Looking to show that special someone in your life just how much they mean to you? Whether it’s a close friend or a life companion, nothing shows your appreciation better than a homecooked meal for two. That’s why Mahatma® Rice is here to inspire you with delicious meal ideas to make at home. From spicy Asian-inspired dishes to eye-catching salads, we’ve got you covered. So, without further ado, let’s get to work on making your dinner for two one to remember!
What Makes Rice Perfect for Meals for Two
Rice is a versatile staple that can elevate any special evening. Here’s why it works so well:
- Perfect Portions: Because rice expands as it cooks, just ½ cup per person is usually enough—no risk of making far too much, unlike pasta or large roasts.
- Pairs With Everything: It complements chicken, fish, beef, tofu, or beans, and adapts beautifully to global cuisines like Italian risotto, Spanish paella, Indian biryani, Japanese sushi, or Thai fried rice.
- Affordable Yet Sophisticated: A single bag of rice goes a long way, but with thoughtful plating, it can look and taste like a restaurant-quality dish.
- Cozy & Romantic: Its warmth and comforting texture make it perfect for intimate dinners. Meals such as risotto or paella can even be cooked and served straight from the pan, making them ideal for sharing.
- Diet-Friendly Flexibility: Naturally gluten-free, rice can be kept light with fresh vegetables or made richer with cream, butter, or cheese.
Setting the Scene and Creating Ambience
If you’re planning a special homecooked dinner for two, then you may as well go whole hog. How? By using decor to create an intimate setting for your meal. Here are some easy ways to create a special atmosphere:
- Dim the lights: Lighting is essential to creating a cozy, intimate atmosphere.
- Light candles: A simple touch that can make a lot of difference, candles will add to the sense of occasion.
- Music: Create a playlist of slow, ambient music. Consider what your special someone’s taste in music is and select tracks accordingly.
- The element of surprise: A gift is a great way to surprise someone, but not just any gift. Make it personal and one they will truly appreciate. Alternatively, unearthing some old photographs of the two of you is a great way to add an element of nostalgia.
Appealing Appetizers to Set the Tone
Appetizers are an important aspect of any dinner for two. Not only do they set the tone for the meal to come, but they’re also a great way to whet the appetite. To kick off your romantic meal in style, how about trying your hand at these Arancini Air-Fryer Italian Rice Balls? Don’t be turned off by the cook time; these cheesy delights are actually quite easy to make. What’s more, they taste just as good as they look!
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a starter that’s as refreshing as it is eye-catching, try this Tuna Tartare with Rice and Avocado. Layered to perfection with creamy avocado, tender bluefin tuna, and Mahatma® Sticky Rice, this enticing appetizer is ready in 15 minutes.
Choosing the Right Main Dish
Gourmet Options that Are Easy to Make
Who ever said that gourmet dishes have to be complicated? Sure, there are delicious dishes out there that can take several hours to prepare, but that doesn’t mean that great food has to be difficult. In fact, this couldn’t be further from the truth. There are plenty of quick and easy recipes out there that are just as delicious as the more complicated ones.
Take this Quick and Easy Chicken Biryani as a prime example. Made with succulent chicken thighs, onion, tomato, and fragrant Mahatma® Ready to Heat Basmati Rice, this delightful Asian-inspired dish comes with a homemade yoghurt garnish that really takes its flavor profile up a notch.
Then, for lovers of seafood, we’ve got just the dish for you: this Teriyaki Salmon with Jasmine Rice. Featuring a deliciously tangy homemade teriyaki sauce recipe, tender salmon fillets, and aromatic Mahatma® Ready to Heat Jasmine Rice, this recipe has gourmet written all over it.
Vegan and Vegetarian-Friendly Option
If you’d prefer to serve up a meat-free option, this Vegan Tinga Rice Bowl is the perfect dish to go with. Loaded with herbs and spices, this veggie-forward dish is a spicy Mexican meal that’s sure to put a smile on the face of your special someone. Best of all, it only takes 20 minutes to make.
Ending Things on a Sweet Note
Finally, no dinner for two would be complete without a delectable dessert to end the night. Don’t fret, we’ve got just the dessert for you: this Banana Horchata Smoothie. Sweet and creamy, it’s the ideal dish to cap off a night of fine dining. Alternatively, if you’d like to go for a classic dessert recipe with a tropical twist, try our Easy Coconut Rice Pudding.
Making the Most of Home-cooking
Sure, it’s nice to eat out from time to time, but the meals that truly leave a lasting impression are the ones that we enjoy at home surrounded by the people we love. Nothing beats homecooked food that truly #feelslikehome. For more exciting new recipes and expert cooking tips. Check out our kitchen and see what we’ve been cooking.