Nothing hits the soul quite like a home-cooked meal. The warmth, the savory—or sweet—taste… it’s like self-care in edible form. But, with Valentine’s Day right around the corner, nothing says treat yo’ self quite like a delicious plate of food. We’re talking about a full-blown, four-course meal. I.e. An appetizer of vegan shrimp slathered in a tasty garlic butter sauce. A pasta course of sweet potato rosemary gnocchi served with chopped pistachios and dairy-free parmesan cheese. (Is your tummy grumbling yet?) A main course of smothered “pork chops” with creamy cauliflower mash. (Pops open a bottle of wine…) And the climax of the meal: dessert in the form of decadent hazelnut brownies.
Make it an all-out, indulgent cooking night. Invite your friends. Invite your lover(s). Or dine on this hunger-satisfying, four-course feast with a party of one. It’ll be a meal to remember.
Vegan Shrimp in Garlic Butter Sauce
Ah, appetizers. Talk about our one true love. This craveable, vegan shrimp dish is soft and fluffy on the inside with a crispy, deliciously-seasoned skin made of rice paper sheets. Serve this vegan shrimp dish with rice and a dairy-free dipping sauce. Or, simply snack on them with a little lemon juice drizzled on top.
Sweet Potato Rosemary Gnocchi
Let’s be real… the best part of the meal is the pasta course. Oh, and dessert. More on that in a bit. If you’re desiring new ways to whip up a batch of sweet potatoes, look no further than this sweet potato rosemary gnocchi. It’s equal parts delicious and colorful. Featuring sweet potatoes fried with fresh rosemary stems and served with chopped pistachios and vegan parmesan cheese, it’s the perfect lunch for two. Or one, because sharing is optional.
Smothered “Pork Chops” and Cauliflower Mash
For a Southern classic, this expertly seasoned course of smothered “pork chops” and cauliflower mash is savory and deserving of a spot on your dinner table. The seitan pork chops, which draw inspiration from African culinary techniques, are crispy and golden and coated in a creamy, onion gravy. Garnish with parsley and serve alongside the warm and hearty cauliflower mash. Trust us, you’ll be dreaming about this entree long after your last bite.
Hazelnut Brownies
Okay, we’ve saved the best for last. If you still have room in your belly, then behold these irresistible treats. These hazelnut brownies are soft and extra fudgy. Just the way we like ’em. (Pro tip: Top them with your extra nuts or a few scoops of dairy-free vanilla ice cream. Or all of the above. We’re not judging.)
