What to Eat with Roti: 18 Delicious Delicacies

Roti is an umbrella term that is used for Indian flatbreads. Whether you call it chapati, phulka, or paratha, they are all part of the all-encompassing term that is Indian roti. These rotis are used as a base for cuisine around the Indian subcontinent. It can be used to make rolls, to scoop your dals, curries, gravies, and dry vegetables, and they can even be stuffed! Rotis are the crucial bedrock that makes the base for so many different flavors, textures, and ingredients, all of which are scooped with a single bite of roti.

Roti is versatile and can be eaten every single day in almost any form. But what to eat with roti? Is that a question that bothers you every day because you have run out of ideas? There are multiple options available, and you cannot always order food from outside. So, we at Rotimatic have decided to compile a list of several delicious vegetarian and non-vegetarian curries and sabzis that can help you decide what to eat chapati with.

Listed down below are some of our favorite roti with sabzi combinations, which can be easily made at home and enjoyed by you and your family.

Vegetarian Dishes:

1. Shahi Paneer: Shahi paneer is a dish made with Indian cottage cheese, also known as paneer, which is cubed and cooked in a thick gravy made of tomatoes, cream, cashews, onions, and ghee, which is emulsified together with a variety of Indian spices. This dish is slightly sweet, creamy, and rich, and the perfect companion to your homemade rotis. Shahi paneer is known as a crowd-pleaser, so it can be a fun dish to prepare if you are expecting guests at home.

2. Tomato Channa Dal with Kale: This dish is a delicious nutritional powerhouse. This chunky dal or lentil preparation is packed with the goodness of channa dal, kale, tomatoes, onions, and a variety of Indian spices to make each serving hearty and filling. Channa dal is especially high in protein, fiber, and calcium, and kale is also known for its protein and vitamin content. This dal can be eaten almost daily, and it will keep you nourished and satisfied.

3. Aloo Gobi: When you think of roti with sabzi, what comes to mind is soft, fresh rotis with dry, flavorful aloo gobi. Aloo gobi is an age-old North Indian recipe that is found in most homes. It is a vegan dish, usually made dry in a style of cooking that is very similar to making a stir fry. You can even try to create a fusion recipe by swapping out regular cauliflower for Chinese cauliflower! This dish includes potatoes, cauliflower, tomatoes, and several Indian spices, and it is super easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy!

4. Vegetable Korma: Vegetable korma is a mixed vegetable medley made with potatoes, peas, carrots, French beans, onions, tomatoes, desiccated coconut, and often with coconut cream/milk. This vegan recipe is traditionally of South Indian origin and can be paired with roti, paratha, chapati, neer dosa, rice, or pulao.

5. Saag Paneer: If you don't know what to eat with roti, why not try saag paneer? This mixed green medley is made with a paste of multiple local green leafy vegetables like spinach, mustard leaves, fenugreek, and amaranth. It is slow-cooked with some spices and aromatics and finished off with cubes of soft paneer. This Punjabi recipe is an ideal dinner for a winter night at home, and it is packed with iron, calcium, protein, and folate!

6. Andhra Eggplant with Coconut and Spices: This traditional recipe originates from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, two adjoining states in India. This dry vegetable preparation, also known as vankaya kobbari karam, is different from the regular roti with sabzi, as it is made up of tender brinjals (eggplants), which are stuffed with a mixture of coconut, coriander leaves, green chilies, tamarind pulp, and other spices. This dish is zesty, has a bit of a kick, and pairs perfectly with a warm roti or short-grain rice pilaf.

7. Aloo Bhujia: For vegetarian recipes, aloo sabzis are the king of the crowd. Potatoes are versatile, easily available, and can be prepared in several ways. Aloo bhujia is a simple dry vegetable made with spices, potatoes, onion, and tomatoes. But this is not the only potato preparation you can eat with roti. For days when you are craving chapati and curry, turn your potatoes into a hearty aloo mattar gravy, or on days when you are in a rush, you can try a simple aloo bhujia.

