Spicing up the plate is one of the most vibrant and delicious aspects of Indian cuisine! With its intricate use of various spices such as turmeric, coriander, cardamom, ginger, etc., these foods have an incredible depth of flavor. In fact, the rich flavors found in many Indian dishes can sometimes be overwhelming for some diners, which is why it’s essential to balance them out with complementary sides.
And that’s exactly what I’m excited to share with you today: 21 side dish ideas that will elevate your Indian main course and add a memorable touch to any celebration, whether it’s a casual gathering or a special occasion like Diwali.
Basmati Rice
Knowing that Indian cuisine is all about bold flavors, it’s essential to start with a simple yet versatile base. A perfect accompaniment to any Indian dish is steamed basmati rice, renowned for its distinct long and slender grains as well as its enticing fragrant aroma. For those seeking an added kick, consider mixing in some turmeric and golden onions to create a spicy variation. Alternatively, you can try infusing your basmati with tomatoes, lentils, and spinach to give it a creamy twist.
Pulao
Understanding the nuances of Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine reveals the significance of Pulao, a pilaf that has gained immense popularity in these regions. Unlike its cousin dishes, it can be prepared using various grains such as couscous, cracked wheat, or more commonly, rice.
The cooking process involves simmering rice in a rich broth loaded with an assortment of ingredients including meat, vegetables, fruits, and a blend of spices, which ultimately contributes to the dish’s distinct flavor profile.
Chapati
Bread enthusiasts, rejoice! Chapati (or roti) is a must-try with your curry, paneer, or masala. Interestingly, chapati’s name originates from the Hindi word ‘chapat’, which literally means ‘to slap’. This refers to the traditional method of forming dough by slapping the flour mixture between the palms, a technique that dates back to the past. Modern-day chapatis are made by baking a simple mixture of wheat flour, water, and salt on a griddle.
With various delicious variations available, such as paneer or cheese chapati, vegetable-stuffed chapati, radish chapati, and more, there’s something for everyone. What sets chapati apart is its versatility – it’s the perfect accompaniment for thick stews due to its ability to scoop up both meats and sauces with ease.
Naan Bread
While naan is undoubtedly delicious on its own, its true value lies in its versatility as a complement to various Indian dishes. Many people often confuse it with chapati and roti, which are essentially the same thing, but let me clarify the distinction between these flatbreads. Unlike chapati/roti, which is unleavened and therefore thinner in texture, naan contains yeast, resulting in its signature fluffy and pillowy texture.
But that’s not all – aside from plain naan, it can also be enjoyed buttered or stuffed with a variety of ingredients like garlic, mutton, or potatoes.
Puri
Elevating the humble puri to new heights, this crisp bread is deep-fried in vegetable oil or ghee, resulting in a puffy, golden delight that’s stunning to behold. Whether served as a side dish to creamy stews and spicy curries, or filled with mashed potatoes and other vegetables for a satisfying breakfast option, the versatility of puri knows no bounds. But did you know it can even be enjoyed as a sweet treat?
The combination of ripe mangoes or semolina halwa and crispy puri is a match made in heaven.
Rasam
Despite its origins rooted in traditional Indian cuisine, Rasam has undergone significant transformations over time. This tamarind juice-based soup, infused with a blend of spices including cumin, chili, lemon, pepper, and tomatoes, boasts a unique tanginess that makes it an excellent appetizer. In the past, Rasam was prepared using only two primary ingredients: tamarind and black pepper.
However, as culinary innovations have swept across various regions, multiple variations of this traditional soup have emerged, such as Nellikkai (gooseberry) Rasam, Vepam Poo Rasam (featuring neem flowers), and Inji Rasam (accentuated by ginger).
Pakora
Essentially, pakora is a crispy and savory deep-fried dish that typically consists of potatoes and other vegetables such as eggplant or cauliflower, although meat can also be used. The ingredients are seasoned with a blend of spices including salt, chili, turmeric, and various other seasonings to enhance the flavor. This popular street food has gained widespread acceptance in many parts of the world and is often enjoyed at casual gatherings or as an appetizer.
