Love on Fire: Four Spicy Date Night Dishes to Ignite Your Romance
Are you looking to spice up your love life with some unforgettable meals? Discover our collection of four Spicy Date Night Dishes that will ignite your taste buds and add a touch of romance to any occasion. Who says food inspired by love must be mild and predictable? Turn up the heat and ignite your love life with bold, fiery flavors. Wayne Blake, Cluster General Manager for ANEW Hotels & Resorts, shares his top ideas for creating unforgettable spicy dishes that will make your date nights sizzle.
Breakfast: Spicy Breakfast Curry Bowl
Who says you can’t bring a bit of romance to breakfast? Start your day with a burst of flavor by preparing a spicy date night dish oops I mean spicy good morning, dish… like this breakfast curry bowl. This hearty and nutritious meal is perfect for those who love a kick of spice in the morning.
Begin by sautéing one small finely chopped onion, two minced garlic cloves, one finely chopped green chili, ¼ teaspoon of turmeric, and ¼ teaspoon of garam masala. Continue cooking until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. To add creaminess, pour in ¼ cup (60ml) of coconut milk, stirring until well combined. Next, fold in one cup (250ml) of cooked quinoa, ensuring each grain is coated with the flavorful mixture.
Layer the curried quinoa in a bowl and top it with your choice of eggs, mushrooms, and any other vegetables you prefer. Finish with a dash of chili sauce for an extra spicy kick.
Tip: Avoid adding too many spices to prevent the meal from becoming grainy. For added flavor and nutrition, consider mixing in a cup of sautéed baby spinach with the quinoa.
spicy date night dish Wine Pairing
- De Krans Perlé White: A semi-sweet sparkling wine with tropical fruit and honey notes.
- Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Brut: A popular Methode Cap Classique (MCC) sparkling wine with crisp and refreshing flavors.
Spicy Date Night Dishes: Luncheons
Spicy grilled fish tacos with mango salsa
Elevate your lunch with a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the heat of spices with the freshness of mango salsa. This Grilled Spicy Fish is perfect for a delightful midday meal or a special occasion.
Start by preparing a flavorful rub. In a small bowl, mix together one tablespoon each of olive oil and lime juice, one teaspoon of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Rub the mixture evenly over two fish fillets, such as salmon, kingklip, or hake, and let them marinate in the refrigerator for 15–30 minutes to allow the flavours to marry.
While the fish is marinating, prepare the mango salsa. Combine one diced mango, a ¼ cup (60ml) of finely chopped red onion, half of a finely chopped jalapeño, the juice of one lime, and a ¼ cup (60ml) of chopped fresh coriander in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper, mix everything well, and let the salsa chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
Once the fish has marinated, heat a grill to medium-high. Grill the fish fillets for four to five minutes on each side, until they are cooked through and flake easily with a fork.
Serve the grilled spicy fish with the refreshing mango salsa and warm tortillas. This dish is sure to impress with its bold flavors and beautiful presentation.
Spicy Date Night Dishes Lunch Wine Pairing:
- Saurwein Chi Riesling: This wine is known for its crisp and refreshing character, with notes of citrus blossom, yellow flowers, pear, ginger, and flint. It’s a great choice for pairing with spicy dishes due to its balanced acidity and subtle sweetness.
Thai-Style Spicy Grilled Cheese
Elevate your lunch with a vibrant and flavourful spicy date night dish that combines the heat of spices with the freshness of mango salsa. This Grilled Spicy Fish is perfect for a delightful midday meal or a special occasion.
Start by preparing the flavorful butter mixture. In a bowl, combine 125g of butter with one teaspoon of Thai red curry paste. Microwave the mixture for one minute, stirring occasionally to ensure it melts evenly without burning.
Next, coat the outside of sourdough bread slices with the butter mixture. This will create a crispy, flavorful crust as it grills. For the filling, add a generous amount of cheddar cheese and layer in fresh jalapeño or green chili slices for that extra heat. Close the sandwich and grill it until the bread is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted to perfection.
To balance the heat, serve the spicy grilled cheese with a tangy cucumber salad. Combine thinly sliced cucumbers with a splash of vinegar, a pinch of sugar, and a sprinkle of salt. For an extra refreshing touch, pair the meal with ice-cold lemonade infused with a hint of mint.
This Thai-Style Spicy Grilled Cheese, with its crispy crust, melted cheese, and spicy kick, is sure to become a lunchtime favorite.
Luncheon Wine Pairing:
- Neethlingshof Gewürztraminer 2023 It offers flavors of lychee, kiwi fruit, and a hint of orange marmalade.
Dessert: Chocolate Chilli Brownies and Chilli Mango Sorbet Sundae
End your meal on a sweet and spicy note with these delicious spicy date night dishes that are sure to impress and delight. These Chocolate Chilli Brownies bring a subtle warmth and complexity to the rich chocolate flavor.
Chocolate Chilli Brownies
Take your favorite brownie recipe to the next level by adding a teaspoon of cayenne pepper and a hint of cinnamon. This combination brings a subtle warmth and complexity to the rich chocolate flavor. Swirl in a layer of dark chocolate and a dash of your favorite hot sauce, like Tabasco, for an extra kick. Bake the brownies until they’re fudgy and irresistible, with just the right amount of spice to keep things interesting.
Spicy Date Night Dinner Wine Pairing:
- De Krans Cape Vintage Reserve Port: Rich and velvety, with flavors of dark berries and chocolate, perfect for pairing with spicy chocolate brownies.
Chilli Mango Sorbet Sundae
For a refreshing and spicy treat, try a spicy date night dish like this Chilli Mango Sorbet Sundae. This dessert perfectly balances the sweetness of mango, the tang of lime, and the heat of chili, making it a spicy end to your meal.
Blend two ripe mangoes (or use frozen mangoes, about 300–350g if using frozen) with two tablespoons of lime juice, 100g of sugar, and a pinch of red chili powder (about ¼ teaspoon). Freeze the mixture until solid, then serve scoops of the sorbet with a drizzle of honey, one to two finely chopped fresh chilies (or replace with ¼ teaspoon chili powder), and a handful of crushed salted peanuts for crunch. This dessert perfectly balances the sweetness of mango, the tang of lime, and the heat of chili, making it a spicy end to your meal.
Wine Pairing:
L’Ormarins Cape Classique Blanc de Blancs: An elegant and slightly sweet sparkling wine that enhances the flavors of the mango sorbet and balances the heat.
