What To Eat with Basmati Rice (40+)

No ratings yet

Updated: Jun 9, 2025 by Hayley Dhanecha · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

↓ Jump to Recipe

40 recipes to make with basmati rice.

Here is my collection of the best vegetarian recipes that you can serve with basmati rice. These recipes range from and work for white and brown basmati rice.

a collage of 8 different vegetarian dishes that you can serve with basmati rice.

Table of contents

Dal/Lentils/Beans Recipes
Curry recipes
Kadhi (Indian and Pakistani Spiced Yogurt Based Curry)
Raita, Pickle, Chutney

I use this basmati rice recipe which makes perfect fluffy white basmati rice where each grain is separate. However, you may also like this Jeera rice or Indian cumin rice made with basmati rice or takeaway style pilau rice.

Indian style Fried Rice goes great with creamy raita and lassi.

The nutty flavor makes it the perfect side dish for so many recipes.

I tend to eat Indian basmati rice with Indian food like dal and curry recipes but you can definitely serve it with a veggie chilli or a Moroccan tagine too!

You can also serve basmati rice as a side for any recipe calling for long-grain rice.

Dal/Lentils/Beans Recipes

A warming bowl of dal or beans and rice is so comforting and delicious with rice.

Tarka Dal

This homemade Tarka Dal tastes just like your favourite Indian restaurant and takeaway. It's a classic dish made with a mix of two lentils that are simmered in an aromatic tarka.

Tarka dal served in a karahi.

Dishoom Black Dal

This famous Dishoom's house Black Daal or Dal Makhani is a copycat version of the popular Indian restaurant. The creamy dal is prepared with whole black lentils which are simmered in a tomato garlic sauce and finished with cream.

Dishoom black dal served in a bowl topped with butter and cream

DAL MAKHANI – INSTANT POT SLOW COOK AND STOVETOP METHOD

This dal makhani is made in the Instant pot, but still retains the original taste.

Dal makhni or instant pot slow cooked dal makhni served in a bowl with a spoon

Whole Masoor Dal - Sabut Masoor Dal - Brown Lentils Curry

This Whole Masoor Dal recipe is perfect for a mid-week meal alongside boiled rice and roti. Sabut Masoor Dal or Whole Brown Lentils make a perfect Indian curry that is so quick and easy to prepare.

whole masoor dal in a pan with serving spoon

Mixed Dal Recipe

This Mixed Dal or Mix Dal Fry is a delicious Indian recipe prepared with a mix of lentils, onion, garlic, tomato and spices. The tadka give this dish a delicious dhaba style dal flavour.

Mixed dal served with rice and roti in the plate.

Chana Saag

This easy Chana Saag recipe is a comforting meal prepared with chickpeas, spinach and Indian spices. Prepare chana saag curry just like your favourite Indian restaurants for the perfect weeknight meal.

chana saag curry served in a small bowl garnished with onion slices

Authentic Chana Masala Recipe: Easy Vegan Chickpea Curry

This authentic chana masala follows a traditional Punjabi recipe and is naturally vegan. The steps for this Indian chickpea curry are easy to follow.

A bowl of Authentic Chana masala in a plate next to naan and rice bowl

Indian Curried Green Lentils Dal (Dahl)

This easy Green Lentil Curry also known as Green Lentil Dhal uses Indian spices to create a flavourful and nutritious plant-based meal that's easy on the pocket. Great for batch cooking and easy weeknight meals.

cooked green lentils dal in a pan.

Instant Pot Easy Gujarati Chana Dal

This split chickpea dal can be made without a pressure cooker or can be made in the pressure cooker or in an Instant Pot. This Gujarati Channa Daal which is equally tangy and sweet.

Instant pot easy Gujarati chana dal served in a bowl with roti on the side plate

Mag nu Saak – Easy Mung Bean Gujarati Curry

Mag nu Saak/Shaak or Mung Bean Curry is a traditional Gujarati recipe made with moong beans, tomato and garlic. This easy and quick recipe can be made in Instant pot and stove top. Serve this plant based and naturally gluten-free curry with rice, roti, salad and papad.

Mug nu saak served with rice and salad in a bowl with a spoon

Rajma Recipe (Punjabi Rajma Masala)

This Homemade Punjabi Rajma Masala has an irresistible melt in the mouth texture. Rajma curry is made from red kidney beans, onion, garlic, tomato and aromatic spices. Often served with rice, lovingly known known as rajma chawal, this is a comforting and authentic dish.

A bowl of rajma masala placed on a round tray.

