Indian cuisine is famous for its colourful side dishes and no meal is complete without at least two vegetable accompaniments. Choosing side dishes requires care, as they must complement rather than compete with the flavours of the main dish. Complex main courses are best served with the simplest sides, while a rich side dish is usually served with a plainer meat or fish recipe. Following this basic principle will help you to maintain the overall balance of flavours.
Poppadums are often sold at markets and served as a crunchy accompaniment to curries, pickles, chutneys and raitas.