Dal, or lentil soup, is one of the most widely eaten dishes across India and beyond, making it the perfect meal to serve at parties or special occasions.
However, this dish doesn’t have to be reserved for special meals; it’s delicious any time of the day and can even be used as an alternative to curry when you’re in the mood for something warm and comforting.
Dal goes well with lots of different toppings and sides. So let us help you find the best ones with this list of what to serve with dal!
1. Spicy Sautéed Spinach
In Indian cuisine, a spicy dish called Saag Paneer is often served alongside saucy dals like Dal Makhani or Aloo Gobi.
But in this case, instead of using spinach as the greens, we’ve made some fresh hot sauce to pour over sautéed spinach—a bit healthier and quicker than saag paneer!
It’s an ideal complement to rich and complex lentils or beans and balances them out comfortably while providing that extra heat everyone likes. Try it out next time you’re serving up something heavy on carbs!
2. Golden Turmeric Rice
Golden Turmeric is an excellent option to serve with dal. This easy, nourishing rice dish offers a subtle balance of flavors, making it the perfect match for various dishes across Indian cuisine, such as stir-fries and curries.
It’s also an excellent choice as a stand-alone dish with chicken or other meats—cook it until tender and dress it in your favorite sauces or spices before serving.
It’s ready in under 15 minutes when you’re short on time! Rinse jasmine rice in cold water to remove excess starch.
3. Mango Chutney
Mango chutney, made in a desi style, goes well with most curries and pickles.
It should be your go-to accompaniment when pairing them with lentils or dal.
Its spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet taste complements the texture of these dishes very well.
The sweetness from this condiment balances out the spices in your dal, and you can find it available in almost all grocery stores nowadays!
4. Spicy Pickled Beets
This is what to serve with dal. Spicy Pickled Beets can also be eaten as a side dish, sauce, or even jam in place of honey on toast!
Plus, they are made in a matter of minutes, so they’re an easy way to add flavor and texture to any meal.
5. Spinach & Broccoli Tofu Quinoa Bowls
Quinoa is an excellent option if you want to serve with dal. It is a highly nutritious and versatile ancient grain that can be used as a side dish or main course and is a good source of protein.
Pair it with vegetables, tofu, nutritional yeast, and seasonings like turmeric to create this Spinach & Broccoli Tofu Quinoa Bowls recipe!
For those who don’t have time to cook quinoa, pre-cooked frozen quinoa may be purchased at natural food stores such as Whole Foods Market.
The great thing about this dish is that it’s vegetarian and vegan, making it ideal for meat-eaters and vegetarians/vegans!
6. Beet & Carrot Quinoa Salad
This vegetarian beet and carrot quinoa salad is a light yet satisfying side dish, and it goes beautifully with dal or any of your favorite Indian dishes.
It is one of many people’s favorite dishes in Indian restaurants, and it always includes a hearty vegetable-based dish on the side.
So this unique beet and carrot dish is an option for your What to Serve With Dal dilemma!
Now, you’ll never have an excuse for skipping veggies because this salad packs a bitter flavor.
It’s vegan, gluten-free, and high in protein from quinoa and legumes such as chickpeas, lentils, and black beans.
The beet lends a lovely sweetness to this dish, while the carrots add texture and spice from the cumin and paprika.
7. Classic Basmati Rice
We can’t imagine dal being served without an accompanying side dish, so we want a classic option that will pair perfectly!
While there are many side dishes for Dal, basmati rice or chapati is an excellent option. It provides a taste that we think you’ll love!
If you are looking for a dish to serve with dal, try basmati rice today. It’s pretty and one of the best.
8. Coconut Lime Cauliflower Rice
This is what to serve with dal. With just three ingredients, Coconut Lime Cauliflower Rice makes a tasty and nutritious side dish for your next dal dish.
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Spread cauliflower rice on a parchment-lined baking sheet, drizzle olive oil over the rice, sprinkle salt and pepper, and roast in the oven until tender for about 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, make the curry of choice by simmering ingredients according to instructions. When the curry cooks, all the flavors are combined.
Stir in coconut milk and the desired amount of chili powder or cayenne pepper if needed – depending on how spicy you want your dish!
9. Tandoori Roti
We recommend tandoori roti as the first choice for serving with dal. It provides textural contrast and is soft enough to break into small pieces and mix right in.
In addition, it’s light and fluffy, so it doesn’t weigh down your stomach when trying to digest your meal.
If that doesn’t sound like the texture you want, then Naan or Paratha would be better options; both are flatbreads that offer a crunchy texture against the softer texture of dal.
Conclusion
We all love recipes that are colorful and vibrant, just like life! We encourage you to try out one of these lists of what to serve with Dal.
Pair it with warm ginger scones or pakoras if you want a sweet twist! If spicy is more your thing, go all out and enjoy it alongside freshly made naan!
Maybe you’re looking for something more laid-back and casual. Why not try the vegetarian version of tandoori fried rice? The only rule when pairing food is no rules!
