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What to Serve With Indian Lemon Rice: 15 Best Side Dishes

Elevate your Indian Lemon Rice by pairing it with delightful side dishes that enhance its tangy and aromatic flavors. Try Yogurt Raita, a creamy, invigorating blend of yogurt, cucumber, and spices. Add crunch with crispy Papadums, thin crackers made from lentil or chickpea flour. Spicy pickles, like mango or lime, provide a fiery contrast. Cucumber salad adds a cooling, crunchy touch, while Coconut Chutney offers a creamy, fresh flavor. Don't stop there—discover more side dishes that will make your meal truly unforgettable.

Yogurt Raita

cool and creamy condiment

Yogurt Raita is a traditional Indian side dish that offers a cool and creamy complement to the tangy flavors of Indian Lemon Rice. This invigorating dish is made with yogurt, grated cucumber, tomatoes, onions, and spices like cumin and coriander, enhancing the meal's overall taste.

It not only balances the tanginess but also adds a nutritional boost with probiotics and vitamins, making it a perfect addition.

Crispy Papadums

delicious indian snack food

Adding a contrasting texture to the creamy Yogurt Raita, Crispy Papadums are thin, crunchy Indian crackers made from lentil, chickpea, or rice flour, perfect for enhancing the overall dining experience with Indian Lemon Rice.

These gluten-free and vegan crackers come in various flavors like plain, garlic, or masala, complementing the tangy rice beautifully. Easy to prepare, Papadums add flavor and crunch to your meal.

Spicy Pickles

crunchy tangy and flavorful

Complementing the mild tanginess of Indian Lemon Rice, spicy pickles introduce a burst of fiery flavor and complex textures to the meal.

Typically made from vegetables like mango or lime, these pickles add a tangy and spicy accompaniment that contrasts beautifully with the tangy taste of the rice.

This combination enhances the overall dining experience, making it one of the most favored side dishes.

Cucumber Salad

refreshing summer side dish

Cucumber salad, often lauded for its rejuvenating qualities, serves as an ideal side dish to balance the tangy and aromatic flavors of Indian Lemon Rice. This invigorating dish complements the meal by adding a crunchy texture and cooling element.

Quick and easy to prepare, cucumber salad enhances the overall dining experience, offering a light and nutritious accompaniment to the flavorful rice.

Coconut Chutney

south indian breakfast staple

Coconut chutney, a quintessential South Indian condiment, pairs exquisitely with the tangy zest of Indian Lemon Rice, enhancing the meal with its creamy texture and fresh flavors.

This versatile South Indian side dish, made with coconut, green chilies, mustard seeds, and curry leaves, can be adjusted for spiciness.

Easy to prepare in advance, coconut chutney guarantees a hassle-free, delightful dining experience.

Aloo Gobi

spicy indian cauliflower dish

Aloo Gobi, a classic Indian side dish made with potatoes and cauliflower, brings a warm and comforting contrast to the vibrant flavors of Indian Lemon Rice.

Cooked with aromatic spices like cumin, turmeric, and coriander, Aloo Gobi complements and balances the meal perfectly.

The soft textures of potatoes and cauliflower add satisfaction while enhancing the overall dining experience with its delicious and wholesome taste.

Paneer Tikka

delicious indian grilled cheese

Paneer Tikka, a beloved Indian appetizer, features marinated paneer cubes and vegetables grilled to achieve a smoky and spicy flavor profile.

This flavorful side dish pairs wonderfully with Indian Lemon Rice. The combination of soft paneer and crispy vegetables adds a delightful texture, enhancing the tangy rice.

Often enjoyed with mint chutney or yogurt dip, it creates a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Chana Masala

indian chickpea curry recipe

Following the smoky and spicy notes of Paneer Tikka, Chana Masala offers a hearty and flavorful complement to Indian Lemon Rice.

This protein-rich side dish, made with chickpeas and a blend of spices, adds depth and satisfaction to your meal.

The customizable spice levels guarantee it suits any palate, creating a balanced and delicious pairing with the zesty Lemon Rice.

Vegetable Samosas

delicious indian appetizers stuffed

Vegetable samosas, with their crispy exterior and savory filling of potatoes, peas, and spices, offer a delightful textural contrast to the tangy Indian Lemon Rice. These savory pastries make perfect appetizers or side dishes.

Served with tamarind or mint chutney, they add an extra burst of flavor. Together, they create a satisfying and well-rounded meal, balancing flavors and textures beautifully.

Baingan Bharta

spicy roasted eggplant dish

Baingan Bharta, a quintessential North Indian side dish, brings a smoky, rich flavor that harmonizes beautifully with the tangy essence of Indian Lemon Rice. Made with roasted eggplant, onions, tomatoes, and spices, this flavorful and nutritious dish adds a creamy texture to the meal.

The combination delivers a well-balanced, satisfying dining experience, making it a perfect accompaniment to Indian Lemon Rice.

Tandoori Chicken

delicious indian oven roasted dish

Tandoori Chicken, a beloved staple of Indian cuisine, is renowned for its marinated blend of yogurt and spices, then roasted or grilled to achieve a smoky and flavorful profile.

This dish's bold spices and juicy, tender meat complement the tangy taste of Indian Lemon Rice. Together, they create a visually appealing and delicious meal, balancing spicy, savory, zesty, and invigorating flavors.

Dal Tadka

flavorful lentil soup dish

Dal Tadka, a quintessential Indian lentil dish, pairs beautifully with Indian Lemon Rice, creating a harmonious blend of tangy and earthy flavors.

This side dish, made with lentils and aromatic spices like cumin and mustard seeds, offers a rich source of plant-based protein.

The combination of Dal Tadka and Lemon Rice provides a balanced meal, delivering carbohydrates, proteins, and essential nutrients.

Masala Pappad

spicy indian snack delight

Complementing the rich and hearty Dal Tadka, Masala Pappad offers a crunchy and flavorful contrast with its spicy and tangy toppings.

This side dish features crispy pappadums topped with a zesty mix of onions, tomatoes, and chilies, perfectly enhancing the light citrusy taste of Indian Lemon Rice.

Quick to prepare, Masala Pappad adds a delightful twist to any meal.

Mango Chutney

spicy sweet tangy condiment

Mango chutney, with its sweet and tangy profile, serves as an excellent condiment to enhance the flavors of Indian lemon rice. This side dish, made from ripe mangoes, sugar, vinegar, and spices, brings a burst of tropical flavor and complements the dish's tanginess.

Whether homemade or store-bought, mango chutney is a versatile and vibrant accompaniment, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.

Are the Best Side Dishes for Indian Lemon Rice also Suitable for Fried Rice?

When it comes to the best side dishes for vegetarian fried rice, many of these options can also complement Indian lemon rice. Dishes like stir-fried vegetables, tofu in spicy sauce, or crispy sesame tofu can pair well with both types of rice, adding variety and flavor to your meal.

Onion Pakoras

fried indian snack favorite

Onion pakoras, with their crispy texture and rich flavor, are an ideal complement to Indian lemon rice. This side dish, also enjoyed as a teatime snack, offers a crunchy, flavorful contrast to the tangy rice.

Made from thinly sliced onions, gram flour, and spices, onion pakoras are easy to prepare and are best served with a variety of chutneys.