27 Indian Side Dishes for Curry

We’ve all been there.

You’re making delicious curry, and it’s almost ready, but you’re missing the perfect side dish to pair with it.

And you don’t just want any side dish with your curry—you want one that complements the flavors and spices of your main dish.

See Also: What to Serve with Curry Chicken Salad? 17 Best Side Dishes

Well, listen up, because we’ve got 27 perfect side dishes for curry.

We’ve got everything from classic Indian tandoori paneer (Related: Paneer Recipes without Tomato) to some more creative options that are sure to surprise and delight your family and guests at the dinner table.

27 Indian Side Dishes for Curry

Curry can be a tricky thing to pair up with other dishes. You’ll want something that complements the flavor profile of your curry without overpowering it or being overpowered by it.

That’s why we’ve put this list together: to give you great options that are easy to make and will soothe even the most discerning of palates.

So, let’s get started!

1. Raita

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rTzNn1P8Mw

Raita is a dish made with yogurt and cucumbers, and it’s perfect for cutting through the spicy heat of curry.

It also helps coat your stomach and lessen the chance of heartburn.

2. Naan Bread

Naan bread is a delicious flatbread that can be enjoyed by itself, as well as dipped into a bowl of curry.

3. Pappadum

Pappadum is a thin, crispy cracker made from lentil flour that comes from South India.

It can be eaten with or without curry to add a little crunch to your meal.

4. Green Bean Poriyal

This traditional South Indian dish is great with any kind of curry because it has a mild flavor that doesn’t overpower your main course.

It’s also extremely easy to make, just blanch green beans in boiling water for about five minutes and then saute them in coconut oil before adding turmeric powder and red chili powder for taste!

5. Aloo Gobi

Aloo gobi is a classic Indian dish that features cauliflower and potatoes.

Although it’s traditionally vegan and gluten-free (unlike most Indian curries), this dish is incredibly hearty thanks to its focus on simple flavors and ingredients.

The cauliflower and potatoes are typically pan-fried in a mixture of spices—most notably turmeric—before being mixed together. Sometimes onions or other vegetables are added as well.

6. Cumin Rice

For those who like their side dishes on the sweeter side, cumin rice is a great option!

With its aromatic flavor profile and subtle sweetness from cinnamon sticks (which can also be used as garnishes), this dish pairs well with curries that have more heat or garlic in them.

7. Paneer Tikka Masala

Paneer tikka masala is a vegetarian dish made from paneer (a type of Indian cheese), tomato sauce and spices.

See Also: What Vegetables Go Good with Tikka Masala? 15 Vegetables

It’s a creamy dish that combines perfectly with other curries.

8. Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken fried rice consists of chicken that is stir-fried with vegetables and rice in soy sauce.

Simple and comforting, this dish goes well with most curries (and has become a staple in our home).

9. Lamb Vindaloo

Lamb Vindaloo is a popular dish in Goa, India, and is typically served in Goan restaurants around the world.

The dish is traditionally made using lamb or pork, potatoes, and a variety of spices including turmeric, ginger and cumin.

Lamb Vindaloo pairs well with curries because it features a similar blend of spices and can also be served over rice.

The dish is also easy to make and can be prepared in just under 30 minutes!

10. Tandoori Chicken Pizza

This pizza is one of our favorite side dishes for curry!

Tender morsels of sautéed chicken breast are tossed in a richly-flavored tandoori sauce and served atop a golden brown pizza crust.

This dish gets its signature flavor from a mixture of spices that includes cayenne pepper and turmeric.

The result is a sweet-spicy pizza with all the flavors of India—in an easy-to-make format.

11. Bhindi Masala

Bhindi Masala is made by frying ladies finger (okra) in hot oil until browned then adding onions and tomatoes to the mix and letting it simmer with red chilli powder and garam masala powder.

You can also add dried fenugreek leaves (Kasuri methi) to the recipe to add more flavour and taste.

12. Samosas

Samosas are loaded with potatoes, green peas and fennel, and they’re guaranteed to be a hit with your family.

1. To start this recipe, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Then, in a large bowl, combine the potatoes and green peas with fennel seeds and garam masala.
3. Add salt and pepper to taste and toss everything together until evenly coated.
4. Next, transfer the mixture onto two baking sheets lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil (to keep the samosas from sticking).
5. Spread them out into an even layer on each sheet pan so all sides cook evenly in the oven for about 15 minutes or until golden brown and crisp around edges.
6. Once done baking, remove from oven and allow them cool completely before serving alongside your favorite curry dish!

