What To Serve With Indian Lemon Rice? 15 Best Side Dishes

Not sure what to serve with Indian lemon rice?

Look no further – I’ve got you covered!

Indian cuisine is known for its vibrant and varied flavors.

Seriously, every dish has an amazing array of spices and herbs, making it feel like a party in your mouth.

Read Also: Indian Food Wine Pairing – The Best Wines for Indian Food

While the stars of the show tend to be curries or tikkas, freshly cooked basmati rice is usually front and center too.

Today we’re talking specifically about Indian lemon rice: a seriously delicious side dish that combines tart citrus with satisfying grains.

But how do you make this classic combo even better?

By pairing it with some equally delicious sides!

I present you 15 appetizing side dishes for Indian lemon rice so flavorful that your guests will remember them long after the plates are cleared away!

Why Consider Serving Side Dishes With Indian Lemon Rice?

As someone who loves a good Indian meal, I can give you three reasons why serving side dishes with Indian lemon rice is a great idea.

• Add a Burst of Flavor: Firstly, adding side dishes to your Indian lemon rice will give your taste buds a burst of flavor. While lemon rice is already tasty on its own with its tangy and zesty flavor, adding a side dish will give you a wider range of flavors to play with. The sweet and tangy taste of mango chutney or the spicy kick of chana masala can be the perfect complement to the lemon rice, elevating the taste experience to a whole new level.
• Nutritional Boost: Secondly, serving side dishes with Indian lemon rice can add a nutritional boost to your meal. Let’s face it, sometimes carbs can be the main component of an Indian meal, especially when you’re having rice. Adding a side of vegetables, such as aloo gobi, palak paneer, or baingan bharta, can give you a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals. Not to mention, dishes made with lentils, like dal fry, can give you a good source of plant-based protein.
• Variety is the Spice of Life: Lastly, serving side dishes with Indian lemon rice can bring variety to your plate. If you’re anything like me, you love to try new things and experiment with different flavors. Adding different side dishes to your lemon rice can help you discover new flavors and textures that you may not have tried before. Plus, it can be a fun way to mix and match different flavors to find your perfect combination.

What To Serve With Indian Lemon Rice? 15 Best Side Dishes

Indian lemon rice is one of the most popular and flavorful dishes in Indian cuisine.

But what should you serve with it?

Here are fifteen delicious side dishes that will go perfectly with your Indian lemon rice:

Cucumber raita

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Oh, cucumber raita! This side dish is a game-changer when it comes to Indian cuisine, and I absolutely can’t get enough of it.

Whenever I’m indulging in a fiery Indian meal, I know that cucumber raita is there to save the day.

The cool, creamy yogurt mixed with fresh diced cucumber, herbs, and spices creates a refreshing and satisfying experience that I crave time and time again.

It’s like a superhero that swoops in to save the day, taming the flames of any spicy dish and cooling my taste buds down to a manageable level.

Mango chutney

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Oh, mango chutney, my dear old friend! This sweet and tangy condiment has always been my go-to for spicing up my Indian meals.

There’s something about the perfect blend of mangoes, sugar, and spices that hits all the right notes in my taste buds.

Whether I’m using it as a dipping sauce or a topping for my naan bread, it always brings a burst of flavor to my meals.

Sometimes, I even find myself sneaking spoonfuls of mango chutney straight from the jar, but let’s keep that between us. If you’re looking to add a little something extra to your Indian lemon rice, mango chutney is the way to go, my friend!

Papadum

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Ah, papadum, the ultimate crispy snack to accompany any Indian meal. These thin, wafer-like flatbreads made from lentil flour are a true staple of Indian cuisine.

I mean, who needs chips when you have papadum?

It’s like a satisfying crunch party in your mouth! Plus, they’re so versatile!

You can use them to scoop up some cucumber raita or mango chutney, or you can even crumble them on top of your lemon rice for some extra texture. The possibilities are endless!

So, whether you’re munching on them as a snack or using them as a side dish, papadum will always have a special place in my heart (and stomach!).

Aloo gobi

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Aloo gobi, oh how I love thee! This traditional Indian dish made with potatoes, cauliflower, and a blend of aromatic spices is a staple in my home.

The combination of crispy potatoes, tender cauliflower, and fragrant spices is pure magic for my taste buds. And let’s not forget the aroma!

One whiff of aloo gobi cooking on the stove, and my mouth is watering like a fountain.

It’s the perfect side dish for Indian lemon rice, and it’s hearty enough to be a meal on its own.

I always make sure to have a big bowl of aloo gobi on hand whenever I’m craving some comfort food.

Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for it!

Dal fry

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Oh, dal fry, how you warm my soul! This lentil-based side dish cooked with Indian spices and herbs is a true staple of Indian cuisine. It’s like a warm, comforting hug in a bowl!

