How to Pair Biryani with Other Dishes for a Flavorful Match?

How do you complement biryani? What side dishes go well with biryani? Biryani is a flavorful and aromatic dish and is considered a complete meal on its own. Spices like cloves, cinnamon, bay leaf, star anise, cardamom, black pepper, etc., add a unique flavour and aroma to the biryani, which is further elevated by tender meat or vegetables. This dish has won the hearts of many food lovers. However, adding an accompaniment to it can take your biryani experience to the next level. Let’s explore some side dishes that pair perfectly with biryani.

What to serve with biryani?

There are numerous side dishes that perfectly complement Biryani. To enhance your biryani experience, we have meticulously curated a list of popular and tasty accompaniments that are certain to elevate your dining moments.

Raita

Raita, a yogurt-based side dish, is a perfect match to balance the rich and spicy flavours of biryani. Lightly seasoned cucumber raita is a popular side dish among biryani lovers. The refreshing and cooling properties of raita balance the heat of biryani, which creates a delightful contrast.

Chutney

Chutney is an Indian side dish known for its tangy or sweet-tangy flavour. Whether it's mango chutney or mint chutney, this accompaniment adds a zesty touch to the richness of biryani. Even a tiny portion of chutney served alongside biryani enhances its overall taste and flavour.

Indian Curries

Biryani also goes well with any Indian curry. Whether it's the vegetables or meat in a vegetarian or non-vegetarian curry, when amalgamated with the rich flavour of biryani, it creates a culinary magic that is totally irresistible. The spices in both biryani and curry perfectly complement each other. Mirchi ka Salan is one of the most popular and traditional side dishes for biryani.

Butter Chicken

Butter chicken doesn't need any introduction. It is a well-known companion to every meal, adding a unique touch of taste and flavour to whatever comes with it. Tender chicken fillets dipped into a creamy sauce, merged with the aromatic flavours of chicken biryani, create a taste profile that is truly unmatched on the planet.

Palak Paneer

The creaminess and mild tanginess of Saag Paneer also pair well with biryani flavours. Palak Paneer is one of the most popular North Indian dishes and captures the hearts of almost every vegetarian food lover. The marriage of aromatic basmati rice with soft cottage cheese or tofu, immersed in the rich spinach curry, offers a burst of flavours that tantalise the taste buds.

Did you know some people believe that biryani tastes even better when eaten the next day after it has gone slightly stale? The herbs and spices infuse into the biryani while it rests in the refrigerator, and when reheated, they release a unique flavour.

Conclusion

Whether you are seeking contrast or a balance of flavours, remember the art of pairing to make your biryani experience even better. Go beyond the dishes mentioned in this blog and experiment with more dishes according to your personal preferences. Your taste buds will thank you for that adventurous culinary voyage.