Valentine's Day Menu at Home: Saffron Risotto and Strawberries in Wine

Special Home Menu Recipe: Saffron Risotto and Garlic Mushrooms

This menu, designed for a special home celebration, combines comforting flavors and vibrant colors that make any dinner a memorable occasion. With a creamy risotto, golden mushrooms, and a delicious dessert, each dish invites you to enjoy calmly and connect with those you love most on that special day.

Preparation time and difficulty for a romantic menu at home

• Preparation: 30 min
• Cooking: 40 min
• Total: 1h 10 min
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Intermediate (due to the risotto's consistency)

Key ingredients for a homemade and delicious Valentine's Day menu

Garlic and Herb Mushrooms

• 16 large, uniformly sized mushrooms, preferably white or portobello
• 3 tablespoons olive or coconut oil
• Unsalted butter (or soy butter for vegan version)
• 3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Saffron Risotto with Shrimp and a Touch of Dried Chili

• 650 g arborio rice, the classic for risotto
• 200 g peeled shrimp
• ½ liter hot chicken broth
• A pinch of saffron (pinches)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• A dash of white wine dry
• 50 g butter
• Powdered Parmesan cheese
• Crushed dried chili for a spicy touch

Strawberries Marinated in Red Wine, Pink Pepper, and Dark Chocolate

• 400 g fresh and firm strawberries
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• 2 tablespoons of honey
• A pinch of pink pepper
• Shavings of dark chocolate

Utensils needed to prepare this romantic menu at home

• Pot for boiling and reducing the broth
• Large, deep pan for the risotto
• Baking sheet for baking the mushrooms
• Large bowl for macerating the strawberries
• Wooden spoon for mixing and gentle movements in the risotto
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Strainer and spoon for the shrimp
• Glasses or cups for serving the dessert

Step-by-step preparation for a home menu full of flavor and love

Garlic and Herb Mushrooms

1. Clean the mushrooms with a damp cloth to remove dirt without losing moisture. If they are large, they can be cut in half to facilitate cooking.
2. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Brush the mushrooms with the oil and garlic mixture. To enhance their flavor, it is recommended to spread the mixture on the inside and edges, using a brush or a spoon.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the edges are golden and the mushrooms have released some of their water and concentrated their flavors. Just before removing them, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese so it melts slightly.

Saffron Risotto with Shrimp and a Touch of Dried Chili

1. In a bowl, infuse the saffron in hot water for 15 minutes to release its color and aroma. This ensures that the rice is well impregnated with its flavor.
2. Sauté the onion and garlic in oil and butter until transparent. Then, add the rice and fry for 5 minutes, stirring constantly so that the grains become translucent.
3. Pour in the wine and wait for it to evaporate, helping the alcohol evaporate completely and the flavors to concentrate.
4. Begin adding the hot broth with saffron in small doses, stirring slowly and continuously so that the rice releases its starch and becomes creamy. Patience and gentle movement are key.
5. Upon reaching the ‘al dente’ point — meaning it still has a slight firmness in the center —, add the shrimp previously cooked in a pot with herbs and a touch of dried chili for an intense and slightly spicy flavor.
6. Finish by mixing with butter and Parmesan cheese to give it that creamy texture and delicious flavor. Serve immediately to enjoy it at its best.

Strawberries in red wine with pink pepper and chocolate shavings

1. Clean the strawberries under cold water and cut off the stems. To macerate quickly, cut them in halves or quarters depending on their size.
2. Mix the strawberries with honey, orange zest, and orange juice in a large bowl. Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours for the flavors to meld.
3. Meanwhile, cook the wine with orange peel, cinnamon stick, and pink peppercorns in a saucepan, letting it reduce over medium heat for 15 minutes to concentrate aroma and flavor.
4. Incorporate the strawberries and leave them in the sauce for about 2 minutes so they absorb the flavor without losing their shape and freshness. Reserve in the fridge.
5. Before serving, decorate the strawberries with dark chocolate shavings and a little of their reduced juice in elegant glasses or cups.

To set the table with love

Serve the risotto right after preparing it to maintain its creamy texture. Decorate with some green leaves or edible flowers to add a nice and romantic visual touch. For a more romantic finish, place the strawberries in small glasses and garnish with chocolate shavings on top. Dim lighting and candles will make the atmosphere even warmer and more inviting.

Approximate Nutritional Information per Person

• Calories: 640 kcal
• Proteins: 30 g
• Fats: 28 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 5 g

The 5 secrets to make your risotto creamy and delicious

• Always use hot broth when adding it to the rice, this maintains uniform cooking and does not interrupt the absorption process.
• Stir gently and continuously, but without breaking the grains, to release the starch and achieve that characteristic creamy texture.
• Choose good quality Arborio rice, which has the right amount of starch to obtain a well-bound and silky risotto.
• Wait for the wine to evaporate completely before adding more broth, avoiding bitter flavors and highlighting the wine's aromas.
• Don't forget to taste and adjust the salt and pepper at the end, so that all flavors are integrated and enhanced.

When to enjoy this home menu for special occasions?

This at-home Valentine's Day menu is ideal for celebrating an anniversary, an intimate gathering, or simply a night where you want to show how much you value that special person. Thanks to its simplicity and intense flavor, it also works as a homemade gift that surprises and captivates. Accompanying it with a glass of wine and good conversation turns dinner into a memorable moment in 2026, in a context where sharing at home continues to be the most authentic expression of love.

Comparison with other menus for romantic dinners

This saffron and seafood risotto menu can be compared with different proposals that include various styles and ingredients to surprise on Valentine's Day:

• White wine salmon menu and pear salad
• Tropical menu with coconut shrimp and pink aguachile
• Vegetarian options with stuffed dishes and creamy pasta
• Menus with stuffed chicken and cauliflower cream for a more substantial touch
• Cheese boards with pasta to share in a relaxed atmosphere

The versatility of this at-home menu offers a delicious and easy-to-prepare experience, adaptable to different tastes and celebration styles.

Share your experience and tips in the kitchen

Experimenting in the kitchen can be a very personal and fun act. Feel free to modify the ingredients or add your personal touch and share your result with friends or on social media. The magic of home lies in improvisation and the love we put into each dish, so don't hesitate to create your own versions and surprise your loved ones.

What wine to use to marinate strawberries?

You can use any red wine with good body and aromatic profile, such as Ribera del Duero or a Crianza. The important thing is that you like it to drink, as it will directly influence the flavor of the dessert.

How to prevent risotto from becoming too thick?

Make sure to add hot broth little by little, stirring constantly and testing the texture. If you want it creamier, add an extra tablespoon of butter or a little more Parmesan cheese at the end.

Can I prepare the dessert in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the marinated strawberries several hours in advance and keep them in the fridge. The sauce can also be reduced beforehand and stored in an airtight container.

What other variations can I make to the risotto?

You can experiment with different ingredients, such as adding artichokes, squid, or using different broths to vary the flavors, always respecting the slow cooking technique and gentle movements.