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    Home » MSN

    Perfect Bites Start With 29 Indian Side Recipes

    Published: Mar 5, 2025 by Mandy Applegate · This post may contain affiliate links. Leave a Comment

    No meal is complete without the right sides, and these 29 Indian side recipes bring all the backup a main dish needs. Some are fresh, others bring heat, and a few might steal the show. These aren’t just extras—they’re why people go for seconds. Don’t be surprised if the main dish gets ignored.

    Homemade Paneer in Instant Pot filled with freshly cut cubes of white paneer cheese.
    Homemade Paneer in Instant Pot. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    Coconut Rice in Instant Pot

    A bowl of cooked white rice garnished with cashews, curry leaves, and dried red chilies, displayed on a rustic table setting.
    Coconut Rice in Instant Pot. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    Making a side dish doesn't get any easier than with Coconut Rice in Instant Pot. Set it up, let it cook, and you're done — perfect rice every time. It complements a variety of main dishes with a twist. Your dinner sides just got a major upgrade.
    Get the Recipe: Coconut Rice in Instant Pot

    Air Fryer Eggplant

    Air Fryer Eggplant. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    Crispy without being oily, Air Fryer Eggplant is revolutionizing side dishes. This air fryer gem becomes a quick favorite for its ease and taste. It's the crispy side you didn't know you needed. Once you try it, you'll be hooked.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Eggplant

    Chayote Squash Curry Instant Pot

    Top view of a pan filled with Chayote Squash Curry cooked with herbs and spices, garnished with fresh coriander leaves.
    Chayote Squash Curry Instant Pot. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    With Chayote Squash Curry Instant Pot, simplicity meets flavor. This dish brings quick, flavorful squash to your table with minimal effort. It's a comforting addition that pairs well with nearly anything you're serving. A simple, speedy side that'll win over any skeptic.
    Get the Recipe: Chayote Squash Curry Instant Pot

    Red Rice

    A bowl of Red Rice displayed close-up.
    Red Rice. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    For a change of pace, turn to Red Rice. Its unique texture and nutty taste add excitement to your meal. Easy to prepare and adaptable, it's a step up from the usual. Changing your rice game has never been easier.
    Get the Recipe: Red Rice

    Gujarati Kadhi

    Bowl of creamy Gujarati Kadhi garnished with herbs, presented in a blue ceramic bowl.
    Gujarati Kadhi. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    A bowl of Gujarati Kadhi brings tangy and sweet comfort. It transforms a simple meal into something extraordinary. Irresistibly smooth, it's a side that demands seconds. Welcome to your new comfort food staple.
    Get the Recipe: Gujarati Kadhi

    Bharwa Bhindi

    A bowl of Bharwa Bhindi garnished with fresh cilantro, served on a textured tablecloth.
    Bharwa Bhindi. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    Bharwa Bhindi offers a delicious surprise with its stuffed and fried okra. It upgrades the dining experience, making it more than just an ordinary side. A bit of effort yields a dish that stands out. This dish will quickly become the centerpiece of your meal.
    Get the Recipe: Bharwa Bhindi

    Basmati Rice

    A bowl of cooked Basmati Rice on a gray surface, garnished with parsley, with a wooden spoon nearby.
    Basmati Rice. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    The essence of any great meal starts with Basmati Rice. Its fragrant, fluffy grains are the perfect accompaniment to any dish. This basic component upgrades meals from good to unforgettable. Mastering this could be your kitchen game-changer.
    Get the Recipe: Basmati Rice

    Naan Recipe

    naan ingredients with labels.
    Naan Recipe. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    Crafting Naan Recipe at home brings a touch of restaurant elegance to your table. This bread is everything you want—soft, fluffy, and downright delicious. Perfect with curry or on its own, naan is always a hit. This homemade delight will permanently upgrade your bread-making skills.
    Get the Recipe: Naan Recipe

    Instant Pot Saffron Rice

    A bowl of cooked yellow rice with visible spices, including cardamom pods and clove.
    Instant Pot Saffron Rice. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    Instant Pot Saffron Rice adds a splash of color and subtle elegance to your table. Its foolproof preparation in the Instant Pot guarantees success. A guaranteed hit for its beauty and taste, it complements any dish wonderfully. This is simplicity and elegance in one.
    Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Saffron Rice

