If you’re the type who likes to cook for their significant other on Valentine’s Day, this decadent meal offers a savory taste that’s almost as sweet as dessert thanks to the ever-reliable Manuka honey. This homemade pasta with lemon, herbs, and Manuka honey may sound like too much of a challenge, but making your own pasta from scratch is a joy to do as much as it is to taste the pasta afterward. This recipe requires little equipment beyond a food processor and a large boiling pot, so it’s easy for anyone willing to try something new. So, treat yourself and your Valentine well this year with this delicious recipe.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons water

For the sauce:

Juice and zest of 2 lemons
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons Manuka honey
1/2 cup mixed torn fresh herbs (basil, chives parsley, tarragon, chervil, etc.)
Salt and ground black pepper
Parmesan cheese, to serve

Directions for the Homemade Pasta with Lemon, Herbs, and Manuka Honey

Combine the flour, salt, eggs, olive oil, and water in a food processor. Process until the dough forms a ball. Continue processing for another minute to knead the dough.
Transfer the ball of dough to a clean countertop.
Cover dough with an overturned bowl or plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Once the dough has rested, cut it in half. Using a rolling pin, roll each half one at a time out on a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough as thin as possible into an elongated shape.
Using a pizza wheel or a paring knife, cut the dough into long strips or irregular squares. Sprinkle the cut pasta with some flour or cornmeal to keep it from sticking.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop the pasta in and cook until al dente, 3-5 minutes.
When the pasta has cooked, drain it and return it to the pot.
Add the lemon zest and juice, butter, and Manuka honey. Toss until the butter is melted.
Add the herbs, and then toss again. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve topped with grated Parmesan.
The recipe serves four, so be prepared for leftovers. Enjoy!

Nutrition information per serving: 430 calories; 140 calories from fat (33 percent of total calories); 16g fat (6g saturated; 0g trans fats); 110mg cholesterol; 60g carbohydrate; 2g fiber; 10g sugar; 11g protein; 220mg sodium.