Cooking together: 5-course meal for a romantic Valentine's evening

In Kenya, we have a rich culinary heritage that offers a plethora of delicious dishes perfect for a cozy evening.

Here are five easy-to-follow traditional Kenyan recipes that couples can enjoy preparing together.

Each dish can be made with locally available ingredients and is guaranteed to add a special touch to your Valentine's Day.

1. Kenyan fruit salad with honey & lime dressing (The appetizer)

Ingredients:

1 mango, peeled and diced

1 papaya, peeled and diced

1 pineapple, peeled and diced

Juice of 1 lime

2 tablespoons honey

A handful of mint leaves, chopped

Directions:

1. Combine the mango, papaya, and pineapple in a large bowl.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lime juice and honey.
3. Pour the dressing over the fruit and gently toss.
4. Garnish with mint leaves before serving.

2. Tilapia in coconut sauce (The entrée)

Ingredients:

2 whole tilapias, cleaned and scored

1 can coconut milk

1 onion, chopped

2 tomatoes, chopped

1 tablespoon ginger, minced

1 tablespoon garlic, minced

1 teaspoon turmeric

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Directions:

1. Season the tilapia with salt, pepper, and turmeric.
2. Heat oil in a pan and fry the fish until golden. Set aside.
3. In the same pan, sauté onions, garlic, and ginger. Add tomatoes and cook until soft.
4. Pour in coconut milk and bring to a simmer. Return the fish to the pan and cook for a few more minutes.
5. Serve the fish topped with the coconut sauce.

3. Chicken Pilau (The Main Course)

Ingredients:

2 cups Basmati rice

500g chicken, cut into pieces

1 large onion, sliced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon ginger, minced

1 tablespoon pilau masala

4 cups chicken broth

Salt to taste

2 tablespoons cooking oil

Directions:

1. In a large pot, heat the oil and brown the chicken. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add onions, garlic, and ginger. Cook until the onions are soft.
3. Add pilau masala, stirring well. Add the rice and cook for a minute.
4. Return the chicken to the pot, add chicken broth and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. Cook until the rice is tender.
5. Serve the pilau hot, garnished with fresh coriander.

4. Kenyan chicken curry (The 2nd Main Course)

Ingredients:

500g chicken, cut into pieces

1 onion, chopped

2 tomatoes, pureed

1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste

1 teaspoon curry powder

1 cup coconut milk

Salt, oil, and cilantro for garnish

Directions:

1. In a pot, heat oil and sauté onions until translucent. Add ginger-garlic paste and curry powder.
2. Add chicken pieces, browning them on all sides. Stir in tomato puree.
3. Pour in coconut milk and simmer until the chicken is tender.
4. Garnish with cilantro. Serve with aromatic basmati rice, perfect for a romantic dinner.

5. Rosy red cocktail (The Dessert)

Ingredients:

60 ml vodka (you can also use gin if preferred)

30 ml rose syrup (available in specialty stores or online)

15 ml fresh lemon juice

Sparkling water or club soda

A few raspberries or strawberries for garnish

Ice cubes

A sprig of mint for garnish (optional)

Directions:

1. Place your cocktail glass in the freezer for about 10 minutes before preparing the drink. A chilled glass keeps the cocktail cold and enhances the flavors.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, rose syrup, and fresh lemon juice. Add a handful of ice cubes.
3. Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15 seconds. Shaking not only chills the drink but also helps to blend the flavors thoroughly.
4. Remove the glass from the freezer. If you like, you can rim the glass with sugar for an added sweet touch.
5. Strain the mixture into the chilled glass. Top it off with sparkling water or club soda for a refreshing fizz.
6. Add a few raspberries or strawberries to the drink. You can also add a sprig of mint for an extra burst of freshness and color.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy this elegant and romantic cocktail.