Side Dishes for Curry (14 Tasty Ideas) (2023)

Looking for the best side dishes for curry? From naan bread to chutney to coconut rice, these tasty dishes are the perfect pair for your curry feast!

Whether sweet, spicy, full of meat or loaded with veggies, I love a good curry.

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Side Dishes for Curry (14 Tasty Ideas) (1)

My issue, however, is knowing what to serve with curry. More often than not, my side dishes usually wind up being… well, rice.

But there are so many more delicious options out there!

So, today, I’m sharing 14 of the top side dishes to serve with curry. Let’s get cooking!

1. Easy Naan Bread

This traditional flatbread is always going to be welcome at my table.

Whether it’s smothered in garlic butter or stuffed with coconut and raisins, I like to use this fluffy bread to mop up any leftover sauce.

Though this is a yeast-based dough, it only needs one rise. This recipe can be made ahead by about an hour, and it will be hot and perfect for dinner.

I like to use my cast iron pan for naan, as the direct heat cooks the bread much better, giving it those dark spots. But you can cook your naan in the oven, too.

2. Roti Recipe

If you’d rather not worry about working with yeast, this recipe is a great alternative. Also a flatbread, roti will come out slightly thinner and less fluffy than naan.

Much like naan, you will need to knead this dough for around 10 minutes until it’s smooth and everything is uniform.

After a quick 30 minute rest, you can knead and portion your roti to size.

Roll with a rolling pin, or flatten with your hands until it reaches the desired thickness, and then cook over a dry pan until it starts to puff up.

3. Mint Chutney

The vibrant colors of Indian food are what drew me to the cuisine. A table full of sauces, meats, and lentils, with dips, chutneys, and samosas is pretty hard to resist.

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This recipe is so much more than mint and calls for garlic, green chilies, lemon juice, and coriander.

It adds such a fresh note to your rice, curry, or grilled meat.

4. Easy Samosa Recipe

Typically made with a spiced potato filling, samosas are such a great appetizer and side.

I keep meaning to try making the dough from scratch, but using store-bought wonton wrappers is such a time-saver.

Once your potatoes are cooked, you’ll want to mash them a little, but not completely. You’ll want some texture to go along with the onion and peas.

5. Aloo Gobi

This dish makes for such a lovely, flavorful side to plain old rice. It’s also much more satisfying. Full of potato and cauliflower, it’s lightly spiced and great for vegans.

Being a one-pot wonder, you can make this in just one skillet, and it’s substantial enough to have as a main course.

If you can’t find the fresh spices, feel free to use ground ginger and turmeric. And adjust the chili flakes to your own spice preference.

6. Raita (Indian Yogurt and Cucumber Condiment)

Given that I really do enjoy Indian food and like it spicy, it’s essential to have a palate cleanser on the table.

This fresh yogurt is perfect for helping cut through the spice and gives your tongue a pleasant break.

I like to make this and keep it close, adding it to everything from my samosas to my chicken biryani.

7. Creamy Cucumber Salad

Texture is super important at every meal we eat. For a lot of Indian food, the texture tends to be on the softer side, and I find myself missing some crunch.

I don’t always have the time or supplies to make up a batch of samosas, but this cucumber salad is a light and refreshing alternative.

Much like the raita above, it can act as a palate cleanser, with its creamy dressing and mild cucumber flavor.

8. Mango Lassi

Not all Indian dishes are savory, and this is one of my favorite desserts. I’m a massive lover of mango and will eat it year-round.

Making it into a milkshake, though, is a stroke of genius. Greek yogurt will give you a nice protein kick, or you could use coconut cream to keep it dairy-free.

I also like to add just a pinch of spice, with cinnamon or cardamom, but it’s just as delicious without.

9. Perfect Jeera Rice

I think I don’t give my rice enough love. This recipe calls for multiple cleansings of the rice and a 30 minutes soak, which I know I always skip.

But the key to this flavorful rice is cooking the spices in butter before you add the rice, which also gets toasted in the spiced butter.

Cooking the spices helps release all the oils and immense flavor, which will then soak right into the rice. It’s fool-proof!

10. Vegetable Pakoras

These spiced Indian chickpea fritters are everything you’ll want out of a crunchy side. Using chickpea flour adds such a unique flavor.

I wouldn’t recommend skipping it since it’s available in most grocery stores these days.

Because it contains potatoes, you’ll want to cut the pretty thin to ensure they’ll cook through in time.

