side dish Recipes
168 delicious side dish recipes from around the world
Esquites (Mexican Corn Salad)
A beloved Mexican street food, esquites features tender corn kernels sautéed with aromatics and butter, then tossed with creamy mayonnaise, tangy lime, savory cotija cheese, and a kick of chile powder. Served warm in cups, it's a delightful and easy-to-eat alternative to elote.
Farofa (Toasted Cassava Flour)
A quintessential Brazilian side dish, farofa is toasted cassava flour (farinha) that adds a delightful crunchy, savory texture to any meal. This version is enriched with crispy bacon, sautéed onions, and scrambled eggs.
Farofa Completa (Loaded Brazilian Cassava Flour)
A quintessential Brazilian side dish, this 'complete' farofa is a flavorful and textural delight. Toasted cassava flour (farinha de mandioca) is enriched with crispy bacon, sautéed onions, scrambled eggs, and fresh parsley, creating a perfect accompaniment to hearty meats like feijoada or churrasco.
Frijoles Negros Cubanos (Cuban Black Beans)
Authentic Cuban black beans, slow-simmered with a fragrant sofrito of onions, peppers, and garlic, infused with cumin and bay leaves. This deeply flavorful and creamy dish is an indispensable side to any Cuban feast.
Funche (Venezuelan Cornmeal Porridge)
A simple yet comforting savory cornmeal porridge, enriched with butter and cheese. Perfect as a side dish or a light meal.
Guacamole Colombiano
A vibrant and chunky Colombian-style guacamole, bursting with fresh flavors and a zesty lime finish. Perfect as a side or dip.
Humita
Humita is a traditional Argentine dish made from fresh corn, similar to tamales but typically without meat. It has pre-Columbian origins and is a staple during the summer months.
Maduros (Sweet Fried Plantains)
Maduros are a beloved Cuban side dish made from ripe plantains fried until they are deeply caramelized, sweet, and tender. They offer a delightful contrast to savory dishes.
Papa a la Huancaína
A classic Peruvian dish featuring tender boiled potatoes generously coated in a creamy, vibrant, and slightly spicy cheese sauce made with ají amarillo. It's typically served chilled or at room temperature, garnished with olives and hard-boiled eggs.
Papas Chorreadas
A beloved Colombian comfort food, Papas Chorreadas features tender boiled potatoes generously topped with a creamy, savory sauce made from tomatoes, scallions, and cheese.
Papas Saladas (Colombian Salted Potatoes)
A simple yet essential Colombian side dish where small potatoes are boiled in intensely salty water, resulting in a flavorful crust and tender interior. Perfect for serving with traditional fritanga or as a standalone snack.
Patacones
Colombian twice-fried green plantains, smashed and fried until perfectly crispy. These versatile discs serve as an excellent base for a variety of delicious toppings.
Pebre
Pebre is a vibrant and essential Chilean salsa, a fresh and zesty condiment made from finely chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and ají verde. It's a staple accompaniment to nearly every Chilean meal, from grilled meats to empanadas.
Plátano Maduro Frito (Fried Ripe Plantain)
A beloved Colombian side dish, plátano maduro frito features ripe plantains fried until tender, sweet, and beautifully caramelized. The natural sugars in the plantain create a delightful sweet and slightly savory flavor profile that complements many main courses.
Rajas con Crema
A classic Mexican dish of roasted poblano pepper strips simmered in a rich, creamy sauce with onions and optional corn. Delicious served as a filling for tacos, a side dish, or even a light vegetarian main.
Solterito Arequipeño
A vibrant and refreshing fava bean salad from Arequipa, Peru. This dish features tender fava beans, salty queso fresco, crisp vegetables, and a touch of heat from rocoto chili, all tossed in a simple olive oil dressing. It's a classic side dish that celebrates fresh ingredients.
Solterito Arequipeño
A vibrant and refreshing bean salad from Arequipa, Peru, featuring tender fava beans, sweet corn, salty queso fresco, briny olives, and a kick from rocoto pepper and red onion. It's a perfect balance of textures and flavors, ideal for a light meal or a side dish.
Sopa Paraguaya
A delicious and savory Paraguayan corn bread, often served as a side dish, despite its name suggesting soup. It's dense, flavorful, and perfect with grilled meats.
Southern Cornbread
Authentic Southern cornbread baked in a cast-iron skillet, boasting a wonderfully crispy, golden-brown bottom and a tender, crumbly interior. This recipe adheres to tradition by omitting sugar, allowing the natural sweetness of the cornmeal to shine.
Tajadas
Fried sweet plantains - ripe plantains sliced and fried until caramelized and tender, a classic Venezuelan side dish.
Torta de Choclo (Colombian Corn Cake)
A delightful sweet and savory Colombian corn cake, made with fresh corn kernels baked into a tender, moist cake. Perfect as a side dish or a light dessert.
Tostones (Twice-Fried Green Plantains)
Tostones are a classic Venezuelan appetizer or side dish made from twice-fried green plantains. They are first fried until tender, then smashed flat, and finally fried again until golden brown and crispy. The result is a delightful contrast of textures and a satisfyingly savory snack.
Yuca Frita (Venezuelan Fried Yuca)
A beloved Venezuelan street food and side dish, Yuca Frita features tender, boiled yuca that is then deep-fried to a perfect golden-brown crisp on the outside, while remaining fluffy and soft within. It's a delicious alternative to french fries, often served with a vibrant guasacaca sauce.
Aartappel Slaai (South African Potato Salad)
A classic, creamy South African potato salad, perfect as a side dish for braais (barbecues) and potjies (traditional stews).