The creamy texture of the lentils mixed with the fragrant spices creates a delicious and satisfying experience that I crave time and time again.

And let’s not forget the versatility! It’s the perfect side dish to pair with Indian lemon rice, and it’s vegetarian-friendly to boot.

So, whether you’re a meat lover or a veggie fanatic, dal fry is always a good idea.

And let’s be real, sometimes I even find myself sneaking spoonfuls of dal fry straight from the pot. But let’s keep that between us, shall we?

Tandoori chicken

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This marinated chicken dish cooked in a clay oven is the ultimate side dish for any Indian meal.

The smoky flavor and tender texture of the chicken are enough to make your taste buds dance with joy.

And when paired with Indian lemon rice, it’s a match made in heaven. So, whether you’re cooking up a feast for your family or just treating yourself, tandoori chicken is always a good idea.

Vegetable samosas

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These little pockets of goodness are the perfect side dish to accompany your Indian lemon rice.

With their crispy pastry shell and spiced vegetable filling, they’re a burst of flavor and texture that you’ll want to savor with every bite.

And let’s be real, who can resist a good samosa? It’s like a little gift from the food gods!

Palak paneer

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Palak paneer, oh how I adore thee! This creamy vegetarian dish made with spinach and Indian cottage cheese is a real game-changer.

It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds!

The silky texture of the spinach and the chewy cheese create a mouthwatering flavor explosion that I can’t get enough of. It’s the perfect side dish to pair with Indian lemon rice, and it’s vegetarian-friendly to boot.

Naan bread

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This leavened, oven-baked flatbread is the ultimate sidekick to any Indian meal. It’s soft, pillowy, and pairs perfectly with Indian lemon rice.

And let’s not forget the endless possibilities!

You can stuff it with cheese, garlic, or even chocolate if you’re feeling adventurous. It’s like a blank canvas for your taste buds.

Baingan bharta

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This smoky eggplant dish cooked with tomatoes, onions, and spices is the perfect side dish for any Indian meal. It’s like a flavor bomb for your taste buds!

The earthy taste of the eggplant combined with the fragrant spices creates a delicious and satisfying experience that will leave you wanting more.

It’s the perfect side dish to pair with Indian lemon rice, and it’s a vegetarian-friendly option that even carnivores can get behind.

So, whether you’re a meat lover or a veggie fanatic, baingan bharta is the side dish that will steal your heart.

Chana masala

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This chickpea-based dish cooked with a blend of Indian spices is the ultimate comfort food. It’s hearty, flavorful, and gives you a good dose of protein.

I mean, what more could you want? It’s the perfect side dish to serve with your Indian lemon rice, and it’s a crowd-pleaser for vegans and non-vegans alike.

Vegetable biryani

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This rice-based dish cooked with mixed vegetables and aromatic spices is a real crowd-pleaser. It’s like a party in your mouth!

The fluffy rice, tender vegetables, and fragrant spices create a mouthwatering experience that will leave you wanting more.

It’s the perfect side dish to pair with Indian lemon rice, and it’s vegetarian-friendly to boot.

Chicken tikka masala

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This marinated chicken dish cooked in a creamy tomato-based sauce is a staple in my home. It’s like a warm, comforting hug for my taste buds!

The tender chicken and rich sauce create a flavor explosion that I can’t get enough of.

And when paired with Indian lemon rice, it’s a match made in heaven.

Tandoori roti

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If you’re looking for a side dish that’s both delicious and satisfying, look no further than tandoori roti.

This type of unleavened Indian flatbread made with wheat flour and cooked in a clay oven is a real game-changer.

It’s like a warm, chewy hug for your taste buds! The soft, fluffy texture and warm, toasty flavor make it the perfect side dish to pair with Indian lemon rice.

Mint chutney

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Lastly, we have mint chutney.

This refreshing condiment made with fresh mint leaves, yogurt, and spices is a real palate cleanser. It’s like a breath of fresh air for your taste buds!

The cool, tangy taste of the mint and yogurt pairs perfectly with Indian lemon rice. And let’s not forget the versatility!

You can use it as a dipping sauce or a topping for your naan bread. It’s like a little condiment that makes a big impact!

Conclusion

In conclusion, Indian lemon rice is a delicious and flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of side dishes.

From cucumber raita and mango chutney to chicken tikka masala and mint chutney, there are plenty of options to choose from.

The best side dishes to serve with Indian lemon rice are cucumber raita, mango chutney, papadum, aloo gobi, dal fry, tandoori chicken, vegetable samosas, palak paneer, naan bread, baingan bharta, chana masala, vegetable biryani, chicken tikka masala, and tandoori roti.

Each of these dishes adds a unique flavor and texture to the meal, creating a well-rounded experience that will satisfy your taste buds.

So, the next time you’re in the mood for some Indian cuisine, be sure to give these sides a try.