For Lentil Soup, go with Jalapeno Cornbread Muffins, Cilantro Rice, Asian or Middle Eastern Flatbreads, Tartines, and Stir-Fried Vegetables.
Jalapeno Cornbread Muffins
Cornbread generally goes really well with any kind of soup.
For a lighter option, try Stir-Fried Vegetables. Stir-Fried Vegetables
Stir-fries are a beautiful combination with Lentils.
Lentil soup is the comfort food MVP. We all know it's warm, hearty, and perfect for any day.
It begs the question, what on earth do we serve with it?
Standing in the kitchen, spoon in hand, puzzled. Our mission?
Find the perfect partners for this culinary superstar.
, folks. We've got answers. Seven, to be exact.
No more staring into the abyss of your fridge, hoping for inspiration to strike.
We've been through the trials, the errors, and the triumphant discoveries. Now, we're here to share them with you.
7 Complementary Sides for Lentil Soup
Many sides go well with Lentils, however, some of the below dishes taste far better than anything else with Lentils - for party-friendly chili pairings, try chili party side ideas.
1 - Jalapeno Cornbread Muffins
Cornbread generally goes really well with any kind of soup.
Lentil soup is no different.
However, for a twist, let us add some jalapeno into the mix and make some muffins - or pair with jalapeno poppers side ideas for extra heat.
The spicy jalapeno and sweet taste of honey and brown sugar are the real kickers in the cornbread muffin mix.
It is an easy recipe that can be made at home and does not overpower the taste of your lentil soup in any way.
Rather this combination is sure to amp up our beloved Lentil soup.
2 - Cilantro Rice
For generations, rice has been a faithful sidekick to the beautiful Lentils - for cilantro-forward complements, see cilantro lime chicken side ideas.
However, cilantro rice is known to bring a little more flavor to your meal table.
This is a very easy dish to make- given that you already know how to make rice.
Just let the butter melt, add the onion powder, and then the chopped cilantro.
When the cilantro fragrances fill your nostrils, add the rice and stir.
The melted butter combined with the fragrance of the dried onion and cilantro gives a beautiful aroma to your rice.
3 - Asian or Middle Eastern Flatbreads
Flatbreads are a known staple in Asian and Middle-Eastern countries - they also complement Asian salmon side pairings nicely.
Any kind of flatbread goes well with many different kinds of soups and gravies.
Whether it be the simple Indian Roti, buttered up Naan, or the Mediterranean Pita bread, you can be sure that it'll make a good addition to your Lentil soup.
The kind of side dishes served also matters on the consistency of your soup.
If your soup is a little runny, consider serving rice on the side.
However, if it has a thicker, creamier consistency, you can prefer flatbreads over others.
Either way, it all depends on your tastes and preferences.
4 - Tartines
Tartines, or open sandwiches, are another loved dish that can be a fancy addition to your Lentil soup.
These open sandwiches can have all kinds of toppings- meat, cheese, veggies, and fruits.
It all depends on how you prepare it.
Make sure you have good quality bread to make tartines.
The bread used for making tartines is traditionally hand-made, contains eggs, and is toasted before adding the toppings.
The key is to have an idea of the kinds of toppings you want, get the bread, and start to prepare them.
5 - Stir-Fried Vegetables
Stir-fries are a beautiful combination with Lentils - for a crisp, battered alternative, consider tempura vegetable side ideas.
Many countries have their own version of stir-fries that go really well with Lentils.
The key to getting an evenly cooked stir-fry is to cook all the hard vegetables first- like carrots and broccoli.
Also, make sure you cut the veggies proportionately to each other.
Use colorful veggies to make it more tempting.
In short, hardly anything can compare to stir-fried veggies with Lentil soups.
6 - Green Salads
Green salads, as the name suggests, is a salad with mostly greens.
That is, the green component is higher than other colors.
In such salads, you can use avocados, spinach, lettuce, and cucumbers.
Make sure you have the dressing ready to toss these veggies in.
Also, onions and tomatoes also work really well in green salads - try pairing with fried green tomato side ideas for a Southern twist.
Some people also like to add whole olives- as a personal preference.
However, while going for green salads, make sure your greens are younger- that way, the taste will be milder.
Older greens are bitter and, therefore, not suitable for salads.
7 - Spicy Mashed Eggplant
Eggplants are one of the most loved vegetables all around the world.
Mostly they are eaten and incorporated into various dishes.
However, their star factor comes out when they are roasted and mashed with spices.
This dish is best eaten with rice, flatbreads along with lentil soup.
If you are making it for the first time, make sure you do not char the eggplants while roasting.
The delicious smoky flavor, when combined with aromatic spices, gives it a whole new taste level.
Combine it with your lentil soup, and no combination will ever come close.
Split pea soup pairings include hearty breads and salads. split pea soup side suggestions lists compatible options. Chicken noodle soup works with simple, comforting sides - chicken noodle soup side ideas outlines fitting accompaniments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Jalapeno Cornbread Muffins Cornbread generally goes really well with any kind of soup. Cilantro Rice For generations, rice has been a faithful sidekick to the beautiful Lentils.
Most home cooks pick this because it adds contrast and rounds out the meal.
Look for sides with brightness or acidity to cut through richness. This side dish brings the right contrast.
A squeeze of citrus or a vinegar-dressed salad achieves a similar effect if you want something lighter.
A simple green salad or steamed vegetable is the easiest low-effort option. It adds color and nutrients without heavy prep or additional richness.
How do you serve sides for a large group?
Sheet-pan sides and big-batch grains scale easily.
Roast everything on one or two trays and serve from the pan.
Avoid delicate sides that wilt or lose texture when held warm.