side dish Recipes
168 delicious side dish recipes from around the world
Amadumbe (African Taro)
A simple and nutritious preparation of Amadumbe (African taro root), which can be boiled and served whole or mashed. It's a staple root vegetable in many parts of Africa, similar in texture and starchiness to potatoes.
Ayib (Ethiopian Fresh Cheese)
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.
Ayib Be'gomen (Ethiopian Cheese with Collard Greens)
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.
Azifa (Ethiopian Green Lentil Salad)
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.
Cape Malay Yellow Rice with Raisins
A fragrant and subtly sweet Cape Malay yellow rice, infused with turmeric and cinnamon, studded with plump raisins. It's a classic accompaniment to dishes like bobotie.
Chakalaka
A vibrant and spicy South African vegetable relish, perfect as a side dish or condiment. Traditionally made with tomatoes, peppers, carrots, and beans, it's a staple at braais (barbecues).
Creamy Cheesy Mieliepap Potjie
A rich, creamy, and cheesy South African maize porridge (mieliepap) cooked in a potjie (traditional cast-iron pot), perfect as a comforting side dish.
Dirkosh (Dried Injera Chips)
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.
Dodo (Fried Plantain)
Dodo is a popular Nigerian side dish made from ripe plantains that are fried until sweet, tender, and beautifully caramelized. It's a delightful accompaniment to savory dishes like rice and beans.
Egyptian Roka Salad
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.
Fossolia (Ethiopian Green Beans and Carrots)
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.
Gomen (Ethiopian Collard Greens)
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.
Isibhede
A traditional Zulu-style mashed sweet potato dish, known for its comforting sweetness and smooth texture. It's a simple yet satisfying side dish.
Ke'kel (Beet Greens) Wot
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.
Kerriepatat (Curried Sweet Potatoes)
A comforting and flavorful South African side dish, Kerriepatat features tender sweet potatoes simmered in a sweet and spiced curry butter sauce.
Key Sir (Ethiopian Spiced Beets)
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.
Krummelpap (Crumbly Maize Porridge)
A staple South African dish, Krummelpap is a drier, crumbly maize porridge, often served as a side dish. It's characterized by its texture, achieved through a specific cooking method, and is typically enriched with butter.
Morogo (African Wild Spinach)
A traditional and nutritious South African dish made from indigenous wild spinach (morogo). This simple preparation highlights the earthy flavors of the greens, often served as a healthy side dish.
Roz bil Khalata (Egyptian Mixed Rice with Vermicelli)
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.
Salatet Kishk (Egyptian Fermented Grain Salad)
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.
Slap Chips (South African Soft Fries)
A beloved South African street food, 'slap chips' are thick-cut potatoes fried until tender and soft, then generously seasoned with salt and doused in vinegar. They are intentionally not crispy, offering a unique, yielding texture.
Taktouka
Taktouka is a vibrant and flavorful Moroccan cooked salad made from roasted bell peppers and tomatoes, infused with garlic and aromatic spices. It's a versatile dish that can be served as a side, part of a larger salad course, or even as a dip.
Timatim Salata (Ethiopian Tomato Salad)
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.
Yatakilt Kilkil (Ethiopian Cabbage and Carrot Stir-fry)
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.