A Kidney-Friendly Valentine’s Day Menu Worth Falling For

These crispy golden latkes are made to be shared. They are a lighter twist on a classic–perfect for a Valentine’s dinner that feels special without being complicated.

Serving size: 2

Ingredients

• 2 large turnips, peeled and grated
• 1 medium onion, grated
• 2 flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water, set for 5 minutes)
• 3 tbsp flour
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp black pepper (optional)

Directions

1. Grate the turnips and onion, then squeeze out as much moisture as possible with a clean towel.
2. In a large bowl, combine grated turnips, grated onion, flax eggs, flour, coriander, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
3. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. Spoon the mixture onto the baking sheet in small mounds and flatten slightly into latke shapes.
5. Bake for 15 minutes, then carefully flip each latke and bake an additional 15 minutes until golden and crispy on the edges.
6. Remove from oven and serve warm.

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Tender collard greens get a little extra love with smoky mushrooms and warm spices. It’s a comforting side that adds heart to your Valentine’s plate.

Ingredients

• 8 cups collard greens, stems removed and chopped
• 4 oz white or oyster mushrooms, sliced
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• ¾ tsp liquid smoke
• ½ cup low-sodium vegetable broth or water, plus more if needed
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Salt-free seasoning to taste
• 1 tbsp garlic powder

Directions

1. Blanch the collard greens in boiling water for 30 seconds, then rinse with cold water and drain well.
2. Using a non-stick pan over medium-high heat, dry sauté the mushrooms until golden and crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Season with onion powder, liquid smoke, and garlic powder. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add the diced onion and minced garlic with a splash of vegetable broth or water. Cook until onions are translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
4. Add the collard greens, smoked paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
5. Pour in the vegetable broth or water and the liquid smoke. Cover and simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes until the greens are tender. Add more liquid as needed to prevent drying.
6. Stir the crispy mushrooms back in. Add lemon juice and adjust seasoning with salt-free spices or a small pinch of salt if desired.

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This dreamy chocolate parfait is rich, smooth, and full of romance. Tart cherries and silky chocolate make it a sweet way to end your Valentine’s Day meal.

Serving size: 1/4 cup

Ingredients

• Smoky Dark Chocolate Silk
• 14 oz silken tofu (drained)
• 3 oz unsweetened baking dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher)
• 1 oz cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
• 3/4 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional, for smoky depth)
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (optional, enhances chocolate flavor)
• 3 cups frozen cherries, pitted and roughly chopped
• 1 cup water
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp maple syrup, if needed
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Mousse Directions

1. Drain excess liquid from silken tofu using a fine mesh strainer for a few minutes.
2. Melt the dark chocolate gently using a double boiler or microwave in short intervals, stirring until smooth.
3. In a blender or food processor, combine drained tofu, melted dark chocolate, maple syrup, liquid smoke (if using), and salt.
4. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
5. Pour mousse into serving dishes and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours to chill and set.

Black Forest Cherry Topping Directions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the pitted cherries, water, lemon juice, maple, and cornstarch, and cook over medium heat.
2. When the mixture starts to boil, reduce it to a simmer and let it cook for ten minutes, or until thickened.
3. After ten minutes, pour in the vanilla extract and mix well to combine.
4. Transfer the compote to a bowl and let it cool completely at room temperature.

Construction Directions

1. Add the black forest cherry topping to a cup and top with chocolate silk. Finish with cocoa powder if desired

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View NKF’s full directory of CKD-friendly recipes.