their aphrodisiacal qualities for centuries. Asparagus is rich in potassium, vitamin B6 and folic acid, all of which are associated with producing histamines, which are essential for romance!What to make with it: An asparagus quiche is a brilliant make-ahead dish that you can serve in mini ramekins as a starter.
   

   Image Source: Filipe Lucas Frazao (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

5. Truffles
   Ah, truffles. You either love them or hate them. But lovers of this divisive fungi will be happy to know, they are a proven love food, thanks to the pheromones they secrete (apparently male pigs secrete them too to attract female pigs!). Their strong aroma, which heightens the senses, and luxurious quality - they are one of the most expensive and coveted foods in the world after all - don’t hurt either.What to make with it: To truly indulge, invest in some shaved truffle on top of a pasta or risotto.
6. Basil
   This sturdy herb adds punchy flavours to any dish. A staple of Italian cuisine, basil is known to promote circulation. Don’t believe us? Ask the east Europeans, where, according to folklore, a man is destined to fall in love with a woman who hands him a sprig of basil. Maybe it has to do with its strong, heady scent. Either way, next Christmas, forget mistletoe – we’ll be all about the basil!What to make with it: Basil works with any Italian-inspired dish, so why not create a simple Caprese salad with mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and loads of fresh basil on top?
   

   Image Source: Sarmale/Olga (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

7. Figs
   This beautiful fruit has been historically associated with love and fertility dating back to the ancient Greeks. That may be its primary point of relevance in this list, but even nutritionally it does well. Figs are a rich source of magnesium, an essential mineral for hormone production, and amino acids, that help to stimulate blood circulation.What to make with it: This versatile ingredient works equally well in savoury and sweet dishes. Try a fig and feta salad, or for dessert, a sticky fig and date pudding.
   

PS: Combine a few of these ingredients for your ultimate three-course Valentine’s menu. This super-simple menu could also include a few other ‘love foods’ such as rocket and almonds, and you’re good to go:

Fig, basil and goat’s cheese salad with rocket (you can also use feta)

Truffle scented asparagus risotto (made using garlic)

Chocolate covered frozen bananas sprinkled with chopped almonds and other nuts

You’re welcome!