$14 Fancy Date Night Dinner At Home | But Cheaper

chicken breast

🥗Healthier: chicken thighs

💰Cheaper: pork tenderloin

Thighs are juicier and more flavorful, while pork is often less expensive.

white wine

🥗Healthier: non-alcoholic wine

💰Cheaper: chicken broth

Non-alcoholic wine offers similar flavor without alcohol, while broth is budget-friendly.

Heat a 10-inch skillet over medium heat and add 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil until extremely hot.

Add 10 ounces of whole grape tomatoes to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 5 minutes until charred and softened.

Add 3 cloves of thinly sliced garlic, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about a minute before turning off the heat.

Toast 2 slices of good crusty bread in a toaster.

Spread about 1/3 cup of ricotta cheese evenly on the toasted bread, top with the tomatoes, and garnish with extra olive oil, flaky salt, black pepper, and fresh herbs if desired.

For the main course, prepare 2 chicken leg quarters by removing the thigh and drumstick bones, keeping the meat intact.

Season each chicken piece with 2 teaspoons of whole grain mustard, a little salt, a slice of Swiss cheese, and 4-5 basil leaves, then roll them up and tie with kitchen twine.

Heat a large skillet with enough oil to coat the bottom over medium-high heat.

Pat the chicken dry, season with salt, and sear on all sides for about 2 minutes until slightly browned.

Place the chicken skin side up in the skillet and transfer it to an oven preheated to 400°F (205°C) for 15 to 20 minutes until cooked through and the skin is crispy.

Boil 1 medium head of cauliflower in a pot of water for 8 to 10 minutes until very soft, then strain and reserve the water.

Blend the cauliflower with salt, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 3 1/2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, adding reserved water as needed until smooth.

Prepare a chimichurri by mixing 1/4 cup of chopped parsley, 1 finely chopped red Fresno chili, the zest and juice of 1 lemon, and 1/4 cup of olive oil, seasoning with salt and pepper.

To plate, remove the twine from the chicken, slice into rounds, and serve with a dollop of cauliflower puree, garnished with chimichurri and parsley.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

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Dietary

Allergens