INSTANT POT AFGHAN LUBYA-RED KIDNEY BEAN CURRY

This easy, delicious and filling Instant Pot Afghan Lubiya/Lubya curry prepared with red kidney beans in tomato and mint sauce.

Spinach Chana Dal - Easy & Vegan

This easy Spinach Chana Dal or Dal Palak is an incredibly tasty Indian lentil curry recipe. Fresh spinach and an assortment of fragrant Indian spices are blended with creamy chana dal.

An overhead shot of spinach chana dal served with a wooden spoon in a pan

Khatta Mag

Khatta Mag is a green moong bean curry cooked in a spiced yogurt gravy. Prepare this delicious Gujarati dish for a quick mid week meal.

khatta mag served in a bowl on the dining table.

Vaal nu Shaak

Vaal nu Shaak, simply known as Vaal, is a delicious Gujarati shaak made with lima beans. This recipe is prepared with aromatic whole spices, tamarind and jaggery and is often served at Gujarati weddings.

Vaal nu shaak bowl placed on the table next to kitchen napkin.

Dhaba Style Dal Fry

This Dhaba Style Dal Fry Recipe is a delicious Indian dish prepared with lentils, onion tomato masala and Indian spices. The dal is tempered in ghee for an incredible rich flavour that tastes just like Indian restaurants or dhabas.

dhaba style dal fry served in a small bowl garnished with chopped fresh cilantro

Sultani Dal

Sultani Dal is a royal dal that takes inspiration from Mughal kitchens. Toor dal is simmered with cream and yogurt and finished with saffron to create a silky and luscious dish.

Instant Pot Trevti Daal -Three Lentil Daal with Spinach

This delicious and vegan Instant Pot Trevti Daal with Spinach hits the spot when you’re craving for comforting yet healthy food. Serve it up over the bed of rice and some fresh salad on the side!

image of a small black kadai with yellow daal garnished with a oil tempering

Gujarati Dal

Gujarati Dal is a flavourful everyday recipe made with toor dal, spices, and a touch of sweetness. It is finished with a tempering and is served with steamed rice (dal bhat) or in a thali for a complete meal.

A bowl of rice placed near Gujarati dal pan.

Garlicky Moong-Masoor Daal with Carrot Greens

Yellow Moong and Red lentils cooked with Carrot Greens and double the amount of Garlic. Healthy and Flavoursome daal tastes delicious with Hot Roti, Phulka or Rice.

Aloo Chana

This homely Chana Bateta without onion and garlic is pure comfort food. It's made with potatoes and chickpeas cooked in a flavourful sauce made with whole spices and tomatoes. I make it in one pot and it's ready within 15 minutes.

aloo chana masala served in a cast iron skillet

RED KIDNEY BEAN AND COCONUT CURRY

Red Kidney Bean and Coconut Milk Curry, also known as maharage ya nazi, is a delicious recipe of East African and Indian cuisines. Buttery soft red kidney beans are simmered in a spiced tomato and coconut milk gravy.

kidney bean curry in a pan on the table.

RED KIDNEY BEAN & SWEETCORN CURRY

This Red kidney bean and Sweetcorn curry is packed with flavours, beautifully rich and the delicious combination of warmth and spice makes it the perfect hearty meal.

Red kidney bean and sweetcorn curry placed in a bowl next to naan and salads

Instant Pot Chickpea Coconut Curry

Busy weeknights call for this Instant Pot Chickpea and Coconut Milk Curry. It's a one-pot curry cooked directly in the Instant Pot using dried chickpeas. I skip the fancy spices and use easy curry powder for convenient yet delicious flavour.

A bowl of instant pot chickpea coconut curry placed next to rice bowl.

Kala Chana nu Shaak (Black Chickpea Curry)

This Black Chickpea Curry or Kala Chana nu Shaak is a Gujarati style curry. Black chickpeas are simmered in a sweet and tangy tomato tamarind gravy.

A bowl of kala chana nu shaak placed in a plate.

Gujarati Dal Dhokli

Dal Dhokli is a homely Gujarati dish that is warm and comforting. This one pot meal is made by simmering wheat flour dough in a sweet and sour Gujarati dal.

A bowl of Gujarati Dal Dhokli placed on a plate.

Masoor Dal (Red Lentils Dal)

Masoor dal, or red lentil dal, is a comforting dish that’s naturally vegan and gluten-free. Easy to make and bursting with flavour, it’s a go-to option for a hearty weeknight dish or as a side for your Indian meals.

masoor dal in a serving bowl.

Curry recipes

Palak Paneer

Palak Paneer is a classic North Indian curry prepared with cubes of Indian cottage cheese simmered in a spiced spinach sauce.

