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What to Serve With Dhal: 15 Best Side Dishes

Enhance your dhal with these mouthwatering side dishes for a delightful dining experience. Serve basmati rice for a harmonious pairing that contrasts wonderfully with dhal's rich flavors. Naan bread, especially garlic or butter naan, offers a soft, chewy texture that enhances each bite. Traditional roti adds a wholesome, comforting touch. For something cooling, cucumber raita balances the spices perfectly. Mango chutney brings a sweet and tangy contrast. Other great options include lemon rice, carrot salad, coconut chutney, and spiced potatoes. These sides not only complement dhal but also create a well-rounded meal you won't forget. Discover more delicious companions ahead.

Basmati Rice

fragrant long grain rice

Accompanying dhal with basmati rice creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that enhances the overall dining experience.

The long, fluffy grains of basmati rice, when cooked with aromatic spices, provide a delightful contrast to the creamy dhal.

Mastering the cooking technique is essential to achieve perfectly cooked rice, ensuring it complements the dhal without overpowering its rich, savory notes.

Naan Bread

delicious indian flatbread option

Naan bread, with its soft and chewy texture, is another excellent companion to dhal, offering a delicious way to scoop up and savor every bite.

Garlic naan, with its aromatic flavor, and butter naan, rich and creamy, complement the spices in dhal beautifully. These variations add depth, making each mouthful a delightful experience.

Serve warm for the best taste and texture.

Roti

indian flatbread for dipping

Roti, a traditional Indian flatbread, offers a wholesome and versatile option to pair with dhal. Homemade roti, freshly prepared on a hot skillet, brings a comforting touch to your meal.

There are many roti varieties, such as plain, butter, or stuffed with spices and vegetables. Each type adds its unique flavor, making it a delightful companion to the savory dhal.

Cucumber Raita

cool and creamy condiment

Complementing the hearty roti and dhal, cucumber raita offers a rejuvenating and cooling side dish that enhances the overall dining experience.

This yogurt dip, made with fresh cucumber, delivers a soothing cooling effect that balances the spices in dhal.

The creamy texture of the yogurt combined with the crispness of cucumber creates a delightful contrast, making it a perfect companion for your meal.

Mango Chutney

tangy and sweet condiment

Mango chutney, with its sweet and tangy profile, provides a vibrant contrast to the savory flavors of dhal. This delightful condiment combines sweet tang with spice blends, enhancing each bite.

The rich flavors of ripe mangoes mixed with aromatic spices create an irresistible pairing. Its sweetness and mild heat balance the earthy tones of dhal, making every mouthful a delightful experience.

Pickled Onions

tangy condiment for burgers

Another excellent accompaniment to dhal is pickled onions, which introduce a sharp and tangy element that enhances the dish's overall complexity.

Their flavor balance complements the creamy texture of dhal perfectly.

The preparation method is simple: soak thinly sliced onions in vinegar, salt, and sugar.

This quick-pickling process infuses the onions with a delightful zest, making them an ideal side dish.

Papadum

delicious indian crispy snack

Papadum is a thin and crispy flatbread that is an ideal accompaniment to dhal, adding a delightful crunch to the meal.

With various papadum varieties available, such as spiced, plain, or lentil-based, they cater to different tastes.

Cooking techniques include frying for a traditional texture or microwaving for a healthier option.

This versatile side dish enhances the dining experience with its satisfying crispiness.

Mixed Vegetable Curry

vibrant and flavorful dish

A mixed vegetable curry complements dhal perfectly, offering a medley of flavors and nutrients to the meal.

By combining various vegetables, you can create diverse flavor profiles that enhance the dhal.

Simple cooking techniques like sautéing and simmering allow the vegetables to blend harmoniously.

This curry not only adds vibrant colors to your plate but also provides a wholesome, satisfying dining experience.

Saag Paneer

indian spinach and cheese

Saag Paneer, a classic North Indian dish, provides a rich, creamy contrast to the earthy flavors of dhal. Paneer preparation involves cubing fresh cheese, then lightly frying it until golden.

The Saag ingredients typically include spinach, mustard greens, and spices like cumin and garlic, cooked until smooth. Together, they create a delightful, savory pairing that elevates the dhal experience.

Aloo Gobi

indian cauliflower and potato

Aloo Gobi is a beloved vegetarian dish in Indian cuisine. It combines tender potatoes and cauliflower with a blend of aromatic spices. When preparing, make sure the vegetables are evenly cut for consistent cooking, and use fresh spices for the best flavor.

The health benefits of Aloo Gobi include being rich in fiber and vitamins, making it a nutritious side dish to pair with dhal.

Tomato Salad

fresh summer garden delight

Tomato salad, with its vibrant colors and invigorating taste, serves as a perfect accompaniment to dhal, adding a burst of freshness to the meal.

Fresh herbs like cilantro and mint elevate the salad's flavor, while a tangy dressing made of lemon juice and olive oil brings a delightful zest.

This combination not only complements the dhal but also enhances the overall dining experience.

Lemon Rice

refreshing citrus infused rice dish

Lemon rice, with its bright and tangy flavor, provides a delightful contrast to the creamy and spiced notes of dhal.

The citrus flavor from the lemon zest adds a rejuvenating burst, making each bite invigorating.

This side dish is simple to prepare yet highly effective in enhancing the overall meal experience, ensuring that every mouthful feels light and satisfying.

Carrot Salad

healthy and colorful dish

Carrot salad, with its vibrant color and invigorating crunch, pairs exceptionally well with dhal, adding a layer of texture and brightness to the meal.

Made with finely grated carrots and a light salad dressing, this side dish enhances the dining experience by providing a revitalizing contrast.

The simplicity of the ingredients allows the natural sweetness of the carrots to shine, complementing the savory notes of dhal perfectly.

Coconut Chutney

tangy coconut sauce recipe

Coconut chutney, with its creamy texture and subtle sweetness, serves as an excellent accompaniment to dhal, enhancing its flavors with a revitalizing contrast.

Made with fresh coconut milk, this chutney brings a delightful balance to the meal.

There are many chutney variations, incorporating ingredients like roasted chana dal, green chilies, and coriander, allowing for personal customization and an array of taste experiences.

Spiced Potatoes

delectable roasted spiced potatoes

Complementing the vibrant flavors of coconut chutney, spiced potatoes bring a hearty and aromatic element to the meal, enriching the overall dining experience with their robust seasoning.

Potato samosas, filled with a delightful blend of spices, or aloo tikki, crispy potato patties, are perfect choices. These dishes offer a satisfying contrast to the soft texture of dhal, making the meal more enjoyable.