56 delicious side dish recipes from around the world
A delightful and subtly sweet rice dish from Angola, Arroz de Coco e Papaia balances the creamy richness of coconut milk with the tropical sweetness of papaya. It's often served as a side dish or a light dessert.
A simple yet flavorful rice and bean dish, a staple in Angolan households. This version combines fluffy rice with tender beans in a savory base, often enhanced with aromatic vegetables.
Kizaca is a popular vegetarian dish from Angola, featuring tender cassava leaves simmered in a rich, creamy sauce made from ground peanuts. It's a flavorful and nutritious side dish that highlights the use of local ingredients.
Pirão de Milho is a staple Angolan side dish made from cornmeal, creating a smooth, thick porridge. It's typically served with flavorful stews and sauces, acting as a comforting and filling accompaniment.
Djenkoume are savory cornmeal cakes, often served as a side dish or accompaniment to stews and sauces. They are made from cornmeal cooked in a flavorful tomato and onion base, seasoned with spices, and can be formed into cakes or served as a thick porridge.
Gbekui is a unique and flavorful vegetable dish from Benin, often prepared with a variety of local greens and seasoned to perfection. It showcases the resourceful use of vegetables in Beninese cuisine and is typically served as a side dish or a light meal.
A comforting and nutritious mash made from sweet pumpkin and protein-rich beans, seasoned with traditional spices. It's a versatile side dish or a light main course.
Morogo, meaning 'wild spinach' or 'greens' in Setswana, is a staple dish in Botswana and other Southern African countries. It's a nutritious side dish made from various indigenous leafy greens, often cooked with tomatoes, onions, and sometimes groundnuts. It's typically served with pap (maize porridge) or as an accompaniment to meat dishes.
Ibihahano is a comforting and nutritious dish made from mashed sweet potatoes and a rich peanut sauce. It's often served as a side dish or a light meal, showcasing the popular combination of sweet potatoes and peanuts in Burundian cuisine.
Mizuzu ya Mboga is a vibrant and nutritious vegetarian dish from Burundi, featuring a flavorful medley of sautéed greens, typically spinach or cassava leaves, combined with onions, tomatoes, and a hint of chili. It's often served as a side dish or a light meal, showcasing the country's abundant leafy vegetables.
Sanga is a hearty and nutritious dish made from cassava and corn flour, often served as a staple accompaniment to various stews and sauces in Cameroon. It's a versatile dish that can be prepared in different consistencies, from a firm dough to a softer porridge.
Xerém is a traditional Cape Verdean dish made from ground corn (similar to polenta or grits), often prepared with coconut milk and served as a side dish or a light meal. This version includes fresh tuna and is a flavorful representation of island cuisine.
A savory and nutritious relish made from ground bambara nuts, often mixed with onions, tomatoes, and oil. It can be served as a side dish or a flavorful accompaniment to staple foods.
A simple yet flavorful Chadian dish featuring mashed zucchini cooked with spices and finished with a generous topping of crushed peanuts. This dish highlights the use of local vegetables and the popular addition of peanuts in Chadian cuisine.
A fragrant and flavorful rice dish cooked with a medley of vegetables and aromatic spices, a staple accompaniment in Comorian meals.
A flavorful and spicy Comorian relish made with salted fish, tomatoes, onions, and chili peppers. It's a staple served with rice or other staples.
A vibrant and peppery Egyptian arugula salad with a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. This salad is incredibly fresh, quick to prepare, and complements a wide variety of main dishes.
A classic Egyptian everyday side dish, this simple yet flavorful mixed rice features tender grains of rice perfectly complemented by golden-brown toasted vermicelli. It's a staple that pairs beautifully with a wide variety of main courses.
A refreshing and tangy Egyptian salad made from fermented dried yogurt and grains (kishk), mixed with fresh vegetables. This traditional dish, particularly popular in Upper Egypt, offers a unique flavor profile and is often served as a side dish with bread.
Loco is a flavorful dish made with fried plantains or green bananas, sautéed onions, and often enriched with palm oil, offering a sweet and savory taste experience. It's a popular side dish or a light meal, showcasing the importance of plantains in Equatoguinean cuisine.
A refreshing and flavorful salad made from green lentils, typically served as a side dish or appetizer. It's known for its vibrant green color and tangy dressing.
A fragrant and flavorful rice dish cooked with a medley of vegetables and aromatic spices, offering a delightful vegetarian option that complements traditional Eritrean stews or can be enjoyed as a standalone meal.
A simple yet flavorful Eritrean dish of sautéed collard greens, seasoned with garlic, onions, and a hint of ginger. Hamli is a staple vegetarian side dish often served with injera.
A delightful and versatile dish featuring finely shredded collard greens (or similar leafy greens) sautéed with onions, garlic, and a touch of spice. It's often served as a side dish or a light meal, offering a fresh counterpoint to richer Eritrean stews.
