Are you looking for something new to offer alongside what to serve with Dhal and Rice? For many people, dhal and rice are essential to a great meal.
Not only is it delicious, but it is also filling and good for you. It can also be tailored to suit any dietary requirements, making it the perfect choice for any gathering or dinner party.
Although left alone, this dish may get a little boring over time.
To make sure your guests don’t think twice before coming to dinner, we have gathered some ideas of what to serve with Dhal and rice.
From easy vegetable curries to crunchy salads, what to serve with Dhal and Rice will take your everyday dinner to the next level!
1. Bombay Potatoes
Bombay potatoes are first on our list of what to serve with Dhal and Rice.
It is a popular Indian recipe that is best served with a traditional dhal and rice.
They are made using cubed potatoes tossed in oil and spices, then cooked until golden brown and crispy outside while remaining soft and fluffy.
The dish’s flavor comes from garam masala, chili powder, cumin, turmeric, coriander, ginger, and garlic.
This what to serve with Dhal and Rice dish can be served as either a side or an entree making it an ideal accompaniment to any dhal and rice meal. Impress your family and friends with this easy yet flavorful dish; enjoy!
2. Punjabi Chole
Punjabi chole, also known as Chana Masala, is also on our list of what to serve with Dhal and Rice.
It is a traditional North Indian dish with soaked chickpeas and various spices. It’s perfect for serving alongside dhal and rice, providing a tasty addition to the plate without sacrificing flavor.
The what to serve with Dhal and Rice provides an interesting contrast to the smoothness of the dhal, with its deep-red appearance and robust taste.
The gram flour (besan) thickens the sauce and adds a slightly nutty undertone that pairs nicely with fluffy plain-boiled basmati rice.
In addition to the depth of flavors it adds, Punjabi chole tops up your meal with plenty of nutrients for a balanced diet.
Serve it warm for a delicious side dish that will delight your taste buds!
3. Samosas
Samosas are perfect as what to serve with Dhal and Rice. They are a deep-fried pastry traditionally filled with richly spiced potatoes, onions, and peas, bringing an exciting flavor to any meal.
Samosas can be served at room temperature or hot, depending on your preference, making it easy to prepare beforehand until ready to serve.
Not only are samosas delicious, but they’re also incredibly versatile; try experimenting with cheese or mince filling for your next dinner party.
Make sure to have some sauces such as coriander chutney or tamarind sauce on the side if you like what to serve with Dhal and Rice a bit spicier.
Samosas brings a wonderful contrast in texture between the crunchy deep-fried outer layers and the soft potato stuffing inside; all that, combined with classic Indian spices, is nothing short of pure bliss!
4. Spicy Sautéed Spinach
Spicy Sautéed Spinach is a flavorful and versatile side dish that pairs perfectly with rice and dhal.
This easy-to-make recipe combines spinach sautéed with garlic, ginger, green chilies, and curry leaves in a hot pan to create an unforgettable flavor profile.
Combining the richness of the garam masala, the earthiness of the spices, the sweetness of the coconut cream, and the heat of green chilies help create a delicious dish to serve with Dhal and Rice that goes beyond what traditional recipes offer.
Adding vegetables such as carrots or peppers can make this meal more hearty and substantial.
Also, if served at room temperature, it will last longer, so you can double up on portions for later meals. Overall this quick side dish adds some zing to your mealtime routine, making it a perfect pairing for dhal and rice!
5. Mango Chutney
Mango Chutney is a popular condiment widely used in India and South Asia that pairs well with dhal and rice.
The chutney typically includes mangoes, sugar, and spices such as chili peppers, garlic, cumin powder, and coriander; however, variations depending on its region.
Mango Chutney has a unique combination of sweet and spicy flavors that can bring more depth to savory dishes like dhal and rice.
It is also packed with vitamins A, B6, C, and E, calcium, and magnesium, which provides an additional boost of nutrition to meals adding more variety to the usual soups or salad sides.
Chutneys made with mangoes or other fruits can be served hot or cold, allowing for different textures when prepared according to your preference.
Any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and eaten over several days, so you’ll always have something delicious to enjoy when meal-prepping!
6. Spicy Pickled Beets
Spicy Pickled Beets are a delicious accompaniment to dhal and rice. They are tart and tangy with just a hint of heat from the chilies.
The beets are usually peeled and cut into small cubes before being mixed with salt, chili powder, garlic, ginger, fennel seed, mustard seed, and vinegar.