When frying, work in batches to not overcrowd the oil and reduce the temperature too much.

11. Onion Bhajis

I know the dish is not very original, but onion bhajis are just so tasty! I can’t resist!

The batter will seem quite thick, but it will thin out as you coat the onions. They’ll need to be super thinly-sliced so they can cook in the oil.

Like with pakoras, don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches for a couple of minutes on either side until golden brown and crispy.

12. Beet Salad with Arugula and Balsamic Vinaigrette

Salad might not be the first thing you choose to have with a curry, but this earthy beet salad pairs so well with some of the dryer Indian dishes.

Plenty of Indian dishes are served without a bowl of sauce, and this salad will stand up to even the spiciest of kebabs!

13. Avocado Salsa

Much like the minty chutney from above, this fantastic avocado salsa will help to cut through some of the spice with its creaminess.

Try to use fresh jalapenos if possible, as they will give you a more Indian-inspired flavor. And I would probably throw in a pinch or two of cumin.

14. Easy Light Coconut Rice

This is one of my favorite ways to cook rice. Just by switching out the water for coconut milk, you’ll get a light and flavorful dish with so little effort.

I like to make up a bigger batch and then use this coconut rice in other dishes. It tastes excellent with Mongolian beef and pineapple chicken.

Side Dishes for Curry (14 Tasty Ideas) (2)

14 Easy Sides for Curry (Authentic Dinner Menu)

Looking for the best side dishes for curry? From naan bread to chutney to coconut rice, these tasty dishes are the perfect pair for your curry feast!

Directions

  • Select your favorite recipe.
  • Organize all the required ingredients.
  • Prep a side for curry in 30 minutes or less!
Side Dishes for Curry (14 Tasty Ideas) (3)

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FAQs

What vegetables go well with curry? ›

Vegetables: Onion, Carrots, Cauliflower, Broccoli, Bell pepper, Peas, Chickpeas.

What is the most popular side dish in India? ›

Rice. Rice is one of India's staple side dishes. It is widely consumed throughout the country, along with various regional cuisines. Rice, whether savory or sweet, makes its way to the dinner table in some form or another.

What is the most popular side dish? ›

Most Popular Side Dishes
  • Sauteed Asparagus Recipe with Pancetta (BEST Asparagus Recipe)
  • Garlic Mashed Cauliflower Recipe.
  • Homemade Crescent Rolls.
  • Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe.
  • Cheesy Potato Casserole (Hash Brown Potato Casserole Recipe)
  • Crockpot Mac and Cheese.
  • Lemon Parmesan Roasted Broccoli Recipe.

What are popular side dishes? ›

Every great meal has to have delicious sides to complement it! This is a list of amazing side dishes to make at your next family dinner.
  • Fresh green beans.
  • Sautéed zucchini and squash.
  • Fruit salad.
  • roasted veggies.
  • Garden salad.
  • Mashed potatoes.
  • White rice.
  • Mexican corn off the cob.

How can I make curry more interesting? ›

Sizzle your spice:

Kick off your curry by heating whole spices in hot oil to unleash their flavour. Choose from cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and seeds for the perfect base to your dish. Fresh spices are the best choice and will keep for longer in the freezer.

What can you eat with curry instead of naan? ›

Versions of unleavened, pancake-like roti or chapati bread are also ideal accompaniments to spiced sauces.
  • Rice. Some people prefer to serve curry with unadorned rice, so as not to distract from the main event. ...
  • Dhal. ...
  • Potatoes. ...
  • Greens. ...
  • Samosas. ...
  • Chutney. ...
  • Sauces.

What to have with curry that isn t carbs? ›

The most popular low carb alternative is cauliflower rice.

You'll find that this is the most common pairing with keto curries. You can have your low carb curry without cauliflower too. Other vegetables work well too, like shredded cabbage.

What is a signature side dish? ›

A "Signature" dish in a restaurant is usually something a bit different from the normal, so they consider it "their" own creation. Thus, it has their "signature" on it.

How do you pick a good side dish? ›

Menu-planning made easy: how to select side dishes
  1. Balance the richness or weight of dishes. ...
  2. Balance the flavours. ...
  3. Contrast the textures. ...
  4. Contrast the colours. ...
  5. Take the cooking method into account. ...
  6. Consider the ease of preparation.
Aug 17, 2015

What are traditional Indian vegetables? ›

What are the native vegetables in India? Some of the native vegetables to India include cauliflower, cabbage, calabash, chili pepper, eggplant, garlic, lemon, okra, onion, potato, sweet potato, turnip, tomato, taro, fenugreek, coriander, and yams.

