What to Serve with Naan Bread: 35+ Easy Side Dishes
Wondering what to serve with naan bread? I’ve got you covered with amazing side dishes that’ll make your meal special!
This soft and fluffy Indian flatbread is perfect for scooping up curries, dips, and so much more.
Whether you’re using store-bought naan or making it at home, these pairings will transform your dinner into a feast.
I love how versatile naan is – it works great for both quick weeknight meals and fancy dinner parties.
Let me share my favorite dishes that pair perfectly with this pillowy bread.
What is Naan?
Naan is a popular Indian bread that’s soft on the inside and slightly crispy outside.
Traditionally cooked in a tandoor (clay oven), this flatbread puffs up beautifully with lovely brown spots.
You’ll find many types like garlic naan, butter naan, or plain – each one equally yummy!
What to Serve with Naan Bread?
From rich curries to creamy dips, and hearty soups there are plenty of options to serve with naan bread.
Most dishes feature aromatic spices and rich flavors that the bread soaks up perfectly.
Traditional Indian Curries
These classic curry dishes are what I reach for first when serving naan. Their rich gravies are perfect for scooping up with warm bread pieces.
- Paneer Butter Masala(Makhani): Creamy tomato gravy hugs chunks of Indian cottage cheese in this crowd-pleasing dish. The rich sauce is perfect for mopping up with warm naan.
- Dal Makhani: Black lentils slow-cooked with butter and cream make this dish super comforting. I love how the creamy texture works with torn pieces of naan.
- Chole Masala: These spiced chickpeas pack amazing flavor. Every time I make this, my kitchen smells wonderful, and it’s always better with fresh naan.
- Palak Paneer: Smooth spinach gravy studded with cottage cheese cubes creates a healthy, tasty combo. The green color looks beautiful next to the golden naan.
- Malai Kofta: Veggie dumplings swimming in rich curry sauce are pure comfort food. You’ll want extra naan to scoop up every last bit.
Vegetable-Based Curries
Get ready to enjoy these colorful veggie curries! Each one brings unique flavors and textures that make naan bread even more exciting to eat.
- Aloo Gobi: Potatoes and cauliflower cooked with gentle spices create pure comfort in a bowl. My grandma’s recipe always reminds me of cozy family dinners.
- Mix Vegetable Kadai: Fresh veggies dance in a spicy tomato puree with bell peppers adding sweet crunch. The chunky texture makes it fun to scoop up with naan pieces.
- Baingan Bharta: Smoky mashed eggplant cooked with tomatoes and onions brings amazing depth. The silky texture against fluffy naan creates the perfect bite every time.
- Dahi Bhindi: Crispy okra pieces coated in tangy yogurt sauce offer a delightful contrast. You’ll love how the creamy sauce clings to warm naan.
- Mushroom Butter Masala: Meaty mushrooms swimming in rich, buttery tomato gravy makes this dish irresistible. Perfect for those cozy nights when you want something special.
Protein-Rich Vegetarian Dishes
Looking for filling meat-free options? These protein-packed dishes will keep you satisfied while tasting amazing with your naan.
- Matar Paneer: Sweet green peas and soft paneer cubes swim in a rich onion-tomato gravy. The combo of textures makes every bite interesting.
- Hariyali Paneer : Fresh herbs give this curry its beautiful green color and bright flavors. It’s like springtime in a bowl!
- Sweet Potato Chickpea Curry: Creamy coconut milk brings together tender sweet potatoes and protein-rich chickpeas. This fusion dish always gets rave reviews.
- Vegan Palak Paneer: Tofu replaces cheese in this plant-based version of the classic. Even my non-vegan friends ask for seconds!
- Mushroom Peas Curry: This is my dad’s favorite mushroom curry! Plump mushrooms and sweet peas create a hearty meat-free meal. It is perfect for dipping hot naan.
Classic Chicken Dishes
These chicken curry favorites never fail to impress. Each one brings unique flavors that make naan bread shine.
- Butter Chicken: Tender chicken pieces swim in a creamy tomato gravy that’s slightly sweet. This is my go-to dish when friends come over – it’s always a hit!
- Chicken Tikka Masala: Smoky grilled chicken in a rich orange sauce brings the best of tandoori flavors. The charred bits add amazing depth to each bite.
