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What to Serve with Naan Bread? Try These 13 Sides

There’s no denying that naan bread is delicious.

It’s the perfect combination of crispy and chewy, and it pairs well with a variety of different dishes.

But if you’re looking to elevate your meal, you’ll need to choose the right side dish.

Here are 13 of the best side dishes to serve with naan bread.

From main dish ideas like lentil soup and vegan scrambles to side dishes like roasted carrots and hummus, there is something for everyone.

So get creative and enjoy this delicious Indian staple.

What to Serve with Naan Bread? Try These 13 Sides

1. Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala is a delicious Indian dish that is full of flavor.

The chicken is marinated in a yogurt and spice mixture, then grilled or baked.

The masala sauce is made with tomatoes, onions, and a variety of spices.

This dish can be served with rice or naan bread.

The taste of Chicken Tikka Masala is both sweet and savory.

The chicken is tender and juicy, while the masala sauce is rich and flavorful.

The textures of this dish are also interesting, with the crispy chicken skin and the soft, cooked veggies.

There are a few things you can do to elevate this dish even further.

First, try using bone-in chicken for more flavor.

Second, cook the chicken in ghee or clarified butter for an added depth of flavor.

Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with the spices in the masala sauce.

Try adding more or less of certain spices to find the perfect balance for your taste buds.

2. Vegetable Curry

If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy side dish to serve with your naan bread, look no further than vegetable curry.

This dish is packed with flavor and nutrients and can be easily customized to suit your taste.

When it comes to the taste of vegetable curry, it can range from mildly sweet to fiery hot, depending on the ingredients you use.

The texture is usually creamy and smooth, with a variety of different textures from the vegetables themselves.

There are endless ways to elevate this dish and make it your own.

For example, you could add some fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for a bright flavor.

Or, if you want something more substantial, you could add some cooked chicken or shrimp.

3. Lentil Dahl

Lentil Dahl is a delicious, hearty dish that is perfect for a winter meal.

This dish is packed with flavor and has a great texture that will leave you feeling full and satisfied.

The best part about Lentil Dahl is that it is very easy to make and can be easily elevated to fit any occasion.

When making Lentil Dahl, the most important thing to keep in mind is the taste.

You want to make sure that the spices you use are well-balanced and do not overpower the dish.

The best way to achieve this is to start with a small amount of each spice and then adjust it according to your taste.

Another tip for making Lentil Dahl is to cook the lentils until they are soft but not mushy.

This will give the Dahl a great texture that is both hearty and satisfying.

To elevate Lentil Dahl, you can serve it with naan bread and a side of yogurt or chutney.

This dish can also be served over rice or quinoa for a complete meal.

4. Cucumber Raita

If you’re looking for a cooling and refreshing side dish to accompany your naan bread, look no further than cucumber raita.

This classic Indian dish is made with cucumbers, yogurt, and spices, and it’s the perfect balance of fresh and flavorful.

The cucumbers add a crispness to the dish, while the yogurt helps to tone down the spice of the other ingredients.

Raita is traditionally served as a dipping sauce or condiment, but it can also be enjoyed as a standalone side dish.

If you’re serving it as a side, we recommend pairing it with a simple salad or some lightly seasoned grilled vegetables.

For an extra boost of flavor, try adding a dollop of raita to your favorite curry or soup recipe.

To make cucumber raita, start by peeling and slicing one cucumber into thin pieces.

Next, add the cucumber slices to a bowl along with plain yogurt, diced onion, chopped cilantro, ground cumin, and salt.

Mix everything together until well combined, then taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, then serve chilled or at room temperature.

5. Tomato & Onion Salad

This dish is simple, flavorful, and versatile.

Tomato & onion salad is a great side dish to any meal, especially naan bread.

The salad itself is quite acidic, thanks to the tomatoes, but the onions help to balance that out.

The result is a refreshing yet savory dish that’s perfect for a hot summer day.

The texture of the salad is also quite crunchy, thanks to the onions.

There are a few ways to elevate this dish.

One way is to add some fresh herbs, like basil or mint.

This will give the salad an extra zing of flavor.

Another way is to add some crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese.

This will add a creaminess and depth of flavor that takes the dish to another level.

6. Mint Chutney

Mint chutney is a delicious, cooling condiment that pairs perfectly with naan bread.

The minty, tangy flavors are the perfect compliment to any Indian dish.

The best part about mint chutney is that it’s so easy to make at home.

The key to a good mint chutney is balance.

You want the mint to be fresh and bright, but not overpowering.

The chutney should also have a bit of sweetness and a little bit of heat.

I like to use jalapeno peppers for a little bit of spice, but you can use whatever type of pepper you prefer.

To elevate this dish, I like to add a touch of lime juice and fresh cilantro.

This really brightens up the flavors and makes it extra special.

If you want to get really fancy, you can garnish the chutney with some chopped nuts or seeds.

7. Samosas

Samosas are a delicious and popular Indian dish that consists of a fried or baked pastry filled with various fillings like potatoes, onions, peas, and spices.

They can be served as an appetizer or main course, and are often accompanied by chutney or dipping sauces.