    Store Green Beans

    A pile of fresh green beans is spread out on a burlap surface.
    Store Green Beans. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    To keep Store Green Beans fresh and ready is to ensure a quick side dish is always at hand. Crisp, versatile, and easy to jazz up, they're perfect for busy nights. Proper storage means they're always best when you need them. A little prep ensures your greens remain prime for cooking anytime.
    Get the Recipe: Store Green Beans

    Pan-Fried Plantains

    A bowl of Pan-Fried Plantains with fresh herbs.
    Pan-Fried Plantains. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    Pan-Fried Plantains bring a burst of sweetness to your side dish repertoire. Quick, flavorful, and downright addictive, they're a must-try. The irresistible caramelization makes it hard to eat just one. This side dish is a secret weapon for any meal.
    Get the Recipe: Pan-Fried Plantains

    Bottle Gourd Leaves Stir Fry

    A plate of cooked Bottle Gourd Leaves Stir Fry, served in a terracotta dish.
    Bottle Gourd Leaves Stir Fry. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    Digging into the greens, Bottle Gourd Leaves Stir Fry offers a fresh, light taste you'll love. It's a unique dish that's as healthy as it is delicious. Not every table features such an inventive side, but perhaps they should. It's a healthy twist that's bound to draw attention.
    Get the Recipe: Bottle Gourd Leaves Stir Fry

    Ladi Pav

    Close-up of freshly baked Ladi Pav on a wire rack, some split open to reveal a soft, fluffy interior.
    Ladi Pav. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    For bread lovers, Ladi Pav is a dream come true. These soft, buttery buns are everything comforting about homemade bread. Ideal for any occasion, they're guaranteed to impress. Step into bread-making with this straightforward yet rewarding recipe.
    Get the Recipe: Ladi Pav

    Bombay Potatoes

    A bowl of Bombay Potatoes garnished with herbs, featuring golden potatoes and onions in a rich, spiced sauce.
    Bombay Potatoes. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    The streets of Mumbai inspire Bombay Potatoes. It's all about the mix, bringing big, bold flavors to your plate. Perfect as a side, it fills up the room with smells that make your stomach growl. A great addition to any meal, really bringing the vibes of India home.
    Get the Recipe: Bombay Potatoes

    Egg Fried Rice

    A bowl of Egg Fried Rice with green onions, and diced vegetables, served in a speckled ceramic bowl.
    Egg Fried Rice. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    Egg Fried Rice turns the simple into the spectacular. It's the ultimate way to transform leftovers into a sought-after side dish. Fast, filling, and fantastically easy to make, it ticks all the boxes. This dish proves that quick and easy can also be incredibly good.
    Get the Recipe: Egg Fried Rice

    Curried Roasted Carrots

    Curried Roasted Carrots with seasoning, lined up neatly on a white surface.
    Curried Roasted Carrots. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    Add a nice twist to your usual lineup with Curried Roasted Carrots. These are not your average side dish; they come with a kick that surprises your palate every time. They bring something special to the table, roasting perfectly with a hint of heat. Great for mixing things up without going over the top.
    Get the Recipe: Curried Roasted Carrots

    Black Chickpea Sundal/Kadlekalu Usli

    A bowl of Kadlekalu Usli salad garnished with coconut and cilantro, served on a green tablecloth.
    Black Chickpea Sundal/Kadlekalu Usli. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    A staple down south, Black Chickpea Sundal or Kadlekalu Usli focuses on simplicity, health, and rich flavors. This dish is perfect for those hunting for something different yet rooted in tradition. It's a crowd pleaser, regardless of the occasion or the crowd size.
    Get the Recipe: Black Chickpea Sundal/Kadlekalu Usli

    Indian Sweet Potato Cubes

    Sweet potato cubes on a plate.
    Indian Sweet Potato Cubes. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    These Indian Sweet Potato Cubes are straight up comfort food with a spicy twist. They are the smart pick for anyone craving a combination of sweet and a bit of heat. Super easy to love, these cubes fit right into your meal plans without hassle. It's like sprinkling little cubes of joy amongst your dishes.
    Get the Recipe: Indian Sweet Potato Cubes

    Vegetable Raita

    Vegetable Raita. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    Cool, creamy, and refreshing, Vegetable Raita serves as the perfect dip or accompaniment to spice up your meals. This breeze to make side pairs excellently with just about any dish. In need of something to balance out a spicy meal? Look no further; this raita has got your back.
    Get the Recipe: Vegetable Raita

