Instead of scrambling this February 14th to find the perfect gift for your sweetheart, why not cook them a healthy, romantic meal? Tomatoes, dark chocolate and red wine are not only nutritious and delicious, but they may even be aphrodisiacs. So get set for a healthy, sexy Valentine’s Day dinner with the ideas below.
Essential Ingredient for a Healthy Valentine’s Dinner: Tomatoes, the “Love Fruit”
The French originally called the tomato the “pomme d’amour,” or “love apple.” Although it can’t be proven if the tomato is indeed an aphrodisiac (the French appellation for it is in fact a derivation of the Spanish term “pome dei moro,” or “apple of the Moors”), a food so strongly associated with love absolutely belongs in a Valentine's dinner. The tomato is also a rich source of lycopene, which is known to protect prostate health in men, and contains several essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, iron and potassium.
Bright red, sensuous and healthy, the tomato is a perfect Valentine’s dinner ingredient. Try these two starters to begin your meal:
Pico de Gallo
Pico de gallo, or “salsa fresca,” is a fresh-cut salsa that can be served with tortilla chips, Mexican dishes and fish. There are many variations of pico de gallo, but here is a simple, fresh-tasting one to begin your Valentine’s dinner:
*Ingredients:
- two tomatoes, chopped
- one onion (white or red if sweetness is desired), chopped
- one jalapeno or chili pepper (depending on desired heat), finely chopped
- juice of one lime (or more to taste)
- cilantro to taste, finely chopped
*All quantities can be adjusted according to taste.
Directions:
Mix all ingredients and serve with warm tortilla chips. For increased intensity of flavour, make in advance and let it set (in the fridge) for a few hours.
Bruschetta
Bruschetta is a classic Italian starter (and a guilt-free way to justify eating a baguette or Italian bread). Dense bread, such as ciabatta or a French baguette, often works best, but again, there are many variations of bruschetta. Here is one:
*Ingredients:
- one tomato, chopped
- one onion (white or red, if sweetness is desired)
- 3 or 4 (or more, to taste) cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- fresh oregano to taste, finely chopped (basil also works well)
- liberal amount of olive oil
- liberal amount of grated Parmesan cheese (high quality; more or less can be used as desired
- one loaf of ciabatta bread or a baguette (or any bread desired)
*All quantities can be adjusted according to taste.
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Slice bread and, if desired, rub with a clove of garlic cut in half. Brush each slice with olive oil and place in oven until toasted.
- Mix the tomato, onion, chopped garlic and oregano (or basil) in a bowl. If necessary, strain the tomato juice. Add Parmesan and about a third of a cup of olive oil.
- Place toasted bread on a platter and serve tomato mixture on the side, or, if preferred, place tomato mixture on top of each slice, sprinkle with Parmesan, and broil in oven until cheese is melted.
Feed Your Valentine Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate has long been touted for its health benefits. Its high antioxidant content may help prevent heart disease and the coca phenols found in it have also been proven (when eaten in moderation) to reduce high blood pressure.
Some historians say that the Mayans and Aztecs, the ancient civilizations that created hot chocolate, believed that the cocoa pods from which the chocolate came where symbols of fertility. Although there is no real science to prove that chocolate boosts sexual desire, many women will attest otherwise.
We typically think of chocolate as coming at the end of a meal, but why not incorporate it into your main course as well? Chicken mole (pronounced moh-LAY) is a well-loved Mexican dish that makes use of chocolate’s naturally strong, versatile flavour (beef lovers can try steak mole instead – both dishes will go nicely with the pico de gallo). In fact, a good mole sauce can be used with just about any protein and also incorporated into Mexican dishes such as chile, fajitas and enchiladas.
Complement Your Healthy Valentine’s Dinner with a Glass of Red Wine
Like dark chocolate, red wine (when consumed in moderation) also has health benefits, including promoting heart health and lowering cholesterol. Even better news for red wine drinkers – according to an article at WomensHealth.com, women who drink red wine regularly experience greater sexual satisfaction. So complete your healthy, sexy Valentine’s dinner by raising a glass of the grape and toasting your health and happiness, and enjoy whatever may follow.
Sources:
- epicureantable.com, "Tomato – The Scandalous Fruit," (accessed January 28, 2011)
- suite101.com, "The Health Benefits of Tomatoes," (accessed January 27, 2011)
- WebMd.com, "Dark Chocolate is Healthy Chocolate," (accessed January 27, 2011)
- chocoloatemonthclub.com, "Chocolate History," (accessed January 27, 2011)
- epicurious.com, "Chicken Mole," (accessed January 27, 2011)
- epicurious.com, "Steak Mole," (accessed January 27, 2011)
- epicurean.com, "Mole Sauce," (accessed January 27, 2011)
- MayoClinic.com, "Red Wine, Antioxidants and Reservatrol: Good for Your Heart?" (accessed January 27, 2011)
- WomensHealth.com, "The Truth About Red Wine," (January 27, 2011)
Kim Downey - Kim Downey graduated from the University of British Columbia in 2005. She is now a part time freelance and creative writer and a full time ...
Join the Conversation