If you haven't noticed, Valentine's Day is on a Sunday this year.  That's perfect for planning a dinner in.  The whole eating out thing is what contributes to V-day's bad rap, in my opinion.    Anyhow, my go-to meals always include pasta.  I'm a self-proclaimed Italian (though my blood line shows no proof of that).

This year I may stray from that.  Prompted by the Sekhar's:

 They gave me a basket of Indian spices & recipes.  This may not sounds like a big deal to you, but I've never made a meal that doesn't include cheese, so I was taken aback.  The beautiful spices were so inspiring, I had to try my hand at Indian cuisine immediately.

 

Curry over basmati rice with sauteed okra (so good, so spicy)

Raitha (not sure if it's supposed to be that thick), but so delish served with pita chips.