A romantic Valentine's Day meal on a budget

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and you might be feeling the pressure to impress. But don’t worry! You can create a lovely meal at home without breaking the bank.

Here are some simple tips to make your evening special.

Plan your menu

Start by deciding what to cook. You want something that feels special but doesn't cost a fortune.

Some ideas we love include:

• Hunter’s chicken – a delicious pub classic that ticks every box.
• Creamy salmon pasta – a rich dish that uses cheap and cheerful store cupboard ingredients.
• Baked garlic and rosemary camembert – an ideal starter or light bite when paired with crusty bread.
• ‘Marry me’ chicken – if there was ever a perfect time to impress your beloved with this recipe, 14 February is definitely the date!
• Steak frites with herb butter – use rump steak and fresh potatoes to keep costs down.
• Creamy white wine and mushroom sauce – serve with your favourite pasta for a decadent and filling meal.

More inspiration

Why not try your own version of a restaurant dish you both enjoyed, your partner’s favourite food or something completely new?

You can also take inspiration from pricey supermarket meal deals or recipe boxes while BBC Good Food has loads of fantastic ideas.

Tesco and Asda also have impressive menus that include the price per serving.

Shop smart

Next, hit the shops.

Look out for discounts on fresh groceries or meat. Don’t shy away from frozen options either; they can save you money and time.

Stick to your list to avoid impulse buys! The yellow sticker reduced aisle can also be a blessing at this time of year, saving you some serious cash on the big day.

And don’t be scared to use the ingredients that fit into your budget – pink salmon’s often cheaper than red and will work just as well, while any strong hard cheese can replace parmesan in a pinch.

Bag a freebie

You can also try your luck with apps like Olio – someone in your area might be giving away the ingredients you need for a perfect meal for two.

Never underestimate the power of community! If you only need a small amount of one ingredient and you can’t bring yourself to buy more than what you need, your neighbours might be happy to let you have some of theirs.

Create a romantic atmosphere

Setting the mood is key. You don't need fancy candles or expensive decor. Just dim the lights, play some soft music, and maybe throw a few cushions on the floor. It's all about the vibe.

Enjoy the process

Cooking together can be a fun part of the evening. Put on an apron, pour a couple of glasses of wine and enjoy the process. Don't stress if things don’t go perfectly. It’s the thought that counts.

Finish with a sweet treat

Dessert doesn’t have to be complicated to be delightful, like this apple tart with vanilla ice cream or classic chocolate-dipped strawberries.

Alternatively, try your hand at this boozy chocolate fondue or red velvet cookies for something a little bit different.

So there you have it! A lovely Valentine’s meal at home, all while keeping your wallet happy. Enjoy your evening!