When served with a side of chutney for dipping, pakora becomes an even more irresistible treat that’s sure to satisfy any craving.
Papadum
Hailing from Indian cuisine, papadum is a delicious and versatile flatbread that has gained popularity worldwide. Made with ingredients such as chickpea flour, rice, gram, or lentils, its texture can range from crispy to soft depending on the recipe. Variations like masala papadum add an extra layer of flavor with the addition of black pepper, cumin, garlic, and chili, while others, such as jackfruit papadum, incorporate the sweet taste of jackfruit into the mixture.
Even simpler versions like rice papadum are boiled under the sun to achieve a unique texture. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of condiments like chutney or raita sauce, papadum is a great snack option. Its uses extend beyond snacking too – it can be used as a side dish for curries or even as a vessel to scoop up the main course.
Dhal
Often confused as being similar to other types of lentil-based dishes, dhal is actually a distinct culinary creation that originates from the Indian subcontinent. It’s a soup made from either lentils, beans, or peas, offering an assortment of flavors and textures to complement various Indian meals. One notable variety, Chana dhal, utilizes chickpeas in its preparation. Another example, Toor dal, employs split pigeon peas as its main ingredient.
Additionally, the celebrated makhani dhal is crafted from a combination of black lentils and red kidney beans. This specific type gains its signature flavor profile through the addition of ginger, garlic paste, chili peppers, and tomato sauce, resulting in an extremely rich taste experience. The name ‘makhani’ indeed translates to ‘butter’ in Hindi, which explains the copious amounts used in its preparation, adding to its allure.
Serving dhal with a dollop of yogurt or cream can elevate its flavor, while pairing it with naan or chapati creates an authentic Indian dining experience. Moreover, serving it alongside curry and butter chicken only adds to its appeal, making it a truly satisfying meal.
Keema
Keen cooks will appreciate the complexity of flavors in this curry meat stew, which is loaded with potatoes and green peas, and seasoned with a variety of aromatic ingredients including onions, ghee, garlic, chili, ginger, and garam masala. This hearty dish can be served as a main course, typically paired with naan or chapati, but its rich flavors also make it an excellent filling for samosas, adding depth to this popular snack.
Papri Chat
Papri chat is a quintessential street food in North India, renowned for its unique combination of flavors and textures. The dish consists of crispy fried wafers, known as chapris, topped with chickpeas, potatoes, yogurt, and tamarind chutney. The addition of cilantro, mint, and other spices elevates the flavor profile to a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and tangy notes.
Moreover, the contrasting textures of crunchy wafers and creamy toppings make it an irresistible treat that’s sure to delight your friends and family. Adding this popular North Indian dish to your menu is guaranteed to be a hit!
Bombay Potato
You can’t go wrong with the flavors of Bombay potato, a hearty side dish that’s bursting at the seams with flavor. The combination of fried cubed and boiled potatoes is elevated by the addition of salt, pepper, garam masala, turmeric, mustard seeds, curry powder, chili powder, and garlic, creating a truly mouth-watering experience. Just picture all those incredible flavors coming together in one delicious dish!
Chole
Popular among many for its rich flavor and versatile serving options, Chole is a delicious curry dish made with chickpeas, which can be served alongside various types of Indian flatbreads such as puri, naan, or roti. Typically, the chickpeas are combined with a medley of ingredients including tomatoes, onions, garlic, and ginger pastes, before being simmered in a savory curry sauce that is sure to delight even the most discerning palates.
Chutney
Often described as the quintessential Indian sauce, a good chutney is hard to resist – it’s sweet, spicy, and tangy all at once. Whether it’s a luscious mango chutney, a rich and complex tamarind chutney, or a refreshing tomato chutney, there’s a flavor for every palate. And let’s be honest, it’s a must-have at any Indian-themed party – its versatility and depth of flavor make it a staple in many cuisines.