Paneer Kali Mirch (Black Pepper Paneer)

Paneer Kali Mirch is a creamy paneer curry that is flavoured with freshly cracked black pepper. The creamy gravy is a rich combination of cream, thick yogurt and cashew.

paneer kali mirch served in a copper serving bowl.

Tofu Makhani (Tofu Butter Masala)

Tofu Makhani, also known as Butter Tofu, is a delicious plant-based alternative to the popular Paneer Makhani.

Tofu Makhani or tofu butter masala in a pan with serving spoon.

Tofu Mango Coconut Curry

This Mango, Tofu and Coconut Milk Curry is bursting with flavour, perfect served over rice. Pieces of firm tofu are cooked in a coconut milk and mango chutney sauce to create a super easy vegan curry ready in no time. Light, dairy-free and delicious, it can be ready start-to-finish in one pot in less than 30 minutes.

Tofu mango coconut curry served in a ceramic kadai with a spoon

Paneer Palak Kofta Curry

In this Paneer Palak Kofta Curry, soft palak koftas are simmered in a creamy gravy made with a base of onion and tomato. It is an exciting twist on the authentic palak paneer.

A bowl of paneer spinach kofta curry placed next to dinner plates on dining table

INSTANT POT PALAK PANEER

This easy, delicious and vegetarian Indian curry Palak Paneer is one of the most consumed dishes around the globe. Now you can make in your Instant pot only in ZERO minutes!

Instant pot palak paneer served in a white dish with a servign spoon

Paneer Makhani (Paneer Butter Masala)

For Paneer Makhani, soft paneer pieces are simmered in an exquisite, rich and silky sauce made with butter, onion, tomato, cashews and aromatic spices. Perfect as part of your Diwali dinner menu.

restaurant style paneer butter masala served in a metal bowl.

Aloo Tamatar Ki Sabji (Potato Tomato Curry)

This Aloo Tamatar ki Sabji without onion and garlic is an easy potato curry recipe. It is a North Indian recipe made with potatoes, tomatoes and basic Indian spices. It is naturally vegan and gluten-free.

A bowl of aloo tamatar ki sabji placed on a wodden board.

Aloo, Gobi Matar

Aloo, Gobi aur Matar Ki Sabji, is a simple, easy and homely classic North Indian curry recipe that can be made an hour. It is made using winter vegetables such as cauliflower, green peas and potatoes

Aloo gobi matar served with chapati and salad on the side on the dining table

Instant Pot Vegan Cauliflower Korma

Instant Pot vegan cauliflower korma Curry is comforting dish that is full of flavor.

Navratan Korma

Navratan Korma, or nine-gem curry, is a creamy Indian vegetable curry recipe. A variety of vegetables, fruit and nuts are cooked in a rich and creamy gravy.

Navratan korma served in a kadai.

Vegan Brussels Sprouts Korma

An easy vegan Indian Korma recipe with Brussels Sprouts, green peas, cashew, coconut, and warming spices!

Dahi Aloo

Dahi aloo or Dahi ke aloo is a delicious and easy vegetarian curry, prepared with a basic and handful of ingredients such as potato and yogurt. In this recipe boiled potato is cooked in a little tangy and mildly spiced yogurt gravy.

PANEER TIKKA MASALA

Microwave Paneer Tikka Masala is a delicious microwave curry recipe. Creamy paneer chunks are marinated in a tikka tandoori masala before being added to a rich gravy to create a wonderful North Indian Microwave Paneer.

INSTANT POT DUM ALOO – RESTAURANT STYLE

This finger-licking and warming restaurant-style dum aloo made in Instant Pot only in 5 minutes.

Aloo Baingan - Eggplant and Potato Curry

Aloo Baingan is an aubergine (eggplant) and potato curry from India and Pakistan. You can prepare this easy recipe as a mid-week meal. Naturally vegan and gluten-free potato curry.

aloo baingan in a pan garnished with freshly chopped coriander

INSTANT POT ALOO MATAR – NO ONION GARLIC

Aloo Matar, this classic, delightful and effortless Indian dish is too good to be missed. In this finger-licking curry, potatoes and green peas are cooked in a tomato gravy with basic spices.

Aloo matar served in a big bowl with a serving spoon

Fulavar Bateta Nu Saak

Fulavar Bateta nu Shaak is a Gujarati cauliflower and potato curry recipe. It's prepared in a gravy of basic Indian spices and without onion or garlic.

Fulavar bateta nu shaak in a serving bowl.