What protein goes best with curry? ›

Top 5 Proteins For The Perfect Curry
  • Boneless Chicken Thigh. You can use virtually any part of the versatile chicken in curries but for guaranteed juiciness, nothing beats boneless dark meat. ...
  • Chickpeas or any other Sturdy Legume. ...
  • Roast Duck. ...
  • Mild Mushrooms (straw, button, iinoki) ...
  • Fried Tofu Puffs.
Sep 30, 2021

What kind of vegetables go with Indian food? ›

However, other dishes are based on more familiar vegetables, such as beets, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, cucumber, corn, eggplant, green beans, various greens, okra, onions, peas, peppers, potatoes, radishes, spinach, squash, and tomatoes.

What is Americans favorite side dish? ›

Potatoes, America's favorite side dish.

How many sides should a meal have? ›

With a big party, five sides not only fuels the meal but makes sure that everyone (no matter their dietary preference) has something to enjoy. A salad, a vegetable dish and a starch are a decent place to start, leaving you two dishes to play around with. Salad: Average 1 to 1½ cups of salad per person.

What do you feed a crowd of 10? ›

Cooking For a Crowd: 10 Easy Entrées
  1. 1 Big Batch Meatball Sliders. These sliders are unbeatable and will undoubtedly be a crowd favorite.
  2. 2 Brown Rice With Shrimp and Chorizo. ...
  3. 3 'Lazy' Lasagna. ...
  4. 4 Baked Potato Board. ...
  5. 5 Chicken Balmoral Pie. ...
  6. 6 'Marry Me' Chicken. ...
  7. 7 Mexican Stuffed Roast Turkey. ...
  8. 8 Chili Dogs. ...
Aug 21, 2022

What is the most flavorful Indian curry? ›

The best curries in India that you must try at least once in your life
  • Butter Chicken, Delhi. ...
  • Chaman Kaliya, Kashmir. ...
  • Rabodi ki Sabzi, Rajasthan. ...
  • Malvani fish curry, Maharashtra. ...
  • Chicken Tikka Masala, Punjab. ...
  • Meen Moilee, Kerala. ...
  • Shukto, West Bengal. ...
  • Pork Vindaloo, Goa.
Nov 18, 2021

What is the secret ingredient in Indian curry? ›

Meet Hing: The Secret-Weapon Spice Of Indian Cuisine : The Salt Uncooked, the Indian spice hing may smell of sulfur and onions to some. But add a dash to your food, and magical things happen.

What is the bread eaten with curry? ›

Naan. Naan is probably the most famous of Indian bread. This fluffy, leavened Indian flatbread is best served hot, and even though it is ideal for sopping up the gravy in curry dishes, it also the perfect accompaniment for other popular dishes like tandoori chicken.

How do you eat curry traditionally? ›

In lieu of forks and knives, tear long chunks of bread (in restaurants, that's usually naan) with your right hand, pulling with your thumb and forefinger while holding the rest in place with your other fingers. Wrap this around the food and gravy in your main dish and eat the whole morsel in one scoop.

Can you have bread with curry? ›

Start with the breads

Meat and vegetable dishes are traditionally eaten with rice or flatbreads called naan. You can use the bread as a boat to scoop up your curry, tikka masala, or any stew on your plate. Many dishes are quite soupy in texture, so tear off a piece of bread and dip them in to enjoy.

What is the lowest carb Indian dish? ›

Here are some Indian dishes that are all keto-friendly:
  • Baigan ka bharta. One of the best and more nutritious low carb vegetables is baingan (or brinjal or aubergine). ...
  • Paneer bhurji. If you're on a keto diet, then paneer is going to be your friend. ...
  • Sarso Ka Saag. ...
  • Avial. ...
  • Palak Paneer.

Is curry good for weight loss? ›

Curry contains fenugreek, a seed that helps suppress fat cravings. It may also help control blood sugar too,” says Karen Ansel, M.S., RDN.

What is a table side dish? ›

alongside or at a table, especially in a restaurant: tableside dessert trays; a dish prepared tableside. noun.

What should I bring to a potluck if I don't cook? ›

If you don't have time to cook, there's a world of store-bought food that is acceptable to bring to a potluck. Cheese and crackers, a veggie tray from the produce section or a box of cookies from the in-house bakery are all good options.

