What To Serve With Chana Masala? 10 Best Side Dishes

Not sure what to serve with chana masala?

Look no further!

I’ve gathered 10 side dishes that pair perfectly with this savory and aromatic Indian dish.

From comforting basmati rice to roasted lemon potatoes, these sides are flavorful, filling, and a wonderful complement to any meal.

If you love chana masala as much as I do (which is a lot!), then you know that it takes more than just the dish itself to make an amazing dinner.

And this list of ten accompaniments will have everyone going back for seconds!

Delight in traditional favorites such as raita and naan, or try something new like potato cheeseballs or fig chutney.

And don’t forget about dessert – sweet gulab jamun won’t disappoint!

With recipes like these, your next dinner party will be unforgettable.

Why Consider Serving Sides with Chana Masala?

Ah, why consider serving sides with chana masala? Well, let me count the ways.

Actually, let me just give you five reasons, because let’s face it, I’m too hungry to count any higher than that.

1. Variety is the Spice of Life: First of all, if you’re going to eat the same thing every day, you might as well be in prison. And if you’re going to eat chana masala every day, you might as well be in solitary confinement. Mixing it up with some tasty side dishes will add some much-needed variety to your life, and your palate will thank you.
2. Texture is Everything: Let’s face it, chana masala can be a bit mushy. But, pair it with some crispy papadum or fluffy naan bread, and you’ve got a party in your mouth. Texture is everything when it comes to food, and adding some crunchy, chewy, or crispy sides to your chana masala will take your meal to the next level.
3. Balancing Act: Chana masala is delicious, but it’s also pretty heavy. Adding some lighter sides like cucumber salad or roasted vegetables will help balance out the meal and prevent you from feeling like a stuffed turkey.
4. The More, the Merrier: Let’s be real, chana masala is great, but it’s even better when it’s part of a larger spread. Serve it with some samosas, aloo gobi, and mango chutney, and you’ve got yourself a feast fit for a king. Or queen. Or anyone who’s hungry, really.
5. It’s the Law: Okay, it’s not actually the law to serve sides with chana masala. But it might as well be. It’s like serving fries without a burger, or pancakes without syrup. It’s just not right. So, do the right thing, and serve some delicious sides with your chana masala. Your taste buds will thank you.

What To Serve With Chana Masala? 10 Best Side Dishes

Chana masala is a delicious Indian dish, but it can be hard to know what to serve with it.

Here are ten side dishes that will pair perfectly with this flavorful meal:

1. Basmati Rice

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Basmati Rice – the perfect accompaniment to any Chana Masala.

These aromatic grains are known to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to this classic Indian dish.

Their delicately long and fluffy texture compliments the thick, flavourful gravy just right.

Plus, it’s also a great way to soak up all that deliciousness!

And let’s face it; what goes better with curry than fragrant basmati rice?

It’s as if they were made for each other 🥰

2. Naan Bread

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Naan bread – the soft, flavorful, and oh-so delicious flatbread to accompany your chana masala.

It’s like a warm hug to your taste buds – always there when you need it most.

Nothing quite compares to its pillowy texture and buttery flavor.

Plus, it makes for an excellent dipper! From soaking up all that spicy sauce to scooping up every last morsel of chickpeas, naan bread is truly a trusty sidekick.

But don’t let their versatility fool you – if prepared correctly, these bad boys can even be served as the main course.

Simply top with some fresh veggies or fine cheeses for an elevated experience that’ll surely leave your guests in awe.

3. Papadum

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Papadum, the perfect sidekick to your chana masala.

Let’s face it, a bowl of this comforting dish can be lonely without a side partner.

And there’s no better accompaniment than these crunchy flatbread crackers.

They add texture and flavor in equal measure– think of them as an invisible layer of thandai between your taste buds and that delicious spicy gravy.

Plus, they’re so versatile: you can serve them plain or dip them in yoghurt or tamarind sauce for extra oomph.

So pour yourself a glass of lassi and get ready to have takeout night done right with papadum!

4. Raita

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Raita, oh raita!