Aloo Butter Masala (Makhani)

New Potato Butter Masala made with summery Jersey Royals is a luscious vegetarian curry with a British twist. It has a slight sweetness to complement the silkiest of gravies

Aloo butter masala served in a white flute serving bowl.

Shahi Paneer

My version of Mughlai Shahi Paneer is made restaurant-style with soft cubes of paneer simmered in a rich and creamy tomato gravy. It's perfect for special occasions thanks to the aromatic spices, nuts, saffron and lashings of cream.

Punjabi shahi paneer garnished with chopped coriander, saffron and cream

Sev Tameta Nu Shaak

Sev Tameta nu Shaak is a delicious Kathiyawadi Gujarati curry. It is prepared by combining fried gram flour noodles (crunchy sev) with a spicy and sweet tomato and garlic gravy.

sev tameta nu shaak served in a metal bowl with serving spoon

Niramish Paneer

Amazing Niramish Paneer – a creamy and flavourful Paneer Curry that is my version of the classic Bengali Niramish curries. It is rich, delicious and cooked without onion-garlic.

A picture Niramish paneer served in a black serving bowl with a serving spoon

Panch Phoran Paneer

Just when you think you've exhausted paneer recipes, here is one more! Paneer Panch Phoran is a creamy and rich recipe filled with warming flavours.

Panch Phoran Paneer served in a serving bowl.

Kadhi (Indian and Pakistani Spiced Yogurt Based Curry)

Kadhi is a yogurt based soup, sometimes called curry, and is perfect with basmati rice.

Gujarati Kadhi (traditional recipe)

Gujarati Kadhi, is a yoghurt-based soup. Traditional Gujarati Kadhi is thinner than Punjabi kadhi, mildly spiced, sweet-sourness that is typical of Gujarati cooking. This kadhi is great to eat with plain rice or khichdi.

close up shot of a black bowl filled with white indian yogurt soup topped with fresh coriander or cilantro

GRANDMA’S SPRING ONION KADHI-RAJASTHANI PYAAZ KI KADHI

Warming and comforting Lili Dungri ni Kadhi also known as spring onion kadhi is one those meals you just can not go wrong with.

Mango Kadhi

Mango Kadhi is a delicious dish made with Gujarati sweet white kadhi and fresh mango pulp. It's finished with a mouth-watering tempering of ghee and spices.

a bowl of kadhi placed next to roasted papad and rice bowl on the table.

Raita, Pickle, Chutney

Fruit Raita

This cooling mixed fruit raita is a cooling Indian side dish made with yogurt, fruit, mint and chaat masala.

Fruit raita served in a bowl with a serving spoon.

Cucumber Raita (Raitha)

Cucumber Raita or Raitha is a cooling Indian yogurt dip made with yogurt and grated cucumber. It is served alongside poppadoms, biryani, pulao or any other Indian meal.

A female hand is serving cucumber raita using a spoon

Sweet Lassi Recipe

This sweet lassi recipe is made from 3 basic ingredients: yogurt, milk and sugar, and can be ready within minutes.

sweet lassi served two serving glasses

As always if you make this recipe, be sure to leave me a comment, rate this recipe and tag me on Instagram @jcookingodyssey or #jcookingodyssey. I love seeing all your photos of my recipe recreations!

Don’t forget to follow me on social media using the buttons below – I can't wait to see you all there!

a collage of 8 different vegetarian dishes that you can serve with basmati rice.

What To Eat with Basmati Rice

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Here is my collection of the best vegetarian recipes that you can serve with basmati rice. These recipes range from and work for white and brown basmati rice.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Vegetarian

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 15

Servings servings

Author Hayley Dhanecha

Equipment

Frying pan or kadai
Blender
Sharp knife
Pressure cooker

Ingredients

1 Plain Basmati Rice
1 Jeera Rice Indian Cumin Rice
1 Indian Fried Rice
1 Dal Makhani
1 Chana Masala
1 Dal fry
1 Aloo Tamatar
1 Tofu mango Curry
1 Matar Paneer

Instructions

Prepare your perfect fluffy Basmati Rice or Jeera Rice.
Click on your favourite dal, beans or curry dish recipe link above in the post.
Read through and prepare the side dish by following the instructions given in the post in recipe card and video or step by step pictures.
Serve and enjoy basmati rice with delicious sides.

Nutrition

Calories: 62kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 0.4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 0.1mg | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 50mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 171IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 86mg | Iron: 1mg

PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional values are estimated by a computer and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. For personalised dietary advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Pin This Recipe

More Indian Rice Recipes

Leave a Reply Cancel reply