Experience the warmth of Nani’s kitchen with these 19 Indian sides, each one crafted with care and tradition. These dishes offer a wonderful way to enrich your meals with the heart and soul of Indian cooking. Whether you’re looking to enhance a simple dinner or impress guests at a gathering, these sides bring a genuine touch of Indian heritage to your table. Enjoy the familiar, comforting tastes of these traditional favorites.

Corn Chaat

Street food at home can bring a smile to anyone’s face. Gather around a bowl of Corn Chaat and stories start to flow as freely as laughter, just the way it does at family gatherings back in Nani’s hometown. It’s simple to whip up, and yet it invites everyone to dig in and share both food and memories. Each bite feels like a warm hug, comforting and familiar.
Get the Recipe: Corn Chaat

Coconut Rice in Instant Pot

When time is short and you need something fuss-free, Coconut Rice made in the Instant Pot can be a lifesaver. It’s a gentle nudge of tropical flavor that pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes. Nani’s trick was to let the subtle sweetness turn everyday meals into something special, and now that trick is yours. With a dish like this, you’re never too far from the flavors of home.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Rice in Instant Pot

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet Potato Fries from the air fryer offer a healthier take without losing out on the joy of snacking. They come out of the kitchen with a warmth that invites everyone to reach in and share. Nani used to say that the best meals are shared ones, and this modern twist on a snack keeps that tradition alive. Perfect for those cozy evenings where comfort is just as important as nutrition.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

Palak Paneer Stir Fry

A homely stir fry with Palak Paneer can be the highlight of a dinner table, filling the room with its hearty presence. It’s food that nurtures not just the body but the soul, carrying the essence of Nani’s caring touch. For days when you need to feel grounded, this dish brings you back to your roots. It’s the embrace of tradition in every bite that makes it so special.
Get the Recipe: Palak Paneer Stir Fry

Instant Pot Beetroot Palya

Nani’s Beetroot Palya has transitioned to the modern kitchen with the help of the Instant Pot, yet its essence remains rooted in tradition. It’s a vibrant dish that can liven up any meal with its color and homestyle goodness. Nani knew that health was wealth, and in the richness of this dish lies her wisdom. It’s as nourishing for the heart as it is for the body.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Beetroot Palya

Air Fryer Eggplant

Who knew Eggplant could get a makeover that makes them the star of the show, thanks to the air fryer? Serve them up, and watch as even the skeptics are won over by their charm. Nani’s recipes were about bringing people together, and this dish is no different – it’s a conversation starter on a plate. Plus, it adds a touch of sophistication to your spread without any extra fuss.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Eggplant

Chayote Squash Curry Instant Pot

Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special feast, Chayote Squash Curry made in the Instant Pot offers a warmth that’s always welcome. It’s a kind reminder of how meals back home used to bring everyone to the table, ready to enjoy together. Nani’s loving hands may have inspired it, but it’s the smiles of your loved ones that will perfect it. It’s comfort food made simple — and simply good.
Get the Recipe: Chayote Squash Curry Instant Pot

Red Rice

Red Rice on the plate is more than just a side; it’s a wholesome choice that brings its own character to the meal. It stood as a staple in Nai’s kitchen not just for its health benefits but because it embodied the love she had for her family’s well-being. Easy to pair and even easier to enjoy, it’s the kind of everyday dish that keeps us connected to where we come from. This rice tells a story with every serving.
Get the Recipe: Red Rice

Bharwa Bhindi

Stuffed with love and memories of Nani’s kitchen, Bharwa Bhindi is a dish that demands attention and earns every bit of it. It’s the little extra effort in preparation that turns a simple meal into a feast for the senses. In a world that’s always rushing, it is a reminder to slow down and enjoy shared moments. It’s not just a dish; it’s a gesture of love, carefully prepared and joyfully eaten.
Get the Recipe: Bharwa Bhindi

