Budget Valentine's Day ideas

Georgina Kiely

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No need to blow the budget this Valentine's Day – Good Food's most delicious recipes for two are pocket-friendly and sure to impress your sweetheart.

Plan a Valentine's Day menu that's simple, budget-friendly and looks stunning on the plate. Cooking a romantic meal to impress that won't break the bank is easier than you think. Simply choose an option from each of our selection of starters, mains and desserts for a night to remember. Pick a signature cocktail, too, and raise a glass to love.

Discover more celebratory recipes that won't break the bank in our posh budget recipe collection.

Starter

Leeks on tray with hazelnuts, sauce and serving spoon

An easy, elegant starter will set you off on the right foot. Our charred leeks with anchovy dressing have great depth of flavour and the crunch of toasted hazelnuts – guaranteed to get tastebuds tingling.

Or, create a colourful cheesy feast in the shape of our baked feta with sumac & grapes. The salty feta, sweet grapes and tangy sumac create a modern, complex mix of complementary flavours. For a splash of colour and excitement, there's our chargrilled mackerel with sweet & sour beetroot. The pickled beet wedges add extra tang to this moreish fish dish.

Get even more inspiration with our dinner party starter recipes.

Main course

Swede gnocchi in bowl with sage and parmesan with glass of wine

For a light meal that's big on flavour, try our swede gnocchi with crispy sage. Top with fried herbs and grated cheese for a fabulous veggie dish. Or for something more hearty with a kick, try our asparagus, chilli & feta farfalle. Punchy feta, a squeeze of lemon and fresh basil lend the dish real freshness.

If you're in the mood for a meaty main, we recommend our lemon pepper steaks with hazelnut salsa verde. Serve with chunky homemade chips and our zingy green sauce.

For more impressive low-cost meals packed full of delicious ingredients try our cheap eats recipes.

Dessert

Chocolate mousse in serving glass with cream and spoon

A dreamy chocolate dessert in minutes? Believe it. Our five-minute mocha pots use just four basic ingredients and the result is silky smooth and richly indulgent. If you fancy something fruity, our apple crumble sundaes are ready in no time. Cinnamon-spiced ginger biscuit crumble contrasts with soft, sweet apples and vanilla ice cream – a surefire way to someone's heart.

For an incorrigible sweet tooth, whip up a butterscotch banana pie with salted caramel. This storecupboard saviour looks a million dollars.