Savoring a bowl of creamy, savory butter chicken can sometimes leave you puzzled about what to pair it with. Butter chicken, an iconic Indian dish rich in spices and flavors, truly shines when accompanied by the right sides. But what to serve with butter chicken?
This article provides a curated list of delectable side dishes – from traditional Indian fare to innovative culinary creations – that perfectly complement your butter chicken meal.
Let’s dive into the world of tasteful accompaniments for this classic dish!
Key Takeaways
- Traditional accompaniments for butter chicken include pulao or basmati rice, naan bread, raita, and papadum.
- Vegetable sides such as broccoli or cauliflower, aloo gobi (potato and cauliflower curry), saag (spinach), and kachumber salad are great options to serve with butter chicken.
- Indian snacks like samosas and onion bhajis make delicious additions to your butter chicken meal.
- Don’t forget about chutneys and pickles like mint chutney, mango chutney, and lime pickle for added flavor.
Traditional Accompaniments for Butter Chicken
Some of the popular traditional accompaniments are as follows:
Pulao or Basmati Rice
Pulao or Basmati Rice serves as the perfect partner for butter chicken in any meal setting. Known for their long, fragrant grains and delicate texture, both these types of rice act as a smooth counterpart to the creamy and spicy flavors of butter chicken.
Their natural ability to soak up flavorful gravies enhances every bite, making the dining experience truly satisfying. Offering a traditional touch to your dinner spread, Pulao or Basmati is not just about fulfilling our carbohydrate requirement. it’s also about invoking that authentic Indian food essence right at your dining table.
Besides being tasty side dishes, they boast an impressive nutrient profile including vitamins B1 and B6 aiding in energy production. So, scoop that aromatic basmati onto your plate! Or enjoy spoonfuls of pulao with mouth-watering pieces of Butter Chicken – it’s all part of a deliciously balanced feast!
Naan Bread
Naan bread is a must-have when serving butter chicken. This fluffy and slightly charred Indian bread perfectly complements the rich flavors of the dish. Naan is traditionally made with all-purpose flour, milk, yogurt, yeast, and ghee, or oil.
It is cooked in a tandoor oven, giving it a soft and chewy texture with a hint of smokiness. Tear off a piece of naan and use it to scoop up the creamy sauce of the butter chicken! It’s an explosion of deliciousness in every bite.
The warm and comforting naan bread adds an extra element to your meal, making it even more satisfying.
Raita
On the list of what to serve with butter chicken, Raita is the next. Raita is a refreshing and cooling yogurt-based side dish that pairs perfectly with butter chicken. Made by combining creamy yogurt with chopped cucumber, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and a hint of spices like cumin and coriander, raita adds a burst of flavor and texture to your meal.
The coolness of the yogurt complements the rich and spicy flavors in butter chicken. This creates a harmonious balance on your palate. Raita not only enhances the taste experience but also helps to soothe any heat from the spiciness of the main dish.
Its creamy consistency provides a smooth contrast to the bold flavors of butter chicken. So next time you’re serving up this classic Indian dish, don’t forget to include a bowl of flavorful raita on the side for an elevated dining experience!
Papadum
Papadum, a crispy and flavorful Indian flatbread, is a fantastic accompaniment to butter chicken. These thin and crunchy discs are made from lentil or rice flour and are often seasoned with spices like cumin or black pepper.
They provide a delightful contrast to the creamy richness of the butter chicken, adding texture and depth of flavor to each bite. Whether you enjoy them plain or topped with chutneys or pickles, papadums are an essential addition to any butter chicken meal, providing that satisfying crunch that perfectly complements the succulent flavors of this popular Indian dish.
Vegetable Sides for Butter Chicken
Pair your butter chicken with delicious and healthy vegetable sides such as broccoli or cauliflower, Aloo Gobi (potato and cauliflower curry), Saag (spinach), and refreshing Kachumber Salad.
Discover the perfect balance of flavors to enhance your butter chicken experience! Click here for more mouthwatering options.
Broccoli or Cauliflower
Broccoli or cauliflower are excellent vegetable side dishes to serve with butter chicken. Both of these vegetables have a mild flavor that complements the richness and spiciness of the butter chicken.
You can prepare them by sautéing or roasting them with some spices like cumin, turmeric, and chili powder for an extra kick. Broccoli and cauliflower are also packed with essential nutrients and fiber, making them a healthy choice to balance out the meal.
So next time you make butter chicken, don’t forget to include some deliciously cooked broccoli or cauliflower on the side.
Aloo Gobi
Aloo Gobi is a delicious curry dish that combines tender cauliflower florets with perfectly cooked potatoes in a flavorful blend of spices. This traditional Indian side dish pairs exceptionally well with butter chicken, adding an extra layer of texture and taste to your meal.
The softness of the potatoes complements the slightly crispy cauliflower, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. With each bite, you’ll experience the aromatic spices infused into every piece, making Aloo Gobi a delightful accompaniment to enhance your butter chicken dining experience.
Saag (Spinach)
If you’re unsure of what to serve with butter chicken, here’s the answer!
Saag, a traditional Indian dish made with spinach, is an excellent vegetable side to serve alongside butter chicken. Packed with nutrients and bursting with flavor, saag adds a vibrant and healthy element to your meal.
