By Maria Athanasopoulos

As I’m sure you’ve heard before, “the way to your lover’s heart is through the stomach”. Lucky for you I have a very romantic, very Greek and very easy recipe for you to make on Valentine’s Day this year. No need to spend an obscene amount of money to go to an ultra expensive restaurant in order to have an intimate and impressive meal with your valentine. A nice quiet dinner chez vous by candle light is much more romantic and thoughtful than simply going to a restaurant that is destined to be overcrowded and loud especially since Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday this year.

This gourmet meal will surely make an impression and make it seem as though you slaved over your stove for hours. Also, I ensured to feature a meal that was rich in aphrodisiacs such as saffron and walnuts. Garlic is also said to fire the flames of passion, of course you will need a strong mint to ensure that flame continues to burn throughout the night.

This recipe serves four, however you can halve it if you don’t want leftovers.

DID YOU KNOW

Did you know that the cancer-fighting pomegranate is one of the oldest fruits on record and has been considered a symbol of immortality, fertility and abundance?

Greek Lamb Pilaf with
Saffron Rice, Feta, Figs
& Pomegranate

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound lamb filet, cut into small pieces
  • 1 chopped onion
  • 1/5 tsp ground red pepper
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp pepper
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp saffron threads, crushed
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • 12 oz uncooked basmati rice
  • 3 cups fat free chicken broth
  • 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 3 tbsp dried cranberries or dried cherries
  • 8 to 10 dried figs
  • 2 tbsp chopped mint
  • 1/3 cup chopped walnuts
  • Half a large pomegranate

Preparation:

  1. In a large frying pan, heat 2 tbpns of olive oil and garlic. Add the lamb pieces and saute until they lighthly brown if you like your lamb rare to medium or let them cook a bit more if you prefer them a bit more well done. However be careful to not overcook, since the lamb may get very tough.
  2. Take the lamb out of the pan and place into a dish. Next add the onion in the same pan and saute until it get a nice golden brown color. Stir in the saffron, walnuts and the rest of your spices. Add a tablespoon more olive oil if the mixture is dry and let cook for about a minute.
  3. Slowly stir in the basmati rice, then transfer the rice mixture into a deep medium sized pot. Add the stock, dried fruit and mint. Bring to the boil then immediately turn down to a simmer and cover. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until the liquid has been absorbed. Once the liquid is absorbed, check to see if your rice is fully cooked, if not then add a litte more water, cover and let cook for another 5 minutes or until the liquid is fully asborbed.
  4. Stir in the herbs and lamb pieces, then transfer onto your dinner plates. Generously sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and pomegranate seeds over the rice and lamb mixture and add a dollop of plain Greek yogurt such as Total or Chobani. Lastly pair this scrumptious meal with toasted bread and your favorite bottle of red wine, such as an Australian shiraz which is fantastic with lamb.

And voila!

A gourmet and romantic meal to enjoy in the comfort of your home.

Kali Orexi & Happy Valentine’s Day!

©2009 NEOCORP MEDIA

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