If you’ve made a tasty curry but don’t know what to serve it with, check out our list of Indian side dishes, from naan to dhal.
Looking for Indian sides? Whatever the time of year, we know goodfood. com users absolutely love a curry. When we like a spicy, hearty dish, we like to pair it with a lot of different side dishes. And no, we’re not just talking about that old jar of mango chutney that’s been sitting in the back of the cupboard.
Curry chicken is a beloved dish across many cultures. Lots of different side dishes go well with the fragrant, mildly spiced sauce because they bring out the flavors. Finding the right sides to go with curry chicken can really turn the meal into a feast. This article will talk about 22 tasty side dishes that go well with curry chicken.
An Overview of Curry Chicken
Curry chicken features tender chicken pieces simmered in a sauce flavored with curry powder and spices like coriander, cumin, turmeric, ginger, and garlic The sauce is creamy and rich, with a warm yet mild spiciness. Traditional curry chicken has origins in Indian, Thai, and Japanese cuisines It can be prepared in many ways – fried, baked, or simmered in the fragrant sauce. The versatility of curry chicken has made it popular worldwide.
When serving curry chicken, side dishes play an important role in balancing flavors and textures. The right sides can soak up the flavorful sauce, provide a cooling contrast, add crunch, and round out the nutrition profile of the meal. Here are 22 delicious options to consider when deciding what goes with curry chicken.
22 Side Dishes to Serve with Curry Chicken
1. Rice
One of the most traditional ways to serve curry chicken is with rice. The mild flavor and fluffy texture go well with the rich sauce. Basmati rice is the most popular and aromatic type, but jasmine or long grain white rice also work well for soaking up curry sauce. For extra flavor, coconut milk added to rice is a great combination.
2. Naan
Naan, a traditional Indian flatbread, is another highly popular pairing with curry chicken. The chewy, soft bread easily soaks up sauce. Try brushing naan with garlic-infused ghee or topping with melted cheese for extra flavor. Naan can be purchased ready-made or homemade fairly easily.
3. Chutneys
With the richness of curry chicken, chutneys add a burst of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors that go well together. With its sweet and sour taste of tropical fruits, mango chutney is a classic choice. Tamarind chutney has a unique sweet-sour taste, while mint chutney has a cool herbal note. They all enhance the flavor journey of the meal.
4. Raita
Raita is a yogurt-based sauce that goes well with curry chicken and helps cool it down. Grated cucumber and fresh herbs add brightness. The creamy base cools you down to balance out the sharp heat of the curry spices. Raita aids in digestion too.
5. Cucumber Salad
A light cucumber salad offers similar cooling, crunchy refreshment as raita alongside curry chicken. A vinaigrette or yogurt dressing can enhance the fresh flavors. Cucumber salad provides hydration and nutrients like Vitamin K.
6. Samosas
For texture contrast, try crispy samosas stuffed with spiced potatoes and peas. The flaky pastries pair wonderfully with the rich curry sauce for dipping. Samosas can also be filled with minced meat or lentils. They add fun finger food flair.
7. Vegetable Pakoras
Like samosas, vegetable pakoras provide crispy crunch. These savory fritters feature spices like cumin, coriander, and chili powder. Popular versions include paneer, spinach, onion, potato, cauliflower, or mixed vegetable pakoras. They make a light, appetizing accompaniment.
8. Poppadoms
Crispy poppadoms or papads serve as excellent vehicles for scooping up curry sauce. These wafer-thin, savory discs typically made from lentil flour provide subtle flavor and delightful cracker-like crunch. They come in a range of spices too.
9. Lentil Dal
Lentil dal is a staple in Indian cuisine that offers protein and fiber along with curry chicken. Red, yellow, brown, or green lentils can be simmered with aromatic spices into a thick, creamy pot. The earthy, hearty flavors pair nicely with curry.
10. Roasted Vegetables
For nutrition-packed color and flavor, roasted vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, Brussels sprouts, or squash make flavorful additions to a curry chicken dinner. Toss vegetables in olive oil, salt, pepper, and spices before roasting to caramelized perfection.
11. Green Salad
A simple green salad tossed with a vinaigrette provides fresh contrast and nutrients. Lettuce, spinach, kale, cabbage, arugula, or mixed greens work well. Toppings like tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers, and onions add interest.
12. Cauliflower Rice
For a low-carb alternative to regular rice, try cauliflower rice. Simply pulse raw cauliflower florets in a food processor into rice-sized pieces. Saute with aromatics like garlic and ginger. Cauliflower soaks up sauce nicely.
13. Quinoa
Quinoa has an appealing fluffy yet slightly crunchy texture. Its mild, nutty flavor allows the curry chicken to shine. Quinoa also boasts more protein than rice or grains. Toss it with vegetables for a more complete meal.
14. Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes or crunchy roasted potatoes pair wonderfully with curry chicken, soaking up the luscious sauce. Potatoes provide hearty satisfaction along with potassium and fiber. They can be seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and garlic.
15. Garlic Bread
Warm, crispy garlic bread makes for satisfying dipping into the rich curry sauce. The garlicky flavor complements curry spices brilliantly. Focaccia, baguette, or ciabatta work well. Add herbs for extra dimension.
16. Roti
In Indian cuisine, roti flatbread frequently accompanies curry chicken. Typically made with whole wheat flour, roti has a pleasant chewiness that works well with soaked-up sauce. Plain, garlic, or butter-topped roti all make nice partners.
17. Fried Plantains
For a touch of sweetness, try fried plantains. Their subtly sweet flavor and crispy texture offset the richness of curry chicken pleasantly. Popular in Caribbean, Latin, and African cuisines, they can be fried ripe or unripe.
18. Mango Salsa
Fresh mango salsa provides a refreshing, tropical twist next to curry chicken. Diced mango, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and chili peppers create vibrant flavor and texture contrast on the plate. Pineapple salsa also pairs well.
19. Coconut Chutney
Coconut chutney offers a creamy, slightly sweet complement to curry chicken’s savory spices. Blending shredded coconut, yogurt, herbs, chili, and spices creates an easy chutney. The coconut amplifies the curry’s richness.
20. Spinach Saag
In Indian cuisine, spinach saag stew frequently accompanies curry chicken. Chopped spinach cooks down with aromatics into a silky puree ideal for scooping up curry sauce. It provides a nutrition boost too.
21. Green Beans
For a pop of color and crunch, green beans – either steamed and seasoned or stir-fried with soy sauce and sesame oil – make bright, crisp accompaniments to curry chicken. They have a mild, versatile flavor.
22. Papaya Salad
Spicy papaya salad provides a Southeast Asian approach to pairing with curry chicken. Shredded papaya, tomatoes, chilies, fish sauce, lime, and peanuts create atangy, savory salad that complements curry’s vibrancy.
The options for what to serve alongside curry chicken are practically endless. By including a variety of flavors, textures, temperatures, and nutritional profiles, you can craft a well-rounded and immensely satisfying curry feast. Experiment with different side dishes to find your favorite pairings. The right sides can truly enhance this beloved curry chicken dish into a memorable dining experience.
Our favourite side dishes for curry
If you love to mop up curry sauce with a pillowy naan, we have recipes that’ll youll want to try. If you’ve never made your own bread before, Indian flatbreads are a good place to start. Tom Kerridges quick flatbreads couldn’t be simpler – the dough doesnt require any resting and, after kneading for a couple of minutes and dividing, the balls of dough are roughly flattened ready to be fried.
Anjum Anand’s grilled flaky naans will need a few hours for the dough to rest, but they are packed with a heady mixture of spices, including ajwain seeds, which are a little like an extra-pungent thyme. Try our peshwari naan stuffed with honey, roasted almonds and cashews for a touch of sweetness to offset your curry. Alternatively, our easy naan bread recipe is made in a frying pan. For a plant-based alternative, try our vegan naan.
If you’re nervous about working with dough, we have ideas for sprucing up shop-bought naans, too. These cheeses
Thepla bread is another popular Indian flatbread. Our version of this Indian bread with courgettes & coriander is made in a frying pan. Versions of unleavened, pancake-like roti or chapati bread are also ideal accompaniments to spiced sauces. Or make these puffed up ajwain puris flavoured with carom seeds.
Bhajis and pakoras
Our classic pakoras, our chicken pakoras for a change, and our courgette pakoras are all deep-fried and lightly spiced treats that you can try.
The Crowd Goes Mild Curry
FAQ
What food goes well with chicken curry?
Our favourite side dishes for curryFlatbreads. If you love to mop up curry sauce with a pillowy naan, we have recipes that’ll you’ll want to try. Bhajis and pakoras. Indian street food snacks. Rice. Dhal. Potatoes. Greens. Samosas.
What is a good side dish with curry?
Basmati Rice : Fluffy basmati rice is a classic choice, as it soaks up the curry sauce beautifully. Naan Bread : Soft and warm naan is perfect for scooping up curry. Raita : A cooling yogurt-based side, such as cucumber raita, helps balance the spices in the curry. Vegetable SamosasChickpea Salad.
What is typically served with curry?
There are a few dishes that eat best with curry. These include rice, naan bread, dal, and chutney. Each dish has a unique flavor that perfectly complements the curry. Nov 23, 2022.