Serve Dal Makhani alongside Tandoori Roti, Butter Naan, Plain Steamed Rice, Jeera Rice, and Kulcha.
Tandoori Roti
This wholesome Indian flatbread recipe is a hit at every meal table.
For a lighter option, try Kulcha. Kulcha
Kulcha is another Indian flatbread that is only mildly leavened compared to Naan.
Dal Makhani, a beloved dish, has complexity and warmth. We often find ourselves pondering the perfect sides to improve this experience.
It's not just food; it's a jigsaw puzzle where every piece matters.
Good side dishes turn the meal into a feast. Our experiences have shown that contrast and complement are key.
Ready for a get into some game-changing sides? Get set for a rollercoaster of flavors.
7 Traditional Sides for Dal Makhani
Dal Makhani can be served with a variety of Indian sides, here are just 7 of the best sides you can prepare for your Dal Makhani recipe - or consider chili party side ideas for a spicier menu.
1 - Tandoori Roti
This wholesome Indian flatbread recipe is a hit at every meal table.
Tandoori Roti is an excellent side to a lot of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes - and pairs especially well alongside tandoori chicken side pairings when the meal includes grilled items.
Tandoori Roti gets its name from the tandoor- a clay oven where it is cooked.
It is also a healthy side, as it is made from whole wheat flour.
Tradition demands that it be cooked on a Tandoor, you can also try making it at home without a tandoor but a regular 'tawa' or skillet.
The amount of butter is again up to your choice completely, or you can even try to skip it.
This flatbread, coupled with the heavenly tasting Dal Makhani is sure to make you crave for more.
2 - Butter Naan
Naan is one of those dishes that are pretty well-known in the western world.
Naan can make a compelling case with Dal Makhani.
It is also an excellent bread recipe that can be paired with numerous vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes - try it with garlic butter shrimp side ideas for a surf-and-turf style meal.
Gravy dishes like Dal Makhani go incredibly well with Butter Naan.
It might not be as healthy as tandoori roti because it is made with refined flour, it is a widely loved flatbread.
Making Naan can be a tricky process; however, with a little practice, you can be sure to make the softest naans.
Top them with a dollop of butter; just be more authentically Punjabi with the meal.
3 - Plain Steamed Rice
Asia is a continent that loves its rice.
Each country has its own varieties of rice and at least one famous rice dish.
You can never go wrong with serving plain steamed rice with an Indian dish - plain rice also complements dishes listed in chicken fried rice side suggestions when mixing cuisines.
Plain rice is a good way to bring out the flavors of the main dish.
So, relax and take out your rice cooker and get along with serving some rice with your Dal Makhani.
4 - Jeera Rice
Another variation of rice, Jeera rice, is just plain rice that has been flavored with Jeera- Cumin seeds.
The Cumin imparts a mild but very effective aroma to the rice.
Make sure you have the cumin seeds.
The mere aroma of the rice will be enough to make you hungry.
This Jeera rice will be a fantastic partner to your Dal Makhani - and for different rice-focused meals see fried rice side pairings for complementary ideas.
You wouldn't need to think of other side dishes at all.
5 - Kulcha
Kulcha is another Indian flatbread that is only mildly leavened compared to Naan.
While Naan dough also has yogurt, Kulcha doesn't.
Kulcha is one of the most sought-after flatbreads after Naan.
Pair your Dal Makhani with kulchas when you don't feel like having Naan.
Kulchas generally take a longer time to make as compared to normal flatbreads; however, they are also a better side dish to Dal Makhani.
Don't forget to sprinkle some black sesame seeds and coriander (or cilantro) on top of the dough before you start rolling them into flatbreads.
6 - Vegetable Pulao
Pulao is a much loved Indian dish.
Think of it as Biryani, but for people who do not eat meat.
Another rice dish, this one has all the goodness of vegetables, aromatic spices, and ghee.
Pairing this with Dal makhani means improving your meal to new heights.
As complex as it sounds, it is very simple and will prove a healthy addition to your Dal Makhani.
Choose your favorite vegetables for this Pulao recipe; you can also add Paneer (cottage cheese) or Tofu - or pair the meal with lighter broths as suggested in vegetable soup side suggestions.
7 - Paneer Sabzi
Sabzi in Indian cuisine refers to a dish that contains vegetables, either solely or in combination with something else.
Usually, lentil dishes by themselves are considered too plain.
There always needs to be a sabzi accompanying any kind of lentil dish.
Paneer Sabzi is an easy dish to make, and there are various ways to make paneer sabzi.
It is a vegetarian dish, though if you do not add any cottage cheese to it, then it can also be vegan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tandoori Roti This wholesome Indian flatbread recipe is a hit at every meal table. Butter Naan Naan is one of those dishes that are pretty well-known in the western world.
Most home cooks pick this because it adds contrast and rounds out the meal.
Steam or roast a vegetable while the main dish finishes. This side dish is the simplest option since it needs minimal prep.
Toss with olive oil and salt and it is ready in the same time the entrée takes to cook.
Not always. A vegetable-only pairing works when the main course already includes starch.
Add rice, bread, or potatoes only if the meal needs more substance.
Roasted frozen vegetables, pre-cooked grains, or a quick pan sauté all come together in under 15 minutes with minimal prep and no special equipment needed.
For more legumes and curry pairings see dal side dish suggestions. For ingredient swaps that keep recipes on track consult urad dal substitute ideas.