Indian cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors and diverse presentation. At the heart of this culinary tradition lies a deep understanding of seasonal vegetables, which are transformed through various cooking techniques to bring out their inherent taste. The key to creating an exciting plate of Indian side dishes lies in regularly rotating the options to prevent palate fatigue.
With modern kitchens offering a multitude of preparation methods – from baking and boiling to steaming, roasting, stir-frying, sautéing, air-frying, and Instant-Potting – there’s something for everyone. Interestingly, India has designated the pumpkin as its national vegetable. Given the importance of consuming a balanced diet, it’s fortunate that many Indian side dishes feature an array of vegetables.
Some commonly used spices in Indian cuisine include turmeric, cumin, nutmeg, coriander, cardamom, and saffron, which often combine to create unique flavor profiles. The art of blending seemingly disparate flavors is also a hallmark of Indian cooking. With so many options, let’s embark on a journey to explore 23 delectable Indian side dishes and discover our new favorites.
Turmeric Rice
Indian cuisine offers an array of comforting and flavorful side dishes that can elevate any meal. One such dish is turmeric rice, which is surprisingly easy to prepare. The key to its success lies in the simple yet effective combination of sautéed butter, onion, and garlic, which sets the stage for a rich and aromatic flavor profile. By adding turmeric and chicken broth to the cooked rice, you can create a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
Sauteed Green Beans with Coconut
Indian cuisine is renowned for its flavorful and nutritious vegetable dishes, and green beans are no exception. The simplicity of this recipe belies its rich and complex flavor profile, which can be achieved by following a few straightforward steps.
Begin by steaming the green beans until they’re tender, then heat some oil in a pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them sizzle for a minute before introducing the green beans, turmeric, salt, coconut flakes, and red chilies.
Stir-fry everything together for another five minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the ingredients to reach a harmonious balance.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its clarity and ease of execution. With each step meticulously outlined, you’ll feel confident and empowered to recreate this dish with precision and flair.
Indian Spiced Potatoes
Indian cuisine boasts an array of delectable potato dishes, with numerous methods for preparation. While this recipe may involve multiple steps, careful planning beforehand will enable a seamless cooking experience, ultimately requiring no more than 20 minutes to complete.
Easy Bombay Potatoes for a Homemade Takeaway
Indian cuisine is renowned for its diverse array of side dishes, each boasting a unique set of ingredients. For those who prefer the humble potato over traditional rice accompaniments, this recipe may just take top honors. The added bonus of an accompanying video that demonstrates the preparation of spices only adds to its appeal. The incorporation of tomato also lends a rich, saucy flavor profile. Best of all, this recipe is simplicity itself, making it accessible to cooks of all skill levels.
Kachumber | Indian Cucumber Salad
Indian cuisine’s side dishes are renowned for their pungent aromas, tantalizing the senses and leaving a lasting impression. This vibrant salad is best savored when freshly prepared, with its flavors melding together in harmony. The versatility of green chili allows for adjustments to suit individual taste preferences, ranging from subtle warmth to bold heat. Meanwhile, the judicious addition of lemon juice adds a bright, citrusy note that perfectly balances the dish.
Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower
While Indian cuisine boasts a vast array of delectable side dishes, cauliflower takes center stage in this delightful recipe. The key to bringing out its inherent sweetness lies in roasting the florets with a carefully curated blend of spices – turmeric, cumin, coriander, and paprika.
This straightforward process allows for two versatile options: enjoying them hot off the oven, garnished with fresh cilantro for an added burst of flavor; or prepping them in advance and incorporating them into a variety of dishes, making it an ideal addition to your meal planning repertoire.
Easy Marinated Tomatoes
When it comes to Indian vegetable side dishes, this one is surprisingly straightforward. The magic happens when you transform large, ripe tomatoes into visually appealing round slices, reminiscent of wagon wheels. Next, whisk together a marinade comprising olive oil and aromatic spices, then pour the mixture over the tomato slices. Allow the flavors to meld by covering and chilling for a couple of hours before serving.
The end result is a dish that’s not only easy on the eyes but also bursting with flavor.
Masala Street Corn
Street corn, a staple of Indian cuisine, particularly in Mumbai, owes its unique flavor profile to the artful combination of grilling with ghee, garam masala, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. This versatile dish can be enjoyed not only straight off the cob, but also served in a bowl for added convenience.
Aloo gobi matar recipe | Punjabi
As I delve into authentic Indian cuisine, I’m struck by the unfamiliar terminology used in traditional side dish recipes. Case in point: the seemingly simple potato, cauliflower, and green peas stir-fry, which I’ll be exploring in its dehydrated form here.
Celeriac Bhaji – A Low Carb Indian Side Dish
Abandoning the realm of potato-based Indian side dishes, we shift our focus to a low-carb alternative featuring celery root as the star ingredient. This recipe’s unique combination of flavors includes garlic, ginger, chilies, and an array of spices. With clear and concise instructions, this dish is sure to delight even the most discerning palate.
Easy Raita
While raita is often considered a supporting actor, it’s capable of stealing the show as a standalone condiment or pairing perfectly with Indian side dishes. Its versatility stems from numerous variations that can be achieved by incorporating different main ingredients or spices. One particularly refreshing take on this yogurt-based delight features cucumber as its star player, resulting in a creamy and cool treat.
Easy Indian Creamed Spinach
When preparing baby spinach for Indian-inspired dishes, a crucial first step is combining it with various vegetables and traditional spices. The key to unlocking its full flavor potential lies in removing excess water from the cooked spinach before incorporating the sautéed spice blend. This ensures the flavors meld together harmoniously. Finally, adding heavy cream takes the dish to new heights of richness and creaminess.
Indian Chapati (Roti) Flatbread with Cumin
In many Indian households, bread plays a crucial role in complementing various sides at mealtime. In some cases, the bread itself can be the main event! This recipe for unleavened flatbread is remarkably speedy to prepare and cooking sans oil makes it an added bonus.
With only five ingredients required, this dish is simplicity personified. However, you may need to venture out to find that special Atta flour that gives Indian bread its unique flavor and texture.
Quick Masala Peanut Chaat
Chaat, a quintessential street food, effortlessly transcends its humble origins to become a versatile snack or integral part of Indian side dish recipes. The secret to its widespread appeal lies in its trifecta of qualities: flavor, crunch, and the limitless possibilities offered by interchangeable toppings – from fruits to vegetables. Depending on the establishment, it may be referred to as chakna.
What’s more, preparing chaat is a breeze; simply dice, chop, mix, toss, and serve – the perfect recipe for a stress-free culinary experience.
Easy Baked Cabbage
One of my go-to side dishes in Indian cuisine is undoubtedly baked cabbage. This dish has won me over with its simplicity and versatility. With a few quick steps – slicing, seasoning, baking, and serving – you’ll be treated to a culinary delight that’s not only delicious but also low-carb and budget-friendly. The best part? You can easily customize it using whatever ingredients you have on hand. It’s the perfect recipe for anyone looking for a tasty, no-fuss option.
Masala Onion Salad Recipe | Masala Pyaaz
While spiced onions may not be an immediately familiar Indian side dish, it’s a hidden gem that deserves attention. This flavorful condiment is perfect for elevating a variety of entrees with its subtle onion taste infused with expertly added spices. The vibrant visuals only add to its appeal.
Indian Style Broccoli Stir Fry
While raw broccoli may not be your cup of tea, this recipe can easily transform it into a flavorful and aromatic dish. The key is in the simplicity of stir-frying, which can elevate any vegetable from dull to delightful in just a few minutes. What sets this Indian-inspired broccoli stir-fry apart is the strategic addition of Garam Masala powder and Chaat Masala powder, two uniquely Indian spices that add depth and warmth to the dish.
Easy Vegetable Biryani
The complexity of Indian cuisine lies in its versatility, with recipes ranging from straightforward to intricate. This particular dish, however, takes a unique approach by blending the simplicity of turmeric rice with the comforting combination of potatoes and vegetables. A notable aspect is its spicy kick, which can be easily adjusted to suit individual tastes.
Moreover, the recipe’s adaptability allows for easy customization, making it an appealing option for both seasoned cooks and newcomers alike.
Easy Eggplant with Yogurt Sauce
Indian cuisine offers a plethora of delectable side dish recipes that are best served cool. Among these treasures, one recipe stands out for its ability to complement spicy dishes perfectly. The preparation involves searing eggplant circles with a mixture of tomato paste and onion, followed by the creation of a yogurt-based sauce infused with cilantro and seasonings.
After combining the two components, the dish is ready to be served at room temperature, allowing the flavors to meld together in harmony.
Baked Spinach Cauliflower Pakoras
Indulge in the delightful flavors of India with these delectable vegetable pakoras! When cooked to perfection using oven-baking or air-frying techniques, they offer a satisfying contrast between crispy exteriors and tender interiors – making them an excellent accompaniment to your favorite curry. The process is surprisingly straightforward: simply chop cauliflower and spinach, blend into a flavorful paste, and drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet.
Be sure to flip halfway through cooking and keep a watchful eye to prevent burning. With minimal effort, you’ll be rewarded with a visually appealing and utterly scrumptious treat.
Easy Kadai Paneer
Paneer, a staple in Indian cuisine, is renowned for its adaptability as a versatile recipe for various side dishes. This popular dish often accompanies a flatbread, such as naan or roti, which requires careful balance of spices to elevate the overall dining experience.
Indian Spicy Little Side Salad
Indian cuisine offers a diverse array of side dishes, but salads are particularly popular for their freshness and flavor. One standout recipe that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds is a spicy Indian salad that packs a punch from the very beginning. To get started, make sure you’re prepared for the heat! Begin by gathering the following ingredients: crisp lettuce, refreshing cucumber, juicy tomatoes, pungent onion, fiery red chillies, fragrant coriander, and tangy lemon juice.
As you assemble these ingredients, it’s clear where the spicy kick comes from – the bold presence of red chillies. With these flavors combined, you’ll be treated to a truly unique and mouth-numbing experience.
Puri
Puri, a quintessential Indian treat, is characterized by its unique puffing nature, resulting in a light and airy texture. This crispy bread is an integral part of various festivals and events, serving as a classic side dish that complements a range of traditional Indian dishes. When preparing puri at home, it’s essential to utilize the correct type of wheat flour, specifically ‘Chapati atta’, which can be found at specialty stores rather than typical American grocery shops.
The Bottom Line
Indian cuisine boasts an array of delectable side dishes that showcase a medley of vegetables, each infused with distinct flavors. The art of seasoning is crucial in elevating the taste of any dish, and Indian recipes offer a unique playground for experimentation. From experimenting with aromatic spices to exploring the depth of chutneys, the possibilities are endless. For those seeking inspiration, our curated list of Indian sides offers a comprehensive guide to explore.