Naan Recipe

There are few things as satisfying as pulling apart a hot, fluffy Naan. Made from a recipe steeped in tradition, this bread brings a touch of indulgence to any meal. It’s as versatile as it is beloved, perfect for scooping up other delectable dishes or enjoying on its own. With each tear, we’re reminded of the simple pleasures that can be found at the family table.
Get the Recipe: Naan Recipe

Mango Dal

Nani used to say that meals are more than just food; they’re an experience shared with your loved ones. A bowl of Mango Dal brings a familiar warmth to your dining table, a reminder of the love and care woven into every meal cooked at home. It’s perfect for those times when you crave something nourishing and comforting. Simple yet heartfelt, it’s a staple side that feels like a hug from Nani all over again.
Get the Recipe: Mango Dal

Homemade Paneer Instant Pot

Making Homemade Paneer Instant Pot is like weaving a thread of the past into the fabric of today’s fast-paced life. It stands as a testament to Nani’s belief in nourishment and the joy of creating from scratch. It turns a regular dish into a personal expression of care, telling those you love that they deserve food crafted with intention. And as it blends seamlessly into your recipes, it brings a sense of accomplishment to home cooks everywhere.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Paneer Instant Pot

Basmati Rice

Cooking Basmati Rice can be a simple but profound foundation for any meal. It’s the perfect backdrop to rich saucy dishes or a simple dal. Its fragrance fills the kitchen, transforming a house into a home, bringing families together just as Nani intended. Every grain tells a story of tradition, easily making any dinner feel like a special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Basmati Rice

Pan-Fried Plantains

With Pan-Fried Plantains on the table, you can almost hear the sizzle of Nani’s kitchen and her laughter mingling with the sounds of cooking. These bring a slight crisp and sweet note to any meal, complementing both spicy and subtle dishes. They’re a comforting reminder of simple pleasures and are as enjoyable to eat as they are easy to prepare. Each bite is a crisp piece of home.
Get the Recipe: Pan-Fried Plantains

Instant Pot Jeera Rice

Jeera Rice made in an Instant. Pot offers a quick way to bring more than just sustenance to a meal; it brings a sense of home. With every fluffy spoonful, it serves as a mild but aromatic partner to bolder flavors. Nani loved how something so simple could enhance any meal, proving that good food doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s always a hit, light and perfect for pairing.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Jeera Rice

Bottle Gourd Leaves Stir Fry

A dish that captures the essence of home-cooked freshness. Bottle Gourd Leaves Stir Fry is a light, refreshing side that has a way of making every meal feel more balanced. Nani appreciated its ease and health benefits, often reminding us how some greens can transform a meal nutritionally and visually. It’s a dish that respects the ingredients and the tradition of bringing families together.
Get the Recipe: Bottle Gourd Leaves Stir Fry

Ladi Pav

Ladi Pav has always been more than just bread; it’s a part of many childhood memories around the tea table or as a side with a spicy curry. Soft, fluffy, and chewy, it’s perfect for mopping up gravies or enjoyed by itself. Nani’s pav had a special taste of nostalgia, making it beloved by all ages at any meal. It’s a comforting staple that never fails to please.
Get the Recipe: Ladi Pav

Maddur Vada

Served as a snack or a side, this dish has a satisfying crunch that complements the softer textures of traditional meals. Maddur Vada can easily claim the spotlight in any gathering with its crisp texture and inviting aroma. Nani would relish the way everyone came together over these, sharing stories and smiles. It’s a simple pleasure, made with love, enjoyed by all.
Get the Recipe: Maddur Vada

Bombay Potatoes

Bombay Potatoes is a robust addition to any meal, offering a hearty texture and richly spiced taste that captures the bustling spirit of Mumbai, just as Nani remembered it. Their versatility means they can accompany almost anything or shine on their own. It’s a dish that effortlessly brings vibrancy to dinner tables, inviting everyone to reach for just one more helping. It’s comforting, complete, and always a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Bombay Potatoes