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What to Serve With Lentils and Rice: 15 Best Side Dishes

Elevate your lentils and rice with these 15 delightful side dishes that add flavor, nutrition, and color. Consider roasted vegetables, seasoned with herbs and olive oil, or garlic naan, a soft and flavorful flatbread. Tzatziki sauce made from yogurt and cucumber offers a tangy twist, while Greek salad brings freshness with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese. For a sweet and tangy option, try mango chutney. Other excellent choices include sautéed spinach, baked falafel, cucumber raita, avocado salsa, pickled red onions, mashed sweet potatoes, spicy kimchi, lemon yogurt, creamy hummus, and tangy feta cheese. You'll discover how these sides can transform your meal.

Roasted Vegetables

healthy and delicious side dish

Roasted vegetables serve as a perfect complement to lentils and rice, adding both nutritional value and a depth of flavor.

Using herb seasoning and olive oil, these vegetables become crisp and aromatic.

Simply toss your favorite veggies—like carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini—in olive oil with a sprinkle of herbs, then roast until tender.

This side dish brings a delicious and healthy balance to your meal.

Garlic Naan

delicious indian bread option

Garlic naan, with its soft texture and rich, savory flavor, serves as an excellent accompaniment to lentils and rice. Originating from the Indian subcontinent, naan is a versatile flatbread that enhances any meal.

The garlic benefits not only add a delightful aroma but also bring health advantages, such as immune support. This delightful pairing creates a harmonious and satisfying dining experience.

Tzatziki Sauce

creamy greek yogurt dip

Another excellent accompaniment to lentils and rice is tzatziki sauce, an invigorating and creamy dip made from yogurt, cucumber, and herbs.

This homemade recipe offers significant health benefits, including probiotics from yogurt and vitamins from fresh cucumbers.

Easy to prepare, tzatziki sauce adds a revitalizing and tangy flavor that complements the earthiness of lentils and rice, making it a delightful addition.

Greek Salad

healthy mediterranean meal option

A classic Greek salad, with its vibrant mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese, serves as an invigorating and nutritious side dish to complement lentils and rice.

The tangy feta toppings add a delightful contrast to the hearty grains, while dressing variations, such as lemon vinaigrette or red wine vinegar, offer invigorating flavors.

This simple yet flavorful salad enhances any meal.

Mango Chutney

tasty mango chutney recipe

With its sweet and tangy profile, mango chutney provides a flavorful contrast that enhances the savory elements of lentils and rice.

This versatile condiment, with its unique sweet tanginess, pairs beautifully with the earthy flavors of lentils and rice, creating a balanced and delightful meal.

It's an excellent choice for those seeking to elevate their dishes with a touch of exotic flair.

Sautéed Spinach

savory spinach saut ed perfectly

Rich in nutrients and quick to prepare, sautéed spinach makes an excellent accompaniment to lentils and rice.

Loaded with health benefits, spinach offers vitamins A, C, and K, along with iron and calcium.

For best flavor, sauté spinach with garlic and a dash of olive oil.

Remember to cook just until wilted to preserve its vibrant color and nutritional value.

Baked Falafel

crispy chickpea fritters recipe

Baked falafel guarantees a flavorful and healthy alternative to fried versions, making it an ideal side dish for lentils and rice.

Made from a chickpea mixture, these falafels are packed with herbs and spices.

The baking technique guarantees they are crispy on the outside yet tender inside.

This method also reduces oil usage, making the dish lighter and equally delicious.

Cucumber Raita

cool yogurt cucumber dip

Cucumber raita provides a revitalizing and cooling contrast to the hearty flavors of lentils and rice. This side dish, with its yogurt base, combines the cooling properties of fresh cucumber with creamy yogurt, making it a perfect accompaniment.

The simplicity of preparation and the invigorating taste it brings guarantee that your meal is both balanced and delightful, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Avocado Salsa

delicious and healthy dip

What better way to add a burst of freshness and flavor to your lentils and rice than with a vibrant avocado salsa? This delicious side dish offers a perfect flavor pairing with its creamy, tangy notes.

For preparation tips, simply dice avocados, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, then mix with lime juice and a pinch of salt. It's simple, yet wonderfully invigorating!

Pickled Red Onions

vibrant tangy purple delight

Often considered a versatile condiment, pickled red onions bring a tangy and slightly sweet contrast to the hearty flavors of lentils and rice. Their vibrant flavor profile enhances the dish, making every bite more interesting.

For preparation tips, simply soak thinly sliced red onions in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and salt. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes to achieve the perfect balance.

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

comfort food with flair

Mashed sweet potatoes provide a creamy, subtly sweet complement to the robust flavors of lentils and rice. Their flavor profile, featuring natural sweetness and earthy undertones, pairs well with the savory dish.

Rich in vitamins A and C, mashed sweet potatoes offer significant health benefits, promoting eye health and immune support. They add both nutritional value and a delightful taste contrast.

Spicy Kimchi

tangy and fermented cabbage

Spicy kimchi guarantees a tangy, fermented flavor that enhances the depth and complexity of lentils and rice. Its rich, spicy taste pairs well with the hearty dish, providing a delightful contrast.

Additionally, the probiotic benefits of kimchi contribute to gut health, making it both a tasty and nutritious addition.

This combination secures a balanced and flavorful meal that is both satisfying and wholesome.

Lemon Yogurt

healthy citrus breakfast option

Lemon yogurt introduces an invigorating and creamy contrast to the earthy flavors of lentils and rice. The tangy zest of lemon brightens the dish while the smooth yogurt cools the palate.

For added depth, consider garnishing with marinated olives. This combination creates a delightful balance, offering a revitalizing and flavorful side that complements the main course beautifully.

Hummus

chickpea dip with tahini

Hummus, with its rich and creamy texture, serves as a perfect complement to the hearty combination of lentils and rice. Its smooth consistency and nutty flavor enhance the earthy notes of lentils.

For delightful flavor combinations, consider serving hummus with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika. These serving suggestions create an inviting dish that balances taste and texture beautifully.

Can the same side dishes be served with both lentils and rice, and lentil dahl?

Yes, the same side dishes can be served with both lentils and rice, and lentil dahl. Some of the best side dishes for lentil dahl include naan bread, cucumber raita, and a mixed vegetable curry. These dishes complement the flavors of the dahl and add variety to the meal.

Feta Cheese

greek salad ingredient essential

Feta cheese, with its tangy and salty profile, offers a sharp contrast that elevates the flavors of lentils and rice. Crumbled feta sprinkled on top adds a delightful texture and burst of flavor.

For a creamy alternative, a smooth feta dip can be served on the side, providing a rich and savory complement that enhances the overall dining experience.