Throughout history, people have believed that certain foods can make you fall in love with someone or ignite passions between existing lovers. Some of these foods are associated with traditions or myths, but others actually have some scientific backing to them. Try some of these recipes to warm up a romantic evening with that special someone.
Garlic has traditionally been thought to raise physical passions in those who eat it, according to ancient Indian medicine.
The combination of creamy, soft polenta, slippery greens and crunchy nuts is a feast for the senses.
"This recipe is so garlicky and so creamy and so easy to make.”
-Sackville
Honey has long been associated with love, romance and intimacy. Combined with the heady aroma of garlic, the flavors of these chicken thighs are a sultry melange of sensual pleasures.
Roasting the garlic tames some of its sharp bite, replacing it with a deep, smoky sweetness — perfect for nibbling by candlelight.
“My wife hates most grilled foods, but she loved this. My only tweak was to use a bit more honey and soy to tone down the ketchup a bit. End result: I get to grill more than hamburgers!”
-kaptainmanada
Imagine feeding each other this garlicky Italian flat bread after tearing off bite-sized pieces and dipping them in olive oil.
Apples have traditionally been associated with Aphrodite — the goddess of love and the root of the word “aphrodisiac.”
Serve this warm (or hot, if you’re into that) with a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream. The interplay of hot and cold is nothing short of titillating.
Leave this in your slow-cooker and fill your home with the seductive scent of caramelized apples and warm spices. You can spread this ambrosia on toast or fruit, or you can eat it just with your fingers.
“My husband loved the taste of both the filling and the crust. I just used my hands and grated the cold butter instead of using a food processor.”
-Marge R.
Do away with crusts and batters and focus solely on that fruit of love (or temptation). The soft, warm flesh is sure to make you bite your bottom lip.
“These were really good; I think next time I will add a little bit of raw sugar on the tops.”
-Marianneee
These rustic treats are perhaps better in February than they are in the Fall, and they’re not just for kids. Crunchy nuts, sticky caramel, and a taught, shiny apple skin just beg you to take a big bite.
The line between pain and pleasure is quite thin. Heat things up with your lover by serving them this spicy salsa to tickle their tastebuds.
Few things are as sensual to eat than long, chewy, slippery noodles. Paired with a spicy Thai peanut sauce, you are bound to bring some heat to dinner time that may last the rest of the evening.
“So good! A twist on a classic Thai curry, and the mango really brings in a nice sweetness to offset the slight spiciness. Thai food is all about balance, and this recipe is definitely well balanced.”
-Probably This
D.H. Lawrence wrote a poem devoted to figs and their power to warm even the iciest temperaments. Just one taste of this jam will tell you why this fruit has such an infamous reputation.
The smell of cooking bananas is said to arouse passions in women (and some men). What better way to prepare this creamy fruit than in a recipe from one of the sexiest cities in America?
By now, there’s no questioning the effect that chocolate has on one’s mind and body. Just remember that the darker the chocolate, the more potent its effects.
Dark chocolate and red wine are usually enjoyed separately as part of a romantic meal, but their marriage in these French-style truffles can render one speechless. Who needs words, anyway?
“This is the classic chocolate cream pie that you have been searching for. Consistency, depth of chocolate flavor and level of sweetness are perfect.”
-kateyc
Oysters have long been considered an aphrodisiac. Maybe it’s because of their juiciness and soft, velvety flesh. Maybe the sweet, briny flavors do something to our libidos. If you’re new to oysters, this is a perfect, non-intimidating introduction.
Smoked oysters are a great alternative for people who don’t live near the coast but still want to experience the sensuality of this luxurious mollusk.
"Holy oyster shellfish this is good! Wow! I am coming to Aussie if you all are serving this! I eat raw oysters consistently during the cold winter months, and now you have given me a reason to keep going.”
-Andi Longmeadow Farm
"I loved the flavor, but being a seasoning addict, I added allspice to the honey mix and the flour mix. It was really good."
-MsLizze
What a trio of sensual flavors and textures! Bananas and honey have long histories as aphrodisiacs. Add the warming qualities of cinnamon, and you have a healthy, simple dessert that feels like a tight, passionate embrace.
The warming properties of ginger not only ignite the fires of one’s deepest passions, they also promote blood circulation.
Truffles have a cult-like following the world over for their intoxicating, earthy aroma. It turns out that this luxurious mushroom mimics the scent of human pheromones. Their flavor can make truly make your heart skip a beat.
The heady aroma of the world’s most expensive spice is almost synonymous with seduction. But don’t worry about its cost. A little goes a very long way to warm up any circumstance and make one rise to the occasion.
“A contender for one of my favourite dishes I have tried.”
-Sarah_Jayne
Saffron and mango have been in a passionate culinary relationship with each other for centuries in India. The bedroom perfume of the amber threads offer a masculine and almost savory contrast to the sweetness of the fruit. For the best results, try sourcing Indian mangos.
“Love this jam with the layers of flavor. The ginger and lemon are the right balance. I slathered it over brie. What can I say? Heaven!”
-Antifreesz
Oysters are already an aphrodisiac on their own. Charbroiling them lends a rugged, primal element to these succulent bivalves that may just push you over the edge.
"Yum! My husband and I love oysters. We both really enjoyed these oysters — they were creamy and full of flavour.”
-Chef floWer
"I love oysters and I love spicy, so I knew this was a marriage made in heaven on this recipe.”
-Andi Longmeadow Farm
"Yum! The sauce had a really nice tang and the coating was beautiful and held together really well while frying.”
-Peter J
“So good it almost didn't make it to the freezer from the ice cream machine.”
-schmoopy31
“I had some beautiful potatoes and carrots from my farm share, which were perfect for this recipe. I used white truffle oil, which has a very pronounced flavor. The thyme was the perfect complement to this.”
-JackieOhNo
Maca is an ancient root from the Andes with a sweet flavor and the ability to make intimate moments more intense. Many consider it to be nature’s answer to the little blue pill.
Asparagus may not immediately come to mind as an aphrodisiac, but these stalks aid in producing sex hormones. Add a velvety saffron-infused sauce to the equation, and the kids may have to spend the night at your in-laws’ place.
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