Why do we need side dishes? ›

A side dish can really make the rest of your meal sing. It also can add vitamins, minerals, and other important nutrients you may not get from the main course.

What kind of food serve at right side? ›

If the customer's plate is arranged in the kitchen it should be delivered to them from the right side. Pre-plated food (considering the exceptions above), beverages, all empty plates, and utensils should be served from the guest's right. All dishes served from the right need to also be removed from the right.

What are three popular dishes in India? ›

Some typical Indian dishes prepared in the Tandoor include Tandoori Chicken (murg), Tandoori Roti, Butter Naans, Kulchas, Tandoori Gobi and Aloo.

What is India's signature dish? ›

When it comes to famous Indian food, tandoori chicken is at the top of the list. The chicken is prepared by marinating it in yogurt and spices like turmeric, cardamom, coriander, fresh ginger, garlic, red chili and lime juice. Then it's grilled in a tandoor clay oven.

Does pasta and curry go together? ›

Pasta and curry are not traditionally served together, but you can do so if you like! Can you make a one pot pasta dish with raw chicken? When making one pot pasta with chicken, I always recommend cooking the chicken first. This gives the meat more flavor, and ensures that it's well cooked.

What is the accompaniment for Indian food? ›

Accompaniments. Beverages such as lassi, raitas, and chutney are a perfect accompaniment to an Indian meal. Find dozens of recipes from Coriander Chutney to Mango lassi that are perfect for any time of the day. The raita recipes make a perfect side dish to go along with rice dishes and curries.

Is curry usually served with rice? ›

In its simplest form, curry is an Indian gravy or sauce that is used in tandem with meat, tofu, or vegetables. It's served rice, most popularly Basmati rice, and contains many different kinds of spices. Depending on what your recipe calls for, you could have a mild curry or a curry that's super spicy.

Does cheese goes well with curry? ›

Cheese Pairings:

With so many complex flavors in a curry, your best bet is to choose cheeses that are more subtle in taste and texture. Creamy brie and a hard aged goat cheese served at room temperature are the perfect cheeses to let these delicious olives shine.

What to add to a curry to make it tasty? ›

Kick off your curry by heating whole spices in hot oil to unleash their flavour. Choose from cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and seeds for the perfect base to your dish. Fresh spices are the best choice and will keep for longer in the freezer.

What accompanies Thai curry? ›

Thai curries are best served with rice because it has a fairly neutral flavour that allows you to fully appreciate the complex taste of the curries. The rice also works as the perfect sponge to soak up the Thai curry sauce, which is often a thinner consistency than other curries.

Which type of potato is best for curry? ›

Which Potatoes are the Best for Curry
  • Yukon Gold. I prefer Yukon Gold potatoes when cooking curries, because they have a slight buttery flavor and creamy texture thanks to their medium starch content.
  • Red Potatoes. They don't need to be peeled before cooking and hold their shape well when cooked.
  • Russet.
Oct 9, 2020

What are complementary protein dishes? ›

And here are some common meal items that naturally complement each others' proteins: Beans and rice or tortillas. Peanut butter sandwich. Macaroni and cheese. Tofu with rice (or any grain)

What two condiments are often served with Indian dishes? ›

The three main condiment types in the Indian repertoire are chutneys, raitas, and achaar, or pickles.

What are the 5 accompaniments of appetizers? ›

Accompaniments of appetizers
  • ACCOMPANIMENTS OF APPETIZERS.
  • 1.Sauces.
  • Dips.
  • Condiments.
  • Pickles.
  • Fruits.
  • GUIDELINES IN THE SELECTION OF APPETIZERS.
  • Avoid the repetition of ingredients.
Aug 25, 2020

What rice do you eat with Indian food? ›

Rice is one of the most loved staple foods in Indian households. Basmati rice makes the perfect combo with traditional Indian curries and various other dishes. Lemon rice is also one of the best rice dishes that Indians love.

Is tikka masala a curry? ›

Tikka Masala is a curry dish served in a brown or spicy red sauce that originated in South Asia. On the other hand, butter chicken has a creamy tomato-based sauce with shredded chicken or cubes of chicken breast pieces. It originates from Punjabi cuisine but is popular across India.

Can I eat curry by itself? ›

However, as any Indian will tell you, curry is not meant to be eaten alone. What is this? You need to temper the intense spicy flavors with a side dish.

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