56 delicious side dish recipes from around the world
Ayib is a traditional Ethiopian fresh cheese, known for its mild, slightly tangy flavor and crumbly texture. It's often compared to a very fresh, unsalted farmer's cheese or a mild cottage cheese. Ayib serves as a cooling contrast to the rich, spicy flavors of many Ethiopian stews.
A simple yet flavorful Ethiopian dish featuring fresh, crumbly ayib cheese gently folded into tender, sautéed collard greens infused with aromatic niter kibbeh and garlic. It's a protein-rich, vegetarian side dish often served as part of a larger platter.
A refreshing and flavorful cold salad made with tender green lentils, finely diced vegetables, and a zesty mustard-lemon dressing. Traditionally enjoyed during fasting periods, Azifa is a light yet satisfying dish.
A traditional Ethiopian zero-waste snack made from leftover injera, dried until perfectly crisp. Dirkosh can be enjoyed on its own as a crunchy snack, crumbled into stews and soups, or used as a flavorful crouton.
A simple and nutritious Ethiopian vegetable dish featuring tender green beans and carrots, gently sautéed with onions and garlic. This mild and flavorful preparation is a staple in Ethiopian cuisine, perfect as an everyday side dish.
A classic Ethiopian vegetarian and vegan side dish featuring tender collard greens sautéed with aromatic spices. Traditionally enjoyed during fasting periods, it's also a delicious accompaniment to many meals.
A simple, nutritious, and often overlooked Ethiopian stew made from tender beet greens, seasoned with aromatic spices. Traditionally served during fasting periods, it's a delicious and healthy side dish.
A simple yet vibrant Ethiopian side dish featuring tender beets infused with aromatic spices, perfect for a fasting meal or as a colorful accompaniment to any spread.
A vibrant and refreshing Ethiopian tomato salad, featuring ripe tomatoes, sharp red onion, and a hint of heat from jalapeño, all brought together with a zesty lemon and oil dressing. It's a classic side dish that perfectly complements rich and savory Ethiopian stews.
A comforting and mild Ethiopian vegetable stir-fry featuring tender cabbage, carrots, and potatoes, seasoned with aromatic turmeric and ginger. This dish is a staple vegetarian option, often served with injera.
A fragrant and slightly sweet coconut rice, often served as a side dish or a light main. It's made by simmering rice in coconut milk and water, infused with the rich flavor of coconut.
Fufu is a staple West African dish made by pounding starchy ingredients into a smooth, dough-like consistency. This version combines ripe plantains and cassava, creating a slightly sweet and dense accompaniment perfect for soaking up rich stews and sauces.
Soft, layered, and slightly chewy unleavened flatbreads, a popular accompaniment to many Kenyan meals. They are made with flour, water, oil, and salt, then pan-fried to a golden brown.
A fresh and vibrant tomato and onion salad, often served as a side dish with grilled meats, stews, or ugali. It's a simple yet essential accompaniment in Kenyan cuisine.
A simple yet flavorful vegetarian stew made with shredded cabbage and carrots, often seasoned with onions and a hint of spices. This dish is a healthy and versatile side or light main course, common in Kenyan homes.
Irio is a traditional Kenyan dish, particularly popular among the Kikuyu community. It's a hearty and flavorful mash made from potatoes, peas, and corn, often served as a side dish or a light meal. This version incorporates a touch of sautéed onions and garlic for added depth.
Wali wa Kukaanga is a flavorful Kenyan take on fried rice, featuring boiled rice stir-fried with aromatic spices, onions, turmeric, and a medley of colorful vegetables. It's a versatile dish often served as a side to chicken dishes or enjoyed on its own with a fresh salad.
A fragrant and flavorful coconut rice dish from Kenya, cooked with a medley of fresh vegetables. This dish offers a delightful balance of creamy coconut milk, aromatic spices, and the natural sweetness of vegetables, making it a perfect side or a light main course.
Moroko is a comforting and nutritious dish from Lesotho, often prepared as a mash. It typically combines leafy greens (like spinach or kale) with potatoes, creating a flavorful and wholesome side dish or a light main. This preparation highlights the Basotho appreciation for simple, earthy flavors.
Tamati is a simple yet flavorful stew made from tomatoes and carrots, often served as a side dish with papa (maize porridge) or rice. It's a testament to how basic ingredients can create a delicious and comforting meal.
Sweet and savory fried plantains, often seasoned with spices like ginger and chili, offering a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. While 'Kelewe' is more commonly associated with Ghana, this preparation method is popular in Liberia for ripe plantains.
Roz bel Sharia is a staple Libyan rice dish where short-grain rice is cooked with toasted vermicelli noodles, creating a fragrant and flavorful pilaf. It's a versatile side dish that pairs well with various stews and main courses.
A unique sweet and savory dish where vermicelli noodles are fried until golden and then cooked with rice, creating a comforting and subtly sweet pilaf. Often served as a side dish or a light meal.
A refreshing and tangy tomato and onion relish, often served as a condiment or side dish in Madagascar. It's a simple yet flavorful accompaniment to many Malagasy meals.