13. Roti

This Indian side dish is a flatbread made with whole wheat flour and water.

It is traditionally cooked on a tava (flat griddle) but can be cooked in an oven or over a fire as well.

Roti is usually served warm and can be wrapped around curries or dipped into them.

14. Mint Chutney

This tasty vegan chutney is easy to make and will pair beautifully with your next curry dish.

Mint Chutney Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh mint leaves
• 2 tbsp jalapeno pepper
• 1/3 cup palm sugar
• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic

1. To make this amazing mint chutney, simply combine all ingredients in a blender, food processor or high-speed blender and blend until smooth.
2. Serve immediately with your favorite curry dish!

15. Mango Lassi

This side dish is one of our favorites because it works well with any kind of curry.

If you want something sweet and creamy, this dish is perfect for complementing the heat.

Alternatively, if your curry is on the milder side, this recipe still allows you to kick up the heat without undoing all that hard work you put into making your curry.

The key ingredient here is mango pulp.

This fruit lends itself well to curries because it can also be used as a thickening agent while adding sweetness and depth of flavor at the same time!

What You’ll Need:

• 1 cup canned mango pulp
• 2 tablespoons honey
• ½ cup ice cubes
• 1 cup plain yogurt

Directions:

1. Put all ingredients in a blender until smooth (1-2 minutes).

16. Onion Pakora

Onion Pakora is a savory fritter made from chickpea flour and rice flour, onions, ginger, and green chilies.

The veggies get mixed into the flours along with some spices like cumin and red chili powder.

The batter sticks together when they are fried and turns into a crispy appetizer that you won’t be able to stop eating.

It’s especially great for dipping into an Indian tomato-based sauce or chutney.

The recipe is super easy to make—just mix everything together in a bowl until you get the right consistency of batter.

Then let it sit for about a half hour in the fridge before frying it up!

17. Indian-Spiced Cauliflower Rice

When you’re serving up a delicious curry, you want the side dish to be just as tasty.

This Indian-Spiced Cauliflower Rice is the perfect companion for your favorite curry dish.

Ingredients: 

• Cauliflower – 1 large head
• Coconut Oil – 3 tablespoons
• Turmeric – 1/2 teaspoons
• Salt and Pepper to taste (optional)

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
3. Set aside.
4. Cut cauliflower into florets and place in food processor (you may need to do this in batches).
5. Pulse until cauliflower resembles rice.
6. Place cauliflower rice on prepared baking sheet and drizzle with coconut oil.
7. Toss until cauliflower is well coated.
8. Sprinkle turmeric on top and toss again until evenly combined.
9. Season with salt and pepper if desired and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
10. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving alongside your favorite curry recipe!

18. Dal

In Indian cuisine, dal (also spelled dhal) refers to lentils that have been split and dehusked.

Dal is an inexpensive and filling source of protein and fiber.

There are many different types of dal, which can be made using a variety of ingredients and cooking techniques.

This recipe calls for yellow lentils cooked in a rich masala sauce made from garam masala, mustard powder, garlic and turmeric.

The result is a hearty dish that’s full of flavor, but not too spicy – perfect for those who can’t take the heat!

And if you’re looking for more spice in your life, feel free to add chili powder or cayenne pepper when sautéing the garlic cloves before adding them into your pot with everything else!

19. Aloo Tikki Masala (Potato Croquettes)

When it comes to side dishes, we’re always on the lookout for something new and delicious.

That’s why we love Aloo Tikki Masala (Potato Croquettes) for pairing with curry.

This sweet, spicy dish is a great change from the same old sides.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Poha
• Potatoes
• Palm oil
• Garam masala
• Lemon juice

Directions:

1. To make this dish, first gather your ingredients.
2. You’ll want to start by soaking the poha in hot water until it softens, then draining it and setting it aside.
3. Then, take your potato mixture and form it into small rounds.
4. Place them in the palm oil and fry them until they are golden brown on both sides.
5. Remove them from the pan and set them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
6. Once they have cooled, add the garam masala and lemon juice and serve!

20. Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala tastes even better as a side than as the main dish.

To make this delicious Indian side dish for curry, you’ll need:

• 200g of chicken tikka masala
• 1 tbsp mango chutney
• 2 skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
• 1 red pepper, deseeded and sliced
• 100ml double cream

Directions:

1. First, cook the chicken tikka masala in the microwave for 2 minutes.
2. Heat some oil in a pan and cook the chicken breasts until they’re browned on all sides.
3. Add the red pepper and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Pour in the double cream and simmer until thickened.
4. Finally, season with salt and pepper.

Serve this tasty Indian side dish with naan bread or rice—and then get ready to enjoy an incredible curry!

21. Achar Gosht (Curried Beef and Pickle Stew)

Achar Gosht is a traditional Indian dish that features garam masala, ginger, tomatoes, green chilies and chili powder.

1. To make this dish you’ll need to brown meat in oil over high heat.
2. Once the meat is browned, remove it from the pan and set aside.
3. Next, add fresh ginger and garlic to the pan and cook until they start to brown.
4. Then add the garam masala followed by green chilies and cook until they are soft.
5. Now add the chili powder and tomatoes and cook until the tomatoes are mushy.
6. Put the meat back in the pan along with some salt and stir everything together before serving.

22. Kachumber (Indian Tomato Salad)

This cool and tangy Kachumber (Indian Tomato Salad) recipe will pair perfectly with your next batch of curry.

This dish is easy to make—it’s just fresh tomatoes, cucumber, mint, red onions and lemon juice! It’s the perfect side dish to enjoy on the patio this summer.

23. Biryani

Biryani is a delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with curry.

It’s made with turmeric-seasoned basmati rice and chicken breast baked with Balti curry paste in butter.

It’s savory, spicy, and filling—everything you could want from your curry’s sidekick!

This recipe takes about 25 minutes to prepare, and cooks for an hour in the oven, so it’s actually a great option when you’re looking for an easy dinner idea.

Just throw it together while you’re making your curry and then set it aside until the rice is cooked.

Then serve up this flavorful side with some extra basmati rice on the side and you’ve got yourself a well-rounded meal!

24. Kheeri

Kheeri, also known as rice pudding, is a delicious side dish for curry.

It’s easy to make and can be whipped up in under an hour.

The best part?

It is made with condensed milk, so you know it’s going to be sweet!

To make kheeri, follow these simple steps:

1. Bring one liter of water to a boil in a pan.
2. Add 100 grams of raw rice and cook on low heat until the rice is tender (30-40 minutes).
3. Add one liter of milk to the pan and simmer for 20 minutes or until the mixture thickens slightly.
4. Add 200 grams of sugar, 200 grams of condensed milk, and 150 grams of milk powder to the pan and stir well.
5. Cook for another 15 minutes or until the mixture thickens further (to your desired consistency).
6. Serve warm with curry!

25. Aloo ki Tarkari

Aloo ki tarkari is a simple but flavorful Indian spiced potato dish.

So why is this dish perfect for pairing with curry?

Well, it can be as spicy or mild as you want, depending on how much red chili you use, so it will pair well with any curry dish no matter the spice level.

It also has a sweet-and-sour flavor profile that will help balance out the spices in your curry.

We love this vegetarian side dish because it’s so easy to make, and it’s packed with flavor—it’s perfect for serving alongside whatever type of curry you’re feeling that day!

26. Puri

Curry can be eaten with rice, naan or roti—but why not really go out on a limb and try something new?

The next time you’re making curry (or ordering curry in), don’t stop at rice.

Consider adding an Indian side dish to the table: puri!

This flatbread is made from wheat flour, chiroti rava and deep fried in vegetable oil.

It is enjoyed by many different cultures throughout the world, including India, Nepal and Bangladesh.

Puri is traditionally served with chickpeas or potatoes with some type of sauce.

It tastes amazing dipped in a savory sauce like raita or yogurt sauce.

Curry + puri will have your taste buds dancing!

27. Sev Tamatar ki Sabzi

Sev tamatar ki sabzi is a traditional Indian side dish that can be made in just 30 minutes.

You only need three ingredients too—ginger, tomato, and lemon juice—plus garlic and green chilli if you like your side dishes spicy.

The best part about this dish is that it’s healthy, easy to make, and tastes delicious.