Samosas are usually quite crispy due to the frying or baking process, and the fillings are usually very flavorful thanks to the inclusion of spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric.

The most common type of samosa is the potato samosa, but there are many other variations out there.

If you’re looking to elevate your samosa game, try adding some different fillings like minced lamb or chicken, paneer (Indian cottage cheese), or even sweetened condensed milk for a richer flavor.

You can also experiment with different types of dipping sauces or chutneys.

8. Pakoras

Pakoras are a delicious and easy-to-make Indian snack.

They are made by coating vegetables or meats in a batter and deep frying them.

Pakoras are usually served with chutney or dipping sauce on the side.

They are usually quite savory, but the exact taste will depend on what you choose to put in the batter.

The most popular vegetables for pakoras are onion, potato and spinach.

You can also use chicken, lamb or fish.

The key to making good pakoras is to make sure that the batter is well seasoned.

There are a few things you can do to elevate your pakoras.

One is to stuff them with cheese or other fillings before frying.

Another is to top them with chopped herbs or spices after they come out of the fryer.

Serve your pakoras hot and enjoy.

9. Kheer

Kheer is a traditional Indian dessert made with rice, milk, and sugar.

It’s often flavored with cardamom, saffron, and nuts like pistachios or almonds.

Kheer is typically served during special occasions like weddings or festivals, but it’s also a delicious way to end any meal.

The rice in kheer gives it a creamy texture, while the milk and sugar make it sweet and rich.

You can also add additional flavors to kheer, like cardamom or saffron, to give it more depth of flavor.

Kheer is best served chilled, so if you’re making it ahead of time, be sure to refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve.

If you want to elevate your kheer, try serving it with fresh fruit or a drizzle of honey on top.

You can also garnish it with chopped nuts or edible flowers.

Whatever you do, kheer is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

10. Gulab Jamun

Gulab jamun is a traditional Indian dessert that is made with milk, sugar, and flour.

The balls are fried and then soaked in a syrup made with rose water and cardamom.

Gulab jamun is often served at weddings and festivals.

The balls are soft and have a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

The flavor is sweet and rich, with hints of cardamom.

The syrup adds an extra layer of sweetness and helps to keep the balls moist.

There are a few things you can do to elevate this dish.

First, try using different syrups such as honey or date syrup.

You can also add other spices to the syrup such as cloves or cinnamon.

Finally, try serving the gulab jamun with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of yogurt.

11. Mango Lassi

Mango lassi is a delicious and refreshing drink that is perfect for summer.

The taste is sweet and creamy, with a hint of tartness from the yogurt.

The texture is smooth and thick, making it very satisfying to drink.

There are a few tips on how to make the perfect mango lassi.

First, make sure to use ripe mangoes for the best flavor.

Second, add some lime juice to balance out the sweetness.

Third, use full-fat yogurt for a richer drink.

Finally, add a pinch of salt to round out the flavors.

12. Chai Tea

Chai tea is a delicious and aromatic spiced tea that originates from India.

It is made by simmering black tea, milk, ginger, cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon together.

Chai tea has a rich and creamy texture with a slightly sweet and spicy flavor.

One of the best ways to enjoy chai tea is to make it yourself at home.

This way you can control the ingredients and the strength of the spices.

When making chai tea at home, be sure to simmer the milk and spices together before adding the black tea.

This will help to release the flavors of the spices and make for a more flavorful cup of tea.

If you want to elevate your chai tea experience, try serving it with a piece of cake or biscotti.

The sweetness of the cake or biscotti will complement the spices in the tea perfectly.

13. Cardamom Coffee

Cardamom coffee is a delicious way to start your day or enjoy a mid-day pick-me-up.

This coffee is made with cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon, giving it a warm and inviting flavor.

The coffee is also paired with milk, making it creamy and smooth.

If you’re looking for a new coffee to try, cardamom coffee is a great option.

This type of coffee has a unique flavor that is both warm and inviting.

The spices in the coffee pair well with milk, making the drink creamy and smooth.

If you want to elevate this dish, try serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of chocolate shavings on top.

Conclusion

So, there you have it – 13 of the best side dishes to enjoy with your naan bread.

I hope this blog post has given you some inspiration for your next meal.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to what you can enjoy with your naan bread.

So, get creative and mix and match your favorites to create the perfect meal.

And don’t forget to tag us on Instagram @theintrochicago to show us what you’re cooking up.

What to Serve with Naan Bread? Try These 13 Sides

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Sides
Servings 4 Servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1. Chicken Tikka Masala
  • 2. Vegetable Curry
  • 3. Lentil Dahl
  • 4. Cucumber Raita
  • 5. Tomato u0026 Onion Salad
  • 6. Mint Chutney
  • 7. Samosas
  • 8. Pakoras
  • 9. Kheer
  • 10. Gulab Jamun
  • 11. Mango Lassi
  • 12. Chai Tea
  • 13. Cardamom Coffee

Instructions
 

  • Select your favorite sides from the list above.
  • Prepare the side dish according to the recipe instructions.
  • If you’re short on time, some of these can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
  • Serve and enjoy!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!