15 Sweet & Savory Date Night Recipes to Keep the Spark Alive

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Sushi

A super light meal that won't weigh you down is sushi. With a bit of technique, you can roll it yourself at home, especially since making it together is an event in itself.

Ingredients (serve 2):

• 1 1/4 cups sushi rice
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 4 nori sheets
• 1 carrot, cut into thin strips
• 1 avocado, cut into thin strips
• 1 packet surimi sticks
• About 7 oz fresh fish (sushi quality; e.g., tuna, salmon)
• Soy sauce
• Pickled ginger
• Wasabi paste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the sushi rice according to the package instructions. Dissolve about 1/2 teaspoon of sugar in 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar and heat. Slowly stir the warm vinegar into the freshly cooked warm rice. The faster the rice cools afterward, the better it will stick together.
2. For maki sushi, place a nori sheet with the rough side up on a bamboo sushi rolling mat and spread a thin layer of sticky rice over it, covering about 3/4 of the sheet. Leave about 1/2 inch of space from the edge.
3. Place a thin strip of carrot and avocado in the center. Then add surimi sticks or the desired fish. Roll everything tightly so that the ends of the nori sheets stick together. First, cut the roll in half, then place the halves side by side and cut into approximately 1/2 inch wide sushi rolls.
4. For nigiri sushi, shape small mounds of rice and place a small filet of fresh fish on top. If desired, you can secure it with thin strips of nori. Arrange together with the maki sushi.
5. Place in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Serve with soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi paste.

Tip: If you want heart shapes in your sushi, use a heart-shaped cutter to shape the rice or ingredients for the filling and work around the heart. This requires some patience, whether you are arranging maki or nigiri.