The tender spinach leaves are gently simmered in a flavorful blend of spices such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric, creating a rich and aromatic sauce that complements the creamy texture of butter chicken perfectly.
With its earthy taste and velvety consistency, saag provides a refreshing contrast to the bold flavors of the main dish. Whether you prefer mild or spicy versions of saag, it’s sure to enhance your dining experience by adding depth and complexity to each bite.
Kachumber Salad
Kachumber salad is a light and refreshing side dish that perfectly complements the rich flavors of butter chicken. Made with a combination of finely chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and fresh herbs like cilantro or mint, this crunchy and vibrant salad adds a burst of freshness to your meal.
The tangy dressing, typically made with lemon juice or vinegar, enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish. Kachumber salad not only provides a textural contrast but also offers essential vitamins and antioxidants from its raw vegetables.
Its simplicity and versatility make it an ideal accompaniment for butter chicken, adding a healthy element to your plate without overpowering the main dish.keywords: kachumber salad pairing with butter chicken, refreshing salad for butter chicken.
Indian Snacks to Serve with Butter Chicken
Samosas and onion bhajis make great Indian snacks to serve with butter chicken.
Samosa
Samosas are a popular Indian snack that can be served as an appetizer or side dish alongside butter chicken. These delicious savory pastries are filled with a flavorful mixture of spiced potatoes, peas, and sometimes minced meat.
They are typically deep-fried until golden and crispy, resulting in a satisfying crunch when bitten into. Samosas add an extra layer of texture and taste to your meal, making them a perfect accompaniment to the rich and creamy flavors of butter chicken.
Their aromatic spices complement the dish beautifully, making each bite even more enjoyable.
Onion Bhajis
Onion bhajis are a delightful Indian snack that make a perfect accompaniment to butter chicken. These crispy fritters are made by mixing thinly sliced onions with chickpea flour, spices, and herbs before deep frying them until golden brown.
The result is a deliciously crunchy exterior with a soft, flavorful interior. Onion bhajis add texture and depth of flavor to your butter chicken meal, making each bite even more satisfying.
Whether you serve them as an appetizer or alongside the main course, onion bhajis are sure to be a hit at your next Indian-inspired feast.
Chutneys and Pickles for Butter Chicken
Chutneys and pickles add a burst of flavor to butter chicken, with options like mint chutney, tangy mango chutney, and zesty lime pickle complementing the rich spices in the dish. This solves your problem of what to serve with butter chicken.
Mint Chutney
Mint chutney is a fresh and vibrant condiment that pairs perfectly with butter chicken. Made with fresh mint leaves, cilantro, green chilies, and aromatic spices, this tangy and refreshing sauce adds a burst of flavor to your meal.
Mint chutney not only complements the rich flavors of the butter chicken but also provides a cooling contrast to the spicy notes of the dish. Its bright green color adds visual appeal to your plate as well.
Whether drizzled over the chicken or served on the side, mint chutney is sure to enhance your dining experience and leave you craving for more.
Mango Chutney
One delicious accompaniment to serve with butter chicken is mango chutney. This sweet and tangy condiment adds a burst of flavor to the rich and creamy dish. Made from ripe mangoes, vinegar, sugar, and spices like ginger and cumin, mango chutney provides a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors of the butter chicken.
You can simply spoon it over your rice or naan bread for a delightful combination of tastes. The fruity sweetness of the chutney complements the spiciness of the butter chicken perfectly, creating a harmonious balance that will leave your taste buds craving for more.
Lime Pickle
Lime pickle is a tangy and flavorful condiment that pairs perfectly with butter chicken. Made from preserved limes, spices, and oil, lime pickle adds a zesty kick to the rich flavors of the dish.
It provides a balance of acidity and heat, enhancing the overall taste experience. Lime pickle can be served on the side or added directly to your plate for an extra burst of flavor.
Its vibrant color and intense flavor make it a popular choice among Indian food enthusiasts. So if you’re looking to elevate your butter chicken meal, don’t forget to include some delicious lime pickle on the table.
FAQs
1. What are some popular side dishes to serve with butter chicken?
Some popular side dishes to serve with butter chicken include naan bread, basmati rice, vegetable biryani, and cucumber raita.
2. Can I serve butter chicken with pasta or noodles?
While it is not a traditional pairing, you can certainly experiment and serve butter chicken with pasta or noodles if you’d like. However, keep in mind that the flavors of the dish may not complement each other as well as traditional Indian accompaniments.
3. Are there any vegetarian options that go well with butter chicken?
Yes! Vegetarian options that pair well with butter chicken include saag paneer (spinach and cheese curry), mixed vegetable curry, dal makhani (lentil stew), and aloo gobi (potato and cauliflower curry).
4. What beverages can I serve alongside butter chicken?
To complement the flavors of the dish, you can serve beverages such as mango lassi (mango yogurt drink), masala chai (spiced tea), refreshing lemonade, or even a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when it comes to what to serve with butter chicken, there are plenty of delicious options to consider. From traditional accompaniments like pulao or basmati rice and naan bread, to vegetable sides such as broccoli or cauliflower and saag (spinach), the possibilities are endless.
Don’t forget about Indian snacks like samosas and onion bhajis, as well as chutneys and pickles for added flavor. Whether you’re looking for a classic pairing or something more creative, these side dishes will perfectly complement your butter chicken meal.