Ghee rice (basmati rice cooked with clarified butter and whole spices like cumin and bay leaf) is a heavenly base, creamy and aromatic, worthy of superstar side dishes.
We've been in that situation, scratching our heads in front of the pantry. At Cookscrafter.com, we've got you covered with 13 fantastic sides that are ready to shine.
Rice can soak in all the flavors, making the meal a rich and satisfying experience.
Talk about tempting! Whether it's a blissful curry or a tangy salad, we've tested them all, making sure your rice is never lonely on the plate.
Each choice complements without making things complicated. Let's keep meals fresh and flavorful.
Top 13 Side Dishes for Ghee Rice
Here are our top suggestions for sides to go with ghee rice, in no particular order:
1 - Chicken Korma
Chicken Korma? We're all about it.
Creamy, dreamy, deserves a spot at your table. Tender chicken, rich sauce (with its mild, slightly sweet cashew cream notes)?
A foodie's dream.
Forget the complicated stuff.
We tried it, we didn't miss a thing. This blend?
A warm hug in a bowl. Subtle spices, not too overpowering.
Great with ghee rice, or on its own; also pairs well with city chicken side ideas.
Fresh ingredients make it shine. This side dish just works.
Perfect for those who enjoy a little spice in life.
2 - Spicy Egg Curry
You like eggs? We do too.
Spicy Egg Curry is crazy good! It's got rich sauce and a zesty kick.
Eggs soak up all the spices (hard-boiled eggs absorb the gravy into the yolk). It's like a flavor bomb.
Make sure to chop onions real nice. Add some tomatoes, plenty of garlic too.
The more, the merrier here. A pinch of turmeric, bit of chili, then the eggs-hard-boiled and ready.
Mix it properly.
Serve hot with your ghee rice, or try egg bites side options.
3 - Paneer Butter Masala
You think Paneer Butter Masala is fancy? Nah, it's just delicious!
Steamy paneer, bathed in buttery sauce. We can't get enough.
The creamy sauce sticks. Just how we like it.
Paneer is the hero (fresh, homemade paneer holds its shape better). Freshness matters.
Trust using good butter, not margarine.
Craving spices? Add a little chili. Mix well. Simmer 'til you're hungry.
Pair with ghee rice, or serve alongside butter chicken accompaniments for rich meals.
Quick skillet cleanup. Less mess means more eating.
4 - Dal Tadka
Got a bowl of Dal Tadka? We've transformed lentils with spices.
Imagine them simmering.
A splash of ghee (a cumin-infused tadka boosts aroma) could steal the show.
Our secret? A tad more onion.
For the magic, throw in garlic. Maybe a few tomatoes.
Smoky cumin makes it richer.
Mix with care. A squeeze of lemon wakes it all up.
Nutty, fresh, with a zing-a warm bowl of comfort.
We say serve it hot. Share with friends, enjoy.
5 - Lamb Rogan Josh
Lamb Rogan Josh is all about the rich and hearty flavors. We crave the tender lamb soaking in its thick, spicy sauce.
The tomato and yogurt base kicks it up a notch. We swear by slow cooking (simmering 2-3 hours) for that melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Go bold with fresh spices like cinnamon and cloves. They make everything pop.
Try it with ghee rice for a satisfying meal, or pair with lamb chops side pairings for hearty meals.
It's a cozy dish on any chilly day.
6 - Vegetable Kurma
Vegetable Kurma, huh? We dig this mix of veggies and spices.
Creamy coconut sauce (made with coconut milk and roasted coconut) wraps it all up.
Veggies stay fresh, not mushy.
Less prep than you think. Good for lazy cooks like us. Spice level? Up to you.
Turmeric, cilantro, pop in veggies, and more. Casual feast anytime.
We skip the stovetop sometimes. Crockpot's cozy vibe is nice.
Pairs with ghee rice smoothly. Avoids being boring.
7 - Coconut Shrimp Curry
Coconut Shrimp Curry? We're all in.
Shrimp bathe in creamy coconut sauce. Mild heat with flavors that stick.
Shrimp fresh is key.
Coconut milk (full-fat coconut milk gives a silkier texture) brings the body.
We chop garlic, ginger, and throw in. Turmeric adds warmth.
Simmer 'til shrimp pop.
Serve it with a citrus twist, adds zing.
Ghee rice feels stronger with it. Use fresh spices, never old.
Prep is quick, makes it easy. Curry never overpowers, it plays nice.
Shrimp and coconut, a classic combo; try with shrimp pasta side ideas for balance.
8 - Aloo Gobi (Potato Cauliflower Curry)
Alright party people, gather 'round for Aloo Gobi. Potato and cauliflower make a dynamic duo.
The orange glow of turmeric?
Mesmerizing. Tender veggies create a mellow blend.
Toss in cumin and coriander (use freshly toasted seeds) to wake things up. Let onions and garlic do their magic.
A squeeze of lemon ties it all together.
Casual meal with big flavors. We do this on weekends, minimal fuss.
Ghee rice enhances the zest.
Quick prep, easy eating.
9 - Kerala Fish Fry
Kerala Fish Fry is crispy and bursting with spice. Fresh fish, marinated in exotic flavors.
Just fry it until golden (about 3-4 minutes per side depending on thickness).
It's simple and super tasty. We stick to cumin, chili, and turmeric for a flavor rush.
Moist fish means better crunch, trust us on fresh. Spices? bright.
Lemons add zing.
Crisp paired with ghee rice makes a fantastic duo. No excessive prep needed.
Great for casual meals. Be bold with spice; it's all part of the fun.
10 - Palak Paneer (Spinach with Cottage Cheese)
Alright, spinach haters, sit down. We've got Palak Paneer, and it's green glory on a plate.
Cottage cheese blocks (paneer, a fresh acid-coagulated cheese) add heft. They soak up all that spinach goodness and spices.
Quick prep? Yeah, we do that.
Spice it right. The balance makes or breaks flavors.
Fresh spinach is a game. Done in a flash.
No mess, no long steps.
Pair it with ghee rice, and
11 - Beetroot Pachadi
The lovely hue of Beetroot Pachadi adds a pop of color to your meal. Slightly tangy with a hint of spice.
You'll appreciate the fresh coconut and yogurt base.
Beets are underrated, but we don't mind. A veggie powerhouse, loaded with nutrients (rich in fiber and folate).
We love it best chilled, served as a side with ghee rice.
Pro tip: add onions and mustard seeds for extra flavor and crunch!
12 - Tandoori Chicken
Tandoori Chicken, oh how we love thee. Juicy, tender chicken with a smoky flavor from the tandoor oven.
It's perfect for special occasions or just when you're feeling fancy.
Marinate the chicken overnight (8-12 hours) for maximum flavor. Don't forget to add a dash of garam masala for that authentic taste.
Pair it with ghee rice and some cooling raita for a complete meal that will impress anyone.
13 - Mango Chutney
Fresh mangoes, chilies, and spices create a unique flavor (use a 3:1 mango to sugar ratio for balance) that will keep you coming back for more.
Try it as a topping on your favorite curry or mix it in with some yogurt for a refreshing side dish. You can even use it as a dip for chips!
The possibilities are endless.
Homemade mango chutney is always better, so go ahead and give it a try. Your palate will thank you.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
