Casual Valentine's menu

Main: Paprika and thyme steaks with sautéed potatoes

Serves 2

2 x 225g Tesco Finest beef sirloin steaks
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
10g thyme, leaves picked
300g miniature potatoes
2 tsp soft butter
2 garlic cloves, finely sliced
240g bag baby spinach
50ml sherry

1. Place the steaks in a shallow dish with 1 tsp of the olive oil, the paprika, thyme and a good twist of black pepper. Rub the seasonings into the meat, then set aside to marinate.

2. Put the potatoes in a pan of boiling water and simmer for 20 mins or until tender. Drain and halve.

3. Heat the remaining 2 tsp oil in a large frying pan and add the potatoes. Sauté for 15-20 mins until golden. Add the garlic for the final min.

4. Heat another frying pan or a griddle pan until very hot. Cook the steaks for 3 mins each side for rare, 4 mins each side for medium, or 5 mins each side for well done. Transfer to a warm plate, cover with foil and set aside for 10 mins to rest.

5. Meanwhile, put the spinach and sherry in a large saucepan, cover and wilt over a medium heat for 2-3 mins; drain and season.

6. Serve the spinach with the steak, potatoes and a drizzle of the resting juices.

Drink: Pink negroni

Serves 2

50ml pink gin
50ml sweet white vermouth
30ml Campari
30ml Aperol

1. Fill 2 short tumblers with ice. Divide the pink gin, sweet white vermouth, Campari and Aperol between the glasses and stir until the glass feels cool on the outside.

2. Slice a round of orange and add to the glass to serve.