The mixture is then left to marinate for 3-4 hours or overnight before being served cold.
The colors of the beets look vibrant when presented in their pickling jar along with the spices, making it an exciting dish that pairs well with Indian cuisine.
Spicy Pickled Beets also add a bit of crunch to the meal adding another layer of texture as they’re eaten as what to serve with Dhal and Rice.
7. Spinach and Broccoli Tofu Quinoa
Spinach and Broccoli tofu quinoa is next on our list of what to serve with Dhal and Rice.
It is a delicious and nutritious accompaniment to dhal and rice. Loaded with protein from the quinoa, a powerhouse of nutrition from the spinach and broccoli, and healthy fat from the tofu, it’s a great way to balance out any meal.
The combination of flavors complements each other perfectly while cooking in one pot, making it an easy side dish.
The quinoa’s slight chewiness, paired with the tofu’s smoothness, creates a unique texture that adds something special to your bowl.
Serve these ingredients over freshly cooked brown basmati rice for extra flavor, and complete this tasty meal!
8. Beet & Carrot Quinoa Salad
Beet & Carrot Quinoa Salad is perfect for what to serve with dhal and rice.
This healthy vegan salad is packed full of vitamins, minerals, proteins, and other nutrients that can help to boost your energy levels and provide essential daily intake.
The quinoa in this dish provides a crunchy texture, while the colorful beets and carrots make it eye-catching and inviting.
Walnuts offer omega-3’s, fiber, and iron, making Beet & Carrot Quinoa Salad an even healthier choice for any meal.
The quinoa for this dish also helps fill you up more than simply having a side of spiced dhal or plain Basmati rice alone.
Any ingredients left over from this salad can be kept in the fridge for up to a week, making it a great way to squeeze extra nutrition into your day-to-day meals!
9. Tomato Rasam
Tomato Rasam is a savory, aromatic soup-like dish popular in South India.
It’s made with fresh tomatoes and spices like mustard seed, cumin, turmeric, garlic, and ginger.
Its bold flavor pairs perfectly with dhal and rice and add complexity to the meal.
Tomato Rasam can be eaten at any point throughout the meal, although it’s typically served before the main course as an appetizer or palate cleanser.
Served hot or cold with good accompaniments like fried poppadoms or coconut chutney for dipping, adding even more flavor to the dish.
Tomato rasam is one of what to serve with Dhal and Rice that also makes a delightful accompaniment to curries and dahls served alongside Indian flatbreads such as naan.
No matter how you serve it, a steaming bowl of tomato rasam will surely please any palette!
10. Onion Bhajis
Onion bhajis are a delicious accompaniment to dhal and rice, made from deep frying thinly sliced onions coated in a spiced batter.
They are typically served as an appetizer or side dish but can also be eaten as a main course.
The onions give the bhajis a sweet yet slightly tangy flavor, and the batter creates a crispy exterior that contrasts nicely with the soft center of the onions.
Additionally, onion bhajis go well with many different types of soup, salads, and chutneys.
They also pair perfectly with curries and other sauces, making them ideal for adding extra flavor to your meal.
With their mild heat, light texture, and vibrant color, onion bhajis, as what to serve with Dhal and Rice, will surely bring life to any Indian dish!
11. Coconut Lime Cauliflower
Lastly, on our list of what to serve with dhal and rice, Coconut Lime Cauliflower is an easy and delicious side dish that can be served with a heartwarming bowl of dhal and rice.
This flavorful combination adds an element of nuttiness, citrus, and sweetness to the meal.
The cauliflower florets are cooked just right to retain a slight crunch while being lightly caramelized.
They are then tossed in a fragrant coconut-based sauce made with lime juice, garlic, and ginger; its sweetness is balanced by adding freshly chopped cilantro.
A generous sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds brings it all together and gives this vegetarian delight a wonderful crunchy finish.
All these elements combine to create an undeniably tasty dish to serve with the Dhal and Rice dishes you choose.
Conclusion
Dhal and rice are a classic combination in many parts of the world, and it is easy to understand why.
This meal provides a hearty, balanced diet that can be conveniently prepared in large quantities and cheaply.
What to serve with Dhal and Rice, like steamed vegetables, yogurt, chutney, or pickles, provides additional dietary benefits, enhances the flavors of both components and adds variety to day-to-day meals.
Dhal and rice make for a nourishing, economical, and diverse meal when served together.