8. Rajma: Rajma is arguably one of the most famous north Indian curries. Made with red kidney beans that are slow-cooked in a tomato and onion-based gravy, this dish is warm, comforting, and nutritious and will have you hankering for a second serving. Rajma is a staple dish in most Indian households and is loved by people of all ages. Kidney beans are the star of the show in this curry, and it is usually paired with rotis if made in a drier style or with fragrant rice. Vegetarian

9. Kofta Curry: When you don't know what to eat roti with, a kofta curry is always a good choice. Koftas are essentially like meatballs and made with minced red or lean meat. Vegetarian koftas are very popular in India and are made with minced vegetables, paneer, or khoya, which are shaped into balls, battered and fried, and then cooked in cream or tomato-based gravy. Kofta can also be made by air-frying for a healthier alternative.

10. Masoor Ki Dal (Red Lentil Curry): Masoor dal is one of the most ancient legume crops. It has a high nutritional value as it is a rich source of protein, fiber, and minerals and has a low fat content. Split red lentils (masoor dal) are often cooked with tomatoes, onions, spices, and aromatic herbs to make a rich, warm, zesty dal (lentil preparation) that pairs well with rotis, tandoori parathas, rice pilafs, and more. So ditch the classic roti with the sabzi combo and opt for the delicious dal instead.

11. Dal Makhani: Dal makhani is made with urad dal (whole black gram), rajma, and sometimes other lentils. It is one of the most popular lentil preparations in north India. It is known for its creamy, rich, buttery flavor due to its preparation using makhani gravy, which is made from cashews, cream, tomatoes, ginger-garlic, and butter or ghee. This dal is known for its thick consistency, which makes it the perfect contender for a chapati and curry combo, but it can be served with naan, parathas, rotis, naans, or jeera rice.

12. Indian Vegetable Bhaji: Indian vegetable bhaji is a dry, Indian stir-fry recipe that can be adapted according to all vegetables you may have in your pantry. Simply toss the vegetables in some oil, sauteed aromatics, and spices to create a quick and easy side dish for your lunchtime meal. The beauty of this dish is that it is essentially a mixed vegetable medley, made according to an Indian taste palate, and it can be adjusted according to your preferences and still taste delicious. Pair your roti with sabzis like vegetable bhaji!

13. Chana Masala (Savory Chickpeas): If you need a high-protein alternative and don't know what to eat with roti, chana masala is the ideal dish for you. A savory, tangy dish made with Indian chickpeas, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime, and aromatics, this dish is a high-protein and high-fiber solution to your hunger pangs. It will keep you full for a long time, and it is incredibly easy to make.

14. Turnips Cashew Curry: If you are looking for a gluten-free, paleo, and vegan option that is high in benefits and low in calories, try adding turnips to your vegetable medley. You can make a turnip cashew curry with turnips, onions, and cashew paste to make a creamy, rich curry without using dairy, and enjoy an indulgent dish with no guilt! This dish can easily be used to switch out heavier potato preparations due to their similarity in taste. Your chapati and curry combo just got elevated!

Non-Vegetarian Dishes:

1. Butter Chicken: Butter chicken is a popular Indian dish consisting of tender chicken marinated in a spiced yogurt mixture, then cooked in a rich tomato and butter-based sauce. The sauce is flavored with various spices such as garam masala, fenugreek, and ginger, resulting in a creamy, aromatic dish that pairs perfectly with rotis, chapatis, parathas, naans, etc.

2. Shrimp Curry: This dish is made with coconut milk and spices like cumin, cilantro, and aromatics, and it is the perfect pick-me-up after a long day. You can change the masala used to adapt it to your taste and alter the consistency and creaminess. You can even alternate with other seafood items like prawns, any kind of fatty fish, or crab. Switch out your regular chapati and curry routine and try making a shrimp curry instead.

3. Chