What to Serve With Curry: 15 Best Side Dishes

When serving curry, pairing it with the right side dishes can truly transform your meal. Start with basmati rice, a fragrant and fluffy staple that absorbs curry flavors beautifully. Naan bread, soft and pillowy, is perfect for scooping up rich sauces. For a invigorating touch, try cucumber raita, a revitalizing yogurt-based condiment. Add a sweet and tangy twist with mango chutney. Don't forget papadum, a crispy flatbread that adds texture to your plate. Each of these sides complements curry in unique ways, enhancing both flavor and dining experience. Discover more delightful options to create the perfect curry feast.

Basmati Rice

delicate aromatic long grain

Basmati rice, often considered the quintessential accompaniment to curry, offers a fragrant and fluffy complement that enhances the overall dining experience.

Infused with aromatic spices, this long-grain rice variety absorbs flavors beautifully. Simple cooking techniques, such as rinsing before boiling and using the right water-to-rice ratio, guarantee perfect texture and taste, making it an ideal partner for richly spiced curries.

Naan Bread

delicious indian flatbread option

Naan bread, a soft and pillowy flatbread, serves as a perfect vessel for soaking up the rich sauces of curry dishes.

With naan variations like garlic, butter, and stuffed, there's a choice for everyone.

For a crispier texture, cook naan on a hot skillet until it bubbles, or bake in a preheated oven.

Quick and versatile, naan complements any curry meal beautifully.

Cucumber Raita

refreshing yogurt cucumber dip

Cucumber raita, a rejuvenating yogurt-based condiment, provides a cooling contrast to the heat and spice of curry dishes. The yogurt benefits include aiding digestion and adding a creamy texture, while cucumber variations—such as grated or diced—offer invigorating flavors.

This simple yet effective side dish balances the meal, making it more enjoyable and easing the palate from intense spices.

Mango Chutney

tangy condiment with fruit

Mango chutney, with its sweet and tangy profile, serves as a delightful complement to the robust flavors of curry. This condiment's flavor profile balances the spicy and savory notes of the main dish.

For an ideal experience, consider preparation tips such as using ripe mangoes and adding a touch of chili for heat. A well-made chutney enhances the overall dining experience.

Papadum

indian crispy lentil bread

Papadum, a thin and crispy Indian flatbread, adds both texture and flavor to any curry dish. This delightful side can be prepared using various cooking techniques, such as frying or microwaving, to achieve its signature crunch.

Serve papadum alongside your curry with chutneys or dips for an extra layer of taste, making it a versatile and appealing addition to your meal.

Onion Bhajis

delicious indian fried snack

Onion bhajis are deep-fried fritters made from spiced gram flour and thinly sliced onions. They provide a savory and crispy complement to any curry dish. Preparation methods involve mixing the onions with spices, coating them in gram flour batter, and frying until golden brown.

For serving suggestions, pair these bhajis with tangy chutneys or cooling raita to balance their rich flavors and enhance your meal.

Aloo Gobi

indian vegetable dish popular

Aloo Gobi is a classic vegetarian dish composed of potatoes and cauliflower cooked with a medley of spices. It is a flavorful and hearty accompaniment to any curry meal.

This dish offers spicy variations that cater to diverse palates and is an excellent addition to vegetarian options. Its rich blend of spices and textures complements the main curry, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Samosas

delicious fried indian pastries

In addition to Aloo Gobi, samosas serve as a delightful appetizer or side dish that pairs well with curry. They offer a crispy pastry filled with spiced potatoes, peas, and sometimes meat. These versatile treats come with various filling options and are often enjoyed with dipping sauces like mint chutney or tamarind sauce. This adds a tangy complement to the rich flavors of curry.

Garlic Rice

savory side dish option

Garlic rice serves as an aromatic and flavorful side dish that enhances the overall dining experience when paired with curry. Its rich flavor profile, featuring the bold taste of garlic, complements the spices in curry beautifully.

The preparation method is simple: sauté minced garlic in oil, then cook the rice in this fragrant mixture, ensuring each grain absorbs the delightful flavors.

Chana Masala

flavorful indian chickpea dish

Chana Masala is a robust and hearty chickpea curry that offers a delightful combination of spices that perfectly complements any curry meal.

The intricate spice blend, featuring turmeric, cumin, and coriander, enriches the dish with vibrant flavors.

For serving suggestions, consider pairing Chana Masala with basmati rice or naan bread, allowing the rich, aromatic sauce to be savored with every bite.

Mint Chutney

savory green herb sauce

Mint chutney is an invigorating and tangy condiment that elevates the flavors of curry dishes. It offers a zesty combination of fresh mint, coriander, and spices. This fresh herb-based dipping sauce is not only vibrant in color but also adds a rejuvenating contrast to the rich and spicy notes of curry. Perfect for dipping naan or drizzling over rice, it enhances every bite.

Pickled Vegetables

fermented vegetable preservation method

Adding a delightful crunch and tang to your meal, pickled vegetables serve as an excellent accompaniment to curry dishes.

Fermented cabbage, such as spicy kimchi, brings a unique flavor that complements the rich spices in curry.

These tangy, zesty sides not only enhance the taste but also add an invigorating contrast, making your dining experience more balanced and enjoyable.

Coconut Rice

sweet and savory dish

Coconut rice offers a subtly sweet and creamy complement to the bold flavors of curry. Made with coconut milk, it brings a tropical flair to your meal.

The rich texture and delicate sweetness of coconut rice balance the savory spices in curry dishes, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

This side dish not only enhances the meal but also provides a delightful, exotic twist.

Dal Tadka

indian lentil soup recipe

Dal Tadka is a classic Indian lentil dish that offers a nutritious and flavorful accompaniment to any curry. Made from yellow lentils, this dish is elevated by tempering spices like cumin, mustard seeds, and garlic.

The combination of creamy lentils and aromatic spices creates a delightful harmony that complements the richness of curry, making it an essential side dish for a well-rounded meal.

Are the Best Side Dishes for Chicken Bastilla also Suitable for Serving With Curry?

When considering the best side dishes for chicken bastilla, it’s important to remember that many of these options also work well with curry. Dishes like couscous, roasted vegetables, and mixed green salads can complement both the savory flavors of chicken bastilla and the spicier notes of curry.

Kachumber Salad

healthy indian cucumber salad

A invigorating counterpart to the hearty Dal Tadka, Kachumber Salad brightens up the meal with its crisp, fresh vegetables and tangy dressing.

This simple yet flavorful salad combines juicy tomato chunks, crunchy cucumbers, and zesty onions, all tossed in a revitalizing lime dressing.

The vibrant colors and bold flavors create a perfect balance, making it an ideal side dish for any curry.