Valentine’s Day is upon us, and this year, why not skip the typical bouquet of flowers in favour of a sumptuous breakfast in bed? Renowned chef Ravinder Bhogal has crafted a trio of delectable recipes that promise to elevate your morning and impress your loved one. From savoury saffron crepes filled with smoked trout and cavolo nero to a decadent Dutch baby pancake topped with caramelised pears and dark chocolate, these dishes are bound to set the perfect romantic tone. And let’s not forget the refreshing Lady Marmalade cocktail to toast to your affection!
Saffron Crepes with Smoked Trout and Cavolo Nero
Start your Valentine’s Day feast with Bhogal’s exquisite saffron crepes, which add a touch of elegance to any breakfast table. The golden hue of saffron not only enhances the visual appeal but also infuses the crepes with a unique flavour.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
– **For the Crepes**:
– 250ml milk
– A pinch of saffron strands
– 40g unsalted butter (plus extra for brushing)
– 1 egg, lightly beaten
– ½ tsp salt
– 75g buckwheat flour
– 2 tbsp plain flour
– 150g hot smoked trout, flaked
– Crème fraîche and lemon zest for serving
– **For the Cavolo Nero**:
– 2 tbsp olive oil (plus extra to finish)
– 1 garlic clove, sliced
– Finely grated lemon zest
– A pinch of chilli flakes (optional)
– 200g cavolo nero, chopped
– Sea salt and black pepper to taste
Method:
Begin by warming 50ml of milk and steeping the saffron for 20 minutes. In another pan, melt the butter until it’s foamy, then let it cool. Combine the butter, egg, saffron-infused milk, and both flours in a blender. Refrigerate the batter for half an hour.
Once ready, heat a crepe pan, brush it with melted butter, pour in the batter, and cook until the edges turn golden. Keep the crepes warm in a low oven as you prepare the cavolo nero. Sauté garlic and lemon zest in olive oil, then add the chopped cavolo nero and cook until wilted.
To serve, fill each crepe with the cavolo nero and smoked trout, fold them over, and top with crème fraîche and lemon zest for a fresh finish.
Dutch Baby Pancake with Caramelised Pears and Dark Chocolate
Transform your breakfast into a spectacular feast with Bhogal’s fluffy Dutch baby pancake. This dish is not only visually stunning but also offers a delightful combination of flavours and textures.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
– 125g plain flour
– 3 eggs
– 250ml whole milk
– Salt
– A small knob of butter
– **For the Caramelised Pears**:
– 50g butter
– 3 small pears, quartered
– 50g light brown sugar
– A splash of vanilla extract
– **For the Chocolate Tahini Sauce**:
– 100g dark chocolate
– 25g butter
– 80g tahini
– 1-2 tbsp maple syrup
– A pinch of salt
– Toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Method:
Preheat the oven to a high temperature and whisk together flour, eggs, milk, and salt until smooth. Allow the batter to rest for half an hour. Meanwhile, prepare the pears by caramelising them in a pan with butter, sugar, and vanilla until they are soft and golden.
To make the Dutch baby, heat a shallow casserole dish in the oven, add butter, then pour in the batter. Bake for 25-30 minutes without opening the oven door. As it puffs up beautifully, melt the chocolate for the sauce and mix in the tahini, butter, maple syrup, and salt.
Once the Dutch baby is ready, fill it with the caramelised pears, drizzle with the chocolate-tahini sauce, and sprinkle with sesame seeds for that extra touch.
Lady Marmalade Breakfast Cocktail
No breakfast in bed is complete without a refreshing drink to sip on. Bhogal’s Lady Marmalade cocktail is a playful nod to traditional breakfast fare, perfect for toasting to your love.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
– 1 tsp high-quality marmalade (try Fortnum & Mason’s blood orange)
– 25ml Campari
– 25ml sweet vermouth
– Prosecco to top
– A slice of orange and a sprig of fresh rosemary for garnish
Method:
In a highball glass, combine the marmalade, Campari, and sweet vermouth. Add ice, top with Prosecco, and garnish with orange and rosemary. The result is a delightful drink that bridges the gap between breakfast and brunch.
Why it Matters
Celebrating love with a homemade breakfast not only nurtures the relationship but also creates lasting memories. These recipes from Ravinder Bhogal provide an opportunity to infuse creativity and care into the simplest of meals, transforming an ordinary morning into an extraordinary experience. So, this Valentine’s Day, let your culinary skills shine and show your affection with every delicious bite. After all, nothing says “I love you” like a lovingly prepared meal shared in the comfort of your own home.