Biryani is a delicious and aromatic rice dish that is commonly enjoyed in South Asian countries.
It is often made with chicken, lamb, or beef and is flavored with various spices. Biryani is usually served with raita, a yogurt-based sauce, and a dollop of mango chutney on the side.
In this blog, I will provide some ideas of what to serve with biryani so you can make a complete meal out of it!
Best 10 side dishes to serve with biryani
When it comes to biryani, there are a lot of delicious options to choose from for your side dish.
Here are ten of the best side dishes to serve with biryani, each one sure to complement the flavors of the rice and meat perfectly.
1. Raita
Raita is a yogurt-based sauce that is commonly served with biryani. It helps to cool down the dish’s spiciness and adds a refreshing crunch. You can make raita by mixing yogurt with chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and mint leaves.
2. Mango Chutney
Mango chutney is a sweet and tangy condiment that goes well with biryani. It is made by cooking mangoes with sugar, vinegar, onions, and spices. Mango chutney can be bought at most Indian grocery stores.
3. Papadums
Papadums are crispy fried flatbreads often served as an appetizer in Indian cuisine. They can also be eaten alongside biryani as a crunchy accompaniment. Papadums are usually made from lentil flour or chickpea flour. They are flavored with spices such as cumin and chili powder.
4. Kachumber
Kachumber is a type of salad made with chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and spices. It is often a complement to biryani or other rice dishes in Indian cuisine.
Kachumber salad helps to cool down the dish’s spiciness and adds some freshness to it.
5. Naan Bread
Naan is a type of leavened flatbread that originates from the Indian subcontinent. It is traditionally made in a tandoor (clay oven) but can also be made on a stovetop or grill. Naan goes well with biryani because it soaks up all the delicious flavors of the dish and helps balance out its spiciness.
6. Lassi
Lassi is a type of yogurt-based drink that originated in India. It is produced by blending yogurt with water, sugar, and spices such as cardamom or saffron.
Lassi can be drunk before or after eating biryani and helps to cool down the spice level of the dish if it is too spicy for your taste buds!
7. Salad
A simple salad of lettuce, tomatoes, and onions is a great way to add some freshness and crunch to your meal. For added sweetness, add fruit such as grapes or mango.
Wrap the salad with a simple vinaigrette with olive oil and lemon juice.
8. Cauliflower fritters
Cauliflower fritters are light and crispy; these fritters make a great alternative to naan bread.
9. Potato side dish for biryani
One delicious option is potato biryani, which is made by cooking potatoes in a spicy gravy and then layering them over the rice.
The end product is a tasty and hearty supper that will not disappoint.
A potato favorite, this homey dish takes on special meaning when served as part of a feast.
It is commonly made as a side dish for biryani but can also be enjoyed on its own.
To make, Simply sauté potatoes until golden brown, then stir in some green peas and cook until tender.
Add spices to taste-cumin, turmeric, and garam masala all work well here-then; stir in some chopped cilantro for freshness. Serve warm with basmati rice or naan bread.
10. Chutneys
Mint chutney is a refreshing and flavorful condiment that pairs perfectly with biryani.
Tamarind chutney is another deliciously tangy condiment that pairs perfectly with biryani.
11. Plain Yogurt
Plain yogurt is a delicious and healthy side dish for biryani. It’s perfect for cooling down your palate after eating spicy food.
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What to serve with vegetable biryani?
Vegetable biryani is a delicious rice dish that is perfect for a vegetarian feast.
To complete the meal, why not serve it with a simple green salad and some raita? Raita is a yogurt-based condiment that is traditionally made with cucumber, mint, and cumin. It’s the perfect cooling contrast to the spices in the biryani.
For an extra touch of luxury, you could also serve your biryani with a dollop of mango chutney on the side. Whatever you choose to serve with your vegetable biryani, enjoy!
So, These are just some ideas of what to serve with biryani! Feel free to mix and match these sides according to your preferences or what you have available in your kitchen pantry!
And don’t forget the naan bread and raita! Nothing goes better with biryani than piping hot naan straight from the oven and a freshly made raita. Bon appetit!
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FAQs
Do you serve gravy with your biryani?
Yes, we do! We serve delicious onion gravy with our biryani. Our onion gravy is made with caramelized onions, tomatoes, and a touch of cream to give it a lovely richness. It’s absolutely delicious and goes so well with the biryani!
What to serve with Malabar Mutton Biryani?
Malabar Mutton Biryani is a delicious, hearty dish that is perfect for any occasion. The rich, flavorful mutton is complemented by the fragrant rice and spices, making it a truly memorable meal.
While there are multiple ways to enjoy this dish, simple cucumber raita is one of the best accompaniments. The cooling yogurt helps to balance out the spice of the biryani, and the cucumber adds a refreshing crunch.
Another great option is mint chutney, which brings out the flavor of the mutton and rice. No matter what you prefer to serve with your biryani, one thing is sure: it will be an unforgettable meal.
Add a side of naan bread or roti for a more substantial meal. To round out the meal, offer a selection of fresh fruits or sweet desserts.
Whatever else you include on the menu, be sure to offer plenty of options for customization so that everyone can enjoy their biryani exactly the way they like it.
What dessert goes with biryani?
Many desserts can be enjoyed with biryani, but some of the most popular include gulab jamun, ras malai, and kheer.
Gulab jamun is small balls of fried dough soaked in syrup, while ras malai is a type of cheese pudding often served with nuts and dried fruits.
Kheer is a rice pudding that is often flavored with cardamom, saffron, and other spices.
Note: A good rule of thumb is to avoid desserts with strong citrus or mint flavors. Instead, opt for something subtly sweetened with honey or rosewater.
What salad goes well with biryani?
Mint raita, cucumber raita, or a simple yogurt and cucumber salad are all great options to accompany biryani.
A simple green salad with vinaigrette dressing would be ideal.
Something like a spinach salad with roasted nuts and berries would be delicious. Also, a simple cucumber and tomato salad is a refreshing and easy-to-make option.
What to serve with lamb biryani?
One option is to pair Lamb Biryani with light yogurt raita. The cooling effect of the yogurt will help to offset the spiciness of the biryani, while the raita’s refreshing flavor will provide a nice contrast to the richly-flavored lamb.
Alternatively, you can try serving Lamb Biryani with a simple green salad. The crunchy greens will again provide a contrast to the lamb, while their mild flavor will allow the biryani’s spices to shine through.