What to Eat With Jasmine Rice – 7 Amazing Dishes to Make
I vividly remember the night my husband and I were invited to a dinner party at our friends’ house.
I was told that the main dish would be jasmine rice and that I was in charge of bringing the side dish. I was so excited because I love jasmine rice. When it comes to rice, it’s the jewel in the crown for me.
I wanted to bring a dish that would wow our friends and be the talk of the night, but I wasn’t sure what to make.
I didn’t want to bring something that would compete with the rice for attention, but I also wanted a dish that would complement it.
After much deliberation, I decided on a simple yet elegant dish that everyone loved.
If you’re looking for ideas on what to serve with your jasmine rice, here are some excellent options to consider.
What Goes with Jasmine Rice
- Eggplant Parmesan
- Vegetable Jalfrezi
- Chili Con Carne
- Mushroom Masala
- Grilled Vegetables
- Sweet and Sour Vegetables
- Potato Halwa
Eggplant Parmesan
Eggplant parmesan is a classic Italian dish that is usually served as a main course. But it makes an excellent side dish for jasmine rice.
The eggplant is thinly sliced and fried, then coated in tomato sauce and baked with mozzarella cheese. This process results in a rich and flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with the nutty flavor of jasmine rice.
It is very easy to prepare, and the process saves time. Seriously, you don’t have to worry about what to serve with your jasmine rice when you have eggplant parmesan on the side.
There are different types of eggplant parmesan. Some use breadcrumbs while others don’t. I prefer the ones without breadcrumbs because they are lighter and have a more delicate flavor. However, feel free to use whichever type you prefer.
The key to making a great eggplant parmesan is to slice the eggplant very thinly. This way, it will cook evenly and absorb all the flavors of the sauce.
Another tip is to fry the eggplant slices before adding them to the sauce. This step may seem like a lot of work, but it’s worth it. Frying the eggplant gives it a crispy texture that pairs perfectly with the soft and fluffy jasmine rice.
Vegetable Jalfrezi
Jalfrezi is a popular Indian dish made with vegetables and spices. It’s usually made with green peppers, onions, and tomatoes. But you can use any combination of vegetables that you like.
This is the major key – to cook the vegetables until they are very tender. This is what gives the dish its characteristic soft and smooth texture.
The other key to making a great jalfrezi is to use fresh spices. This may seem like an obvious point, but it’s worth mentioning because it makes a big difference in the flavor of the dish.
If you don’t have fresh spices, you can use dried spices. But be sure to reduce the amount that you use, as they are more potent than fresh spices.
Jalfrezi is usually served with rice or roti, but it also pairs well with jasmine rice. Trust me, the combination of flavors is out of this world.
Chili Con Carne
Chili con carne is a Tex-Mex dish made with ground beef, beans, and chili peppers. It’s a hearty and filling dish that is perfect for cold winter nights.
But it also makes an excellent side dish for jasmine rice. The beef and beans provide a rich and savory flavor, while the chili peppers add a touch of heat.
This dish is very easy to make. You can even make it in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
And if you want to save time, you can use pre-cooked ground beef or canned beans.
Chili con carne is a popular Mexican dish for a reason. It is loved by many because of its complex flavor. The beef, beans, and chili peppers all work together to create a dish that is truly unique.
When making this dish, I prefer to use lean ground beef. This way, I don’t have to worry about the fat content.
I also like to add a variety of beans, such as black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans. This gives the dish a more interesting texture and flavor.
Mushroom Masala
Mushroom masala is an Indian dish made with mushrooms and spices. It’s a delicious and flavorful dish that pairs well with jasmine rice.
The mushrooms are cooked in a tomato-based sauce with Indian spices, resulting in a rich and aromatic dish.
This dish is very easy to make and can be made in advance. It’s also vegetarian, so it’s a great option for those who are looking for meatless options.
When making mushroom masala, I like to use a variety of mushrooms. This gives the dish a more interesting texture and flavor.
I also add Indian spices such as garam masala, turmeric, and cumin. These spices give the dish a warm and earthy flavor.
I love mushroom masala because it is a hearty and filling dish that is full of flavor. If you are looking for a delicious and easy-to-make side dish, then this is the perfect option for you.
Grilled Vegetables
Full disclosure: I am not a big fan of grilled vegetables. I find them to be bland and boring. However, I understand that many people love grilled vegetables.
Also, sometimes it’s not just about whether you like the taste of a side dish or not, especially if you’re just rating it based on how it tastes on its own. What is important is how well it plays its role as a side dish. And truth be told, grilled vegetables do play their role quite well.
They provide a crunchy and smoky flavor that pairs well with soft and fluffy jasmine rice. And if you’re looking for a healthy option, then grilled vegetables are a great choice.
If you’re one of those people who love grilled vegetables – bland or not – then you’ll be happy to know that they are very easy to make. All you need is a grill and some vegetables.
Slice the vegetables into thin strips and then place them on the grill. Cook them until they are tender and slightly charred.
Once they’re done, remove them from the grill and season with salt, pepper, and olive oil to taste.
As I mentioned before, I’m not a big fan of grilled vegetables. But I have to admit that they make a great side dish for jasmine rice. If you’re looking for a healthy and easy-to-make option, then grilled vegetables are a good choice.
Sweet and Sour Vegetables
Vegetables are not only healthy, but they can also be delicious. Sweet and sour vegetables are a perfect example of this.
This dish is made with a variety of vegetables that are cooked in a sweet and sour sauce. The result is a delicious and flavorful side dish that pairs well with jasmine rice.
Sweet and sour vegetables are very easy to make. Simply cook the vegetables in a sweet and sour sauce. I like to use a variety of vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, carrots, and celery.
This dish is also a great option for those who are looking for a meatless option. Vegans, get in here!
I love sweet and sour vegetables because they are delicious and easy-to-make side dishes. If you’re looking for something different than the usual grilled vegetables, then you can’t go wrong with this option.
Potato Halwa
This is a traditional Indian dessert that is made with potatoes, milk, and sugar. It’s a delicious and sweet dish that pairs well with jasmine rice.
Potato halwa is very easy to make. Simply cook the potatoes in milk and sugar until they are soft and creamy. Then add some spices such as cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg.
You’ll love it more when I tell you that it’s a vegan dish. If you’re searching for a meatless option, it couldn’t get any better than this.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I add to cooked jasmine rice for flavor?
There are many things you can add to cooked jasmine rice for flavor. Some common options include butter, salt, pepper, and garlic. You can also add other seasonings such as turmeric, cumin, and chili powder. If you want to add more color to your dish, then you can add green peas or corn.
Is jasmine rice a good side dish?
Jasmine rice is a good side dish because it is light and fluffy. It has a nutty flavor that pairs well with many different dishes. Jasmine rice is also easy to make and can be made in advance.
What are other side dishes served with jasmine rice?
Some common side dishes served with jasmine rice include dal, curry, vegetables, and chutney.
Conclusion
As promised, I have given you a list of side dishes to serve with jasmine rice. I have also explained why these side dishes are my favorite and how to make them.
I hope you enjoy trying out these recipes. Remember that in cooking, there is no hard and fast rule. What matters is that you are able to experiment and find what works best for you.
So go ahead and enjoy your jasmine rice with any of these delicious side dishes. And let me know how it goes!