This creamy, refreshing yogurt-based dish is the perfect companion for any plate of chana masala.

Think of it like a soothing hug after a long day.

Its cooling flavors help to balance out the spices and heat in the dish.

Plus, its light and fluffy texture will surely add that extra layer of comfort to your meal.

But don’t be fooled by its simple ingredients – cucumbers, onions, herbs and spices – this special mix has all you need to make each bite better than the last one.

So next time you’re craving some delicious Indian cuisine, be sure to add some raita on the side — you won’t regret it!

5. Aloo Gobi

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This potato and cauliflower combo is like a party for your taste buds – with notes of cumin, coriander, and turmeric dancing across your tongue.

But what makes Aloo Gobi so special is its versatility.

Not only does it pair perfectly with chana masala, but it can be spiced up or dressed down to suit whatever meal you have in mind.

And don’t worry if you don’t have time whip this up from scratch – pre-made frozen versions can add just as much flavor!

Aloo Gobi may not be the star of the show here, but trust us when we say that you won’t regret adding this delicious sidekick to your plate.

6. Cucumber Salad

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Tips your cap to cucumber salad – the perfect sidekick for a plate of chana masala.

It’s like a tangy and refreshing splash of water on your tastebuds’ front porch.

Between the creamy chickpeas, rich spices, and cool crunch of the veggies, all you need is a scoop of this chilled salad to complete the meal.

And no one ever said that healthy has to be boring — top it with some fresh cilantro, mint, or whatever herbs you’re feeling!

Afterall, food should always be fun.

And with cucumber salad by its side, chana masala is sure to bring smiles all around 🙂

7. Roasted Vegetables

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When it comes to side dishes, roasted veggies are the perfect harmony for chana masala.

The warm, comforting spices of the curry blend in like a symphony with a medley of tender roasted vegetables.

From colourful bell peppers to dreamy aubergines and crunchy carrots – let your imagination run wild on this one!

Throw everything onto a baking sheet, season with some extra spicy chana masala, drizzle some olive oil and you’ll be rewarded with an utterly mouth-watering veggie side dish. 🤩

8. Samosas

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Sometimes a dish needs a little crunch and samosas are here to provide it.

The delicate, golden-brown turnovers can be filled with anything from potatoes and peas to lentils and paneer, allowing you to tailor this classic side dish to your liking.

One bite of these crispy wonders and suddenly you’re in the middle of a Mumbai street food market, taking in all its inviting aromas.

Whether traditional or creative, no Indian meal is complete without them!

9. Bhatura Bread

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Bhatura bread – the star of the show when it comes to sides for Chana Masala.

It’s like a balloon full of warm air you can eat.

Light and fluffy, just one bite will take your breath away!

And who doesn’t love a good carb?

It’s like combining two of our favorite things in life: carbs and comfort food.

With its buttery texture and delicate spices, Bhatura bread adds just enough flavor to round out this delicious dish.

So if you’re ever at a loss for sides, breathe easy – because Bhatura is here to save the day!

10. Mango Chutney

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Mango chutney – the perfect companion to any Chana Masala.

It’s like a yin and yang in Indian cuisine; bringing balance to this delicious dish.

The sweetness of mangoes combined with spices and vinegar make an irresistible combination that adds just the right amount of tanginess.

And let’s not forget, chutneys are really versatile too!

Use as a condiment or even use it as part of your marinade – you can’t go wrong either way.

Together with the Chana Masala it creates an explosion in your mouth that you won’t be able to get enough of!

Conclusion

In conclusion, chana masala is an Indian dish that is both flavorful and versatile.

There are many sides that can be served with it to create a delicious and complete meal.

Some of the best side dishes to serve with chana masala are basmati rice, naan bread, papadum, raita, aloo gobi, cucumber salad, roasted vegetables, samosas, bhatura bread, and mango chutney.

All of these sides provide texture, flavor, and nutrition to the meal and will make sure that your chana masala dinner is one to remember.

So next time you’re in the mood for some Indian cuisine, be sure to try these side dishes to elevate your chana masala experience.