- Chicken Korma: Mild yet flavorful, this curry has tender chicken in a cashew-based gravy. Perfect for those who prefer gentle spices overheat.
- Chicken Jalfrezi: Stir-fried chicken with crispy peppers and onions creates a colorful dish. The slightly dry gravy style offers a nice change from creamy curries.
- Easy Chicken Handi: Quick-cooked chicken in a fragrant tomato sauce makes weeknight dinners special. You’ll love how the gravy soaks into warm naan.
Meat-Based Specialties
These hearty meat dishes turn every meal into a feast. Each recipe brings rich flavors that pair perfectly with soft naan bread.
- Lamb Bhuna: Slow-cooked lamb in a thick, concentrated gravy lets the meat’s flavor shine. The reduced sauce clings perfectly to torn naan pieces.
- Lamb Vindaloo: Tangy, spicy sauce hugs tender lamb pieces in this bold curry. Not for the faint-hearted, but so worth trying!
- Keema Matar: Ground meat and sweet peas create a deliciously simple curry. My mom’s recipe always reminds me of Sunday family lunches.
- Ground Beef Kebabs: Juicy grilled beef patties seasoned with aromatic spices make great naan wraps. Add some mint chutney for extra flavor.
- Chapli Kabab: Spiced minced meat patties with a crispy outside and tender inside. Roll them in warm naan with a fresh salad for the perfect bite.
Seafood Curries
Love seafood? These ocean-inspired dishes create exciting new ways to enjoy your naan bread.
- Monkfish Curry: Firm, meaty monkfish chunks bathed in coconut curry sauce offer an elegant twist. The fish holds its shape while soaking up amazing flavors.
- Fish Tikka Masala: Marinated fish pieces in a smoky tomato gravy bring restaurant-style luxury home. The tender fish flakes perfectly against soft naan.
- Prawn Masala: Juicy prawns swimming in aromatic gravy create an irresistible combination. I love how the sauce coats both the seafood and bread.
- Kerala Fish Curry: Tangy tamarind and coconut milk make this South Indian specialty unique. The creamy sauce with curry leaves tastes heavenly.
- Goan Fish Curry: Coconut, tumeric and tamarind puree give this curry its special taste. Every coastal vacation reminds me of enjoying this with hot naan.
Dips and Accompaniments
These tasty dips and sides take your naan experience to the next level. Mix and match to create your perfect plate!
- Hummus: Creamy chickpea dip with tahini and garlic makes a perfect spread. Though not traditionally Indian, it works amazingly well with warm naan.
- Raita: Cool yogurt mixed with cucumbers and mild spices balances spicy curries. The refreshing crunch adds another texture to your meal.
- Mango Chutney: Sweet and tangy mango preserve brings fruity brightness to every bite. This classic condiment makes naan even more enjoyable.
- Tamarind Chutney: Sweet, sour, and slightly spicy flavors wake up your taste buds. Just a small dollop transforms plain naan into something special.
- Tzatziki Sauce: Cool cucumber-yogurt dip with fresh herbs offers a Mediterranean flair. Another fusion favorite that works surprisingly well with naan.
Warming Soups
When you want something lighter but still satisfying, try these comforting soups with your naan.
- Mulligatawny Soup: This Anglo-Indian lentil soup carries warm spices and a hint of coconut milk. I discovered this gem at a local restaurant, and now it’s my favorite winter comfort food.
- Tomato Basil Shorba: Smooth, tangy tomato soup with fresh basil makes a light meal perfect. The Italian-Indian fusion creates amazing flavors that complement soft naan bread beautifully.
- Lemon Coriander Soup: Fresh citrus and herbs brighten this clear, warming soup. Perfect for chilly evenings, the light broth gets extra body when you dip warm naan into it.
- Dal Shorba: Light yet filling lentil soup with gentle spices makes the perfect starter. Whenever I’m feeling under the weather, this soup with fresh naan makes everything better.
Final Thoughts
Naan bread’s versatility makes it perfect for so many delicious pairings!
From traditional curries to modern fusion dishes, you’ve got endless options to serve with naan bread.
Whether you’re dipping into rich gravies, scooping up vegetables, or soaking up soups, each combination brings its own joy.
Don’t be afraid to experiment – even unconventional pairings can surprise you!
I hope these suggestions inspire you to create amazing meals.