    Indian Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

    Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts garnished with lemon wedges on a plate.
    Indian Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    Give Indian Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts a go and you're sure to be hooked. These aren’t just any greens—they're crispy, crunchy, and hint at spice in every bite. Perfect for those adventurers of taste who seek something a little extra in their sides.
    Get the Recipe: Indian Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

    Spiced Smashed Potatoes

    Smashed potatoes on a black plate.
    Spiced Smashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    Everyone seems happy when Spiced Smashed Potatoes hit the table. With their perfect blend of crispy exterior and soft center, they bear more than a resemblance to comfort food heaven. Ideal for a day that demands a bit of culinary coziness.
    Get the Recipe: Spiced Smashed Potatoes

    Cabbage Salad

    Cabbage salad in a white bowl with chips in the background.
    Cabbage Salad. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    For crunch, tang, and a dash of refreshment, Cabbage Salad is your ticket. Exceptionally easy to toss together when you're short on time. Light, fresh, and effortlessly delicious, this salad is the underrated star of sides. Whenever you feel a need for something crisp and tangy, this salad won't disappoint.
    Get the Recipe: Cabbage Salad

    Steamed Lentil Dumplings Nucchina Unde

    Steamed Lentil Dumplings Nucchina Unde. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    Small packages often hide the best surprises, like these Steamed Lentil Dumplings, also known as Nucchina Unde. They're stealthy little health heroes that pack a tasty punch. These dumplings are particularly perfect for snackers on the lookout for something hearty.
    Get the Recipe: Steamed Lentil Dumplings Nucchina Unde

    Spicy Crab Salad

    Spicy Crab Salad. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    For a spicy seafood twist, Spicy Crab Salad doesn’t play around. Fresh and filling, this salad is your shortcut to a seemingly sophisticated dish. It's perfect for when you're after a meal that's fancier than fast food but without any complicated steps.
    Get the Recipe: Spicy Crab Salad

    Instant Pot Vegetable Sambar

    Close-up of a bowl filled with a thick, yellow-colored stew containing visible pieces of vegetables and herbs.
    Instant Pot Vegetable Sambar. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    For those busy days when you can't spare hours in the kitchen, this Instant Pot Vegetable Sambar comes to the rescue. Hearty, full of warmth and health, it's a one-pot wonder. An Instant Pot makes this recipe a no-brainer, working for both experts and novices alike.
    Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Vegetable Sambar

    Corn Chaat

    A close-up of a bowl filled with corn salad, featuring yellow corn kernels mixed with diced red bell peppers, onions, and herbs.
    Corn Chaat. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    If you've never had Corn Chaat, you're missing out on the ultimate snack experience. Quick, ridiculously easy, and utterly satisfying, it's a must-try. Whether it's movie night or a casual get-together, this chaat serves well. Just be warned, stopping at just one bowl might be a challenge.
    Get the Recipe: Corn Chaat

    Kurkuri Bhindi

    A plate of crispy, golden-fried okra seasoned with spices and garnished with a few cilantro leaves.
    Kurkuri Bhindi. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    Okra takes on a new identity in the form of Kurkuri Bhindi, much to the surprise and delight of many. Crispiness is the key here, making it a go-to for an addictive snack. Okra skeptics, be warned: this dish might just convert you. It's the game changer that could transform your take on this green veggie.
    Get the Recipe: Kurkuri Bhindi

    Pan-Fried Chayote Squash

    Close-up of a bowl filled with diced potatoes cooked with turmeric, garnished with chopped cilantro.
    Pan-Fried Chayote Squash. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    Simplicity shines bright with Pan-Fried Chayote Squash. A few steps are all it takes to nail this dish, which pairs beautifully with a variety of mains. When you're scratching your head over what veggie to serve next, give this guy a go. There's a good chance it'll become a regular on your weekly menu.
    Get the Recipe: Pan-Fried Chayote Squash

    Homemade Paneer in Instant Pot

    Homemade Paneer in Instant Pot filled with freshly cut cubes of white paneer cheese.
    Homemade Paneer in Instant Pot. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

    There's something genuinely satisfying about making Homemade Paneer in an Instant Pot. It's fresher than store-bought varieties and surprisingly easy to pull off. This paneer can be the star of your dish or a wonderful complement. Once you get a taste of homemade, grabbing it off a store shelf just won't do.
    Get the Recipe: Homemade Paneer in Instant Pot

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