Looking for a variety of side dishes for idli dosa? Check out this collection of South Indian accompaniments to serve with idli, dosa and other dishes.
Idli, dosa, appe and uttapam are the staples in most South Indian homes. While they are simple and comforting dishes, they are truly elevated when served with a variety of flavourful accompaniments. In this blog post, I’m sharing a collection of vegetarian side dishes for idli dosa that transform your regular everyday meal into something special.
These recipes are great for rotating through your weekly meal plan, so your family doesn’t feel bored with the same chutney every time. It takes away the stress of figuring out what to serve with idli dosa.
The list includes more than 20 different options ranging from chutneys to podi, classic sambar to pickles and thokku. Each dish adds its own unique flavour, taste and texture perfectly complementing idli, dosa and other South Indian breakfast dishes. With these side dishes, your meal feels more appetising and your family members will definitely be coming back for more.
The varieties of podi from the list not only pair well with idli dosa but also with other south Indian classics upma and uggani.
1
Peanut Coconut Chutney
Coconut Peanut Chutney – a popular South Indian condiment that is usually served with various south Indian breakfast dishes. This is a gluten free, vegan, no onion no garlic chutney.
Coconut Coriander Chutney – popular South Indian condiment typically served with various breakfast dishes. This is a gluten free, no onion no garlic chutney. Perfect to pair with most Indian breakfast dishes and crunchy deep fried snacks.
Kandi Pachadi (Toor Dal Chutney for Idli, Dosa and Rice)
Kandi Pachadi – a traditional south Indian style chutney prepared with toor dal and spices. A perfect side dish to serve with idli, dosa or rice. It is a vegan dish.
Green tomato chutney – tangy and spicy south Indian condiment made with green tomatoes and a few basic spices. Perfect to serve with idli, dosa, rice and paddu (paniyaram).
Beerakaya Pachadi is a traditional south Indian style chutney made from ridge gourd, spices, tamarind and herbs. This chutney is flavourful, spicy, and pairs well with rice or roti.
Nellikai Thokku – spicy and lightly sour South Indian condiment made with Indian gooseberry and Indian pantry ingredients. Perfect as a side dish with rice and curry or to serve with idli and dosa. It is a vegan and nut free dish.
Eggplant chutney (vankaya pachadi) is a spicy and tangy condiment that is a perfect addition to a comforting meal. Eggplant also called by names aubergine, vankaya in south Indian language telugu is a purple hued fleshy vegetable that is fun to dish up a traditional condiment vankaya pachdi.
Green mango chutney – a spicy and tangy south Indian style chutney that is a classic accompaniment with rice and curry. In general, a traditional south Indian meal is incomplete without pickle/ chutney and varieties of side dishes. Chutney is an all-time favourite accompaniment in Indian regional cuisine.
Bombay Chutney – a vegan, gluten-free side dish made with gram flour. This simple yet delicious dish makes a great accompaniment with poori, chapati, dosa, idli and roti.
Tomato Kurma – a tomato-based tangy and mildly spiced curry that goes well with idli, dosa, chapati, parotta, idiyappam. This simple and easy south Indian style kurma get ready in under 30 minutes.
Idli podi – a popular south Indian dry spice blend typically served with idlis and dosa. It is made from roasted lentils, dried red chillies and a few other spices.
Palli Podi (Spicy Peanut Podi for Rice, Idli and Dosa)
Palli Podi (also known as Peanut Powder or Groundnut Chutney Powder) is a popular South Indian condiment. It is often served with idlis, dosas, or mixed with rice.
Munagaku Podi – flavourful and aromatic south Indian condiment made with moringa leaves, peanuts, lentils and a few spices. It is a vegan dish perfect to serve with idli, dosa or rice.
Karivepaku Podi – flavourful and aromatic south Indian condiment made with curry leaves, lentils and a few spices. It is a vegan dish perfect to serve with idli, dosa or rice.
Sambar – a popular South Indian dish made of lentils, vegetables, tamarind and spices. Sambar is gluten-free and vegan. Instant pot sambar made with homemade Instant sambar masala is quick and very easy to make. No need to cook dal or extract tamarind pulp. Saute vegetables with whole spices, combine instant sambar masala powder and pressure cook. That’s it! Super delicious instant sambar is ready.
Flavorful mixed vegetable kurma with coconut milk is a fabulous dish to prepare with a variety of vegetables, spices, and coconut milk. It is a vegan and gluten free dish perfect to serve with flavoured rice, naan, chapati and dosa.
Andhra’s special dish allam pachadi is a spicy, sour and sweet dish. This is a traditional condiment made of fresh ginger, tamarind, jaggery, and a few basic spices. A classic accompaniment to a main meal and south Indian breakfast dishes.
Tomato pachadi – a spicy and sour authentic south Indian dish, made from fresh tomatoes, tamarind, and a handful of basic spices. Fresh tomato chutney is a beloved classic that goes well with both south Indian breakfast and main meals.
Drumstick pickle – a spicy and sour authentic south Indian dish, made from fresh drumstick, tamarind, and an array of spices. This traditional pickle pairs well with main courses and south Indian breakfast dishes.
Avakaya – a popular variety of mango pickle originating from south India, particularly the Telugu-speaking regions. This classic pickle is renowned for its unique flavour and fiery spice level.
Do let me know if you try these side dishes for idli dosa. If you like these recipes, kindly consider rating it using stars in the comment section or on the recipe card to help more people find this recipe online. You can stay up to date by following me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram or subscribing to my Youtube channel. Or why not subscribe to my blog and get simple recipes straight to your inbox?
Welcome to Flavours Treat. I share vegetarian recipes made with wholesome, mostly fresh ingredients. Every recipe has easy-to-follow instructions with process shots (detailed step-wise pictures), a short video and lots of tips to help your cooking journey. Read more
I’m Geetha, an Indian living in the UK. I’m a cook, photographer, videographer, editor and voice behind the Flavours Treat.
I created this blog as a resource to find simple and real food recipes. All recipes made with wholesome, mostly healthy and fresh ingredients that are easily available. Most of the ingredients are easy to swap out with whatever is available in your pantry or fridge/freezer.
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