Mulligatawny soup might just be your next dinner table superstar.
This spicy, richly flavored soup has roots in Indian cuisine and has become a favorite in households around the globe.
However, figuring out what to pair with this unique dish can often leave people scratching their heads.
Whether you're looking to keep things light with a side salad or amp up the meal with some hearty bread, we've got you covered.
In this article, we're dishing out seven awesome side dishes that perfectly complement mulligatawny soup.
Ready to elevate your dining experience? Keep reading to find your perfect match.
Why Consider Serving Side Dishes with Mulligatawny Soup?
You do not always need a side dish with your mulligatawny soup though, so it depends on what you are hoping to achieve.
If you only need a light meal in the evening, the soup is more than enough.
The same goes if you have more courses - it makes a great first course.
On the other hand, if you need something more consistent, chances are you will need a side dish.
The same goes if you cook for some guests.
They will devour this soup, then wait for something else - just common sense.
No one expects a meal to consist of only soup.
What to Serve with Mulligatawny Soup? 7 BEST Side Dishes
Here are a few good options when not sure what to serve with mulligatawny soup.
1. Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Some people choose to serve soup with plain bread.
Take it to another level and bring in some grilled cheese sandwiches.
The gooey sandwich will work wonders with the light texture of the soup, while the bread will absorb plenty of moisture.
The final result is a blend of tastes and aromas - the highly aromatic soup with the salty cheese flavor.
Such sandwiches can be tweaked to taste with all kinds of improvements - how about a bit of bacon then?
No matter what you choose, make sure the cheese is light.
2. Potato and Green Bean Salad
This combo may seem a bit unusual for mulligatawny soup, but it works wonders.
It has a refreshing aroma, which compensates for the hot soup.
Then, it is quite fulfilling due to the potatoes in its composition.
Then, potatoes end up tender, while the beans are crunchy - another great option in terms of texture.
The salad is comforting, and while it feels fulfilling, it will not make you feel heavy when you are done.
Should you use a dressing for it, stick to something mild that will not affect the mulligatawny soup.
3. Fried Paneer Cheese Pakora
You just cannot go wrong with this dish if you want to stick to the eastern cuisine - it matches mulligatawny perfectly.
Come up with cheese cubes, and make sure you batter them correctly.
The golden exterior is crispy and will give this meal an interesting texture when combined with the light soup.
As for the actual serving, it can go two ways.
Some people drop them into soup bowls, while others eat them along.
No matter what you choose, get ready for a heart addition to your meal.
4. Baked Stuffed Potatoes
This is a winning side for most types of soups out there, and the mulligatawny one makes no exception either.
You can have baked stuff potatoes as a main course or just along with the soup - the mix is excellent.
Potatoes will end up tender and soft, yet the outside will be slightly crispy.
Mix them with your soup, and the taste will be intriguing at first - it may take a few bites to get used to the mix.
The result? You get a fulfilling meal due to those heavy potatoes, while the herbs in the soup will complement the whole combo.
5. Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Just because you are about to serve an eastern dish, it does not mean that you cannot match it to a western side.
Sweet potato fries are extremely common in western cuisines and come with a few bonuses.
First of all, they are rich in carbs, so they will give you mulligatawny soup a fulfilling profile.
Second, they have a slightly sweet aroma, which will work surprisingly well with the spices and condiments in a mulligatawny soup.
Third, they have a bit of crispiness on the outside, but they are tender on the inside - excellent in terms of texture.
6. Oven Fried Zucchini
Zucchini are similar to potatoes - sweetish, crispy on the outside, and super soft on the inside.
This dish asks for a bit of Parmesan on top too.
Parmesan is strong in flavor, but it will not disappoint when mixed with the mulligatawny soup - unless you exaggerate.
In terms of serving this dish, get a large plate and place everything on it - allow your guests to help themselves.
The best part about this dish is it does not even take too long to prepare - up to 15 minutes only.
7. Crispy Cornbread
Sometimes, it pays off to keep things simple.
It is all about simplicity, rather than posh side dishes that people cannot understand.
Cornbread is ideal when it comes to mulligatawny soup because it offers a fulfilling element and a hearty aroma that blends in perfectly.
You can adjust how much sugar you put in.
Then, while you can find cornbread in commerce, it pays off making it yourself - nothing beats the aroma and taste of hot cornbread.
Cut it in small cubes and place it on a large plate in the middle of the table.
Make sure you prepare more than what you need - it will go in no time.
