Going Primal For Valentine's Day

Use simple whole-food ingredients to prepare a low-fuss romantic meal for two

- Melissa Diane Smith

Q: My wife and I both follow a Paleo/Primal diet and we’re both very busy. We don’t eat out that often because we have trouble finding restaurants that serve hunter-gatherer-type meals. I’d like to surprise my wife this Valentine’s Day by serving a tasty Primal dinner at home. Have any suggestions on easy foods to make that we’d both enjoy?

—Mike S., San Diego

a: How is going to love your surprise! Among the many great things about the Paleo/Primal Diet is that it’s easy to use a handful of quality, whole-food ingredients to prepare a decadent, gourmet-tasting dinner with little fuss. Grains and legumes take a lot of time to cook. By cutting out these ingredients, you can really cut down on the prep time.

Just think about your wife’s preferences, and decide on red meat, poultry, or seafood. Then add some tastily prepared vegetables and a yummy, easy-to-fix dessert.

Animal Protein

If you and your wife love red meat, buy grass-fed, organic steaks or lamb chops. Season them with salt, pepper, and herbs, and broil on both sides to desired doneness. If you prefer kabobs, try broiled olive-oil-and-herb-marinated steak or lamb kabobs on skewers.

Does your wife like poultry? One super easy choice is broiled marinated chicken kabobs. Or you could do something more ambitious, such as roasting an organic chicken.