Staying in is the new going out and if you’re planning a quiet evening in, consider these recipes to add to your date night repertoire. Your other half will definitely appreciate the effort, or you could both get down to creating the feast together.
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For starters, this savoury and comforting soup will warm both your bellies and your hearts.
Raise the bar of the meal and kick off in style with these elegant bite-sized polenta muffins topped with smoked salmon.
Veggie lovers will enjoy this roasted vegetable terrine that’s made with readily found greens like eggplants, capsicums and zucchinis. Plus, you can make this the night before and leave to chill. More time to enjoy your date night!
Zero cooking needed here. Ceviche makes for a bright dish to start your evening, and this one uses grouper and Mandarin orange for an Asian twist. Just be sure to use the freshest fish possible!
This elevated take on regular baked potatoes is easier than it looks, delicious and can be left in the oven to bake while you work on other dishes.
Just one spoonful of this creamy chicken and prosciutto pasta will make you go ‘Mmm!’
Planning a Moroccan feast? Try this fuss-free couscous side dish that comes with the zing of lemon and the crunch of pistachio.
A smart way to use your meat leftovers is to make them into a spiced lamb cottage pie.
Salty, zesty and lemony, this hearty chicken with preserved lemon and olives is effortless to cook up!
Want to pack a punch? Add a touch more wasabi for more heat.
Inspired by the classic Moroccon beef tagine stew, this beef with chickpea and almond rice is just as flavourful and takes much less time (and effort) to cook.
For a dinner that’ll impress your special other, this lamb rack coated with a flavourful sourdough, and lemon and herb crust will do the job. It might take some time with the searing and baking, but it’ll turn out beautifully tender and juicy.
Try your hand at this juicy and piquant plate of lamb rogan josh with cumin rice for a hearty, aromatic meal.
Salmon and vegetables all cooked in one tray in the oven – perfect for minimal washing up later.
If you’re on a low-carb diet, this pork steak that’s bursting with flavour from rosemary, thyme and lemon is perfect for your dinner date. Lentils and asparagus add extra greens to your plate and a bit of crunch.
Perfect as a one-dish meal, this Poached Fish Puttanesca needs only crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
The beloved hawker dish is given a European twist. Psst… oyster is also an aphrodisiac.
Another local favourite that’s been given an inventive touch – this recipe by Masaki Yanagiya, who is the Head Chef of Dynasty at Hilton Tokyo involves rolling up fruits like strawberries and grapes with thin pork belly slices, then deep-frying them.
Nothing says “I love you” like handmade pasta. But if you don’t have time to make it fresh, try this authentic Italian dish that that’s sure to hit the spot.
Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver shows just how easy it is to create a from-scratch version of this ultimate comfort food dish.
Kaffir lime leaves, torch ginger bud, chilli, and shallots transform this simple fish dish into a delicious restaurant-style meal.
What’s date night without drinks? This rosé sangria with a bunch of berries is refreshing, easy to drink, and equally easy to whip up.
Light and fluffy soufflés infused with passion fruit juice and pulp! Dip soufflés into a passion fruit and whipped cream mix and enjoy.
Bright, refreshing and hearty, this simple coconut & strawberry rice pudding makes for one of the best comfort food desserts!
No oven? No problem. All you need is some time and patience on your hand to whip up this indulgent no-bake, flourless pie recipe.
Text: Atika Lim & Elizabeth Liew Additional Text: Michelle Lee