Palak Paneer
Zeroing in on the flavors of India, this vegetarian dish stands out from the rest. Although I’m not a vegetarian myself, palak paneer is one of my top choices to order at an Indian restaurant – its rich and creamy taste is just irresistible. Palak paneer’s simplicity belies its incredible flavor, achieved by combining cottage cheese with spinach and blending it with a medley of aromatic Indian spices.
When you take a bite, the subtle yet distinct flavors explode in your mouth, making every moment worthwhile. Pairing it with any type of flatbread creates a delightful side dish experience that’s truly unforgettable.
Upma
Carefully crafted to be a humble accompaniment to rich Indian dishes, Upma is a porridge made from rice flour or dry semolina. Its relatively bland taste makes it an ideal side dish that won’t overpower the flavors of more elaborate meals. When served on its own, Upma provides a soothing and comforting base for other ingredients to shine, while the addition of nuts, beans, and spices can elevate its flavor profile in a significant way.
In some Indian regions, cooks take their creativity further by incorporating shredded coconut, corn, and milk to give Upma a richer, creamier texture.
Samosa
Having traveled to various parts of India, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for the diverse range of Indian cuisine, particularly when it comes to their savory snacks. One snack that stands out is the samosa, which bears some resemblance to its Mexican counterpart, the empanada. Like empanadas, samosas are essentially fried or baked pastries filled with a choice of meat or vegetable fillings.
In terms of appearance, samosas come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including triangular, conical, and half-moon forms. On the outside, they present themselves as crispy and golden brown, while on the inside, they boast a savory and juicy flavor profile that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. Traditionally, the pastry dough used for samosas is made with maida flour and ghee, although filo pastry can also be employed as an alternative.
When it comes to the fillings themselves, you have the option of using minced meat combined with spinach, and infusing them with a medley of spices including garam masala. Samosas are often enjoyed on their own or served alongside chutney and yogurt for added depth of flavor. Interestingly, samosas also come in a sweet variety, featuring fruit fillings such as mango, pomegranate, and raisins that add a delightful twist to the classic savory snack.
Malai Kofta
Known for their rich flavors and delightful textures, Malai koftas are an excellent choice for vegetarians who crave something savory and satisfying. Typically made from a combination of mashed potatoes, beans, carrots, corn, and peas, these Indian-inspired meatballs are elevated by the addition of spices and paneer or cheese, which infuses them with a subtle creaminess.
Rasgulla
Taking the traditional approach to desserts, many people believe that they should only be served after meals. However, why not break free from this rule? Rasgulla are small, round dumplings made with chena and semolina dough, offering a unique twist on dessert presentation. Their distinct flavor comes from being cooked in a sugar-based syrup.
Modak
Laden with rich flavors and textures, Modak is another beloved Indian dessert that has captured the hearts of many. This delightful treat consists of a steamed, fried, or boiled dumpling filled with a sweet mixture, typically made from grated coconut and jaggery or cane sugar. However, not all varieties of modak are created equal – some use bananas, saffron, and nutmeg to create a more complex and intriguing filling.
Interestingly, according to Hindu tradition, Modak holds a special significance as it is said to be the favorite sweet treat of Lord Ganesha, making it a popular choice for religious offerings during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.
Barfi
Notably, the barfi takes its place on our list due to its unique characteristics, stemming from its Indian origins. Derived from the Persian word ‘barf’, meaning snow, this dessert is made by combining condensed milk, sugar, and ghee, which gives it a distinctively snowy texture. Additionally, barfi can be enjoyed in various forms, as is, or with added flavors such as nuts, fruits, saffron, and rose water.
21 Indian Sides (+ Easy Dinner Menu)
Instructions
Highlighting quick and easy meals is a great way to prepare a delicious recipe in no time, and selecting your favorite dish from a list of options can help streamline the process. Once you have chosen a recipe that suits your taste buds, it’s essential to make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand, so be sure to organize them before starting.
By doing so, you’ll not only save time but also reduce stress in the kitchen, and with most recipes taking 30 minutes or less to prepare, you can enjoy a satisfying meal without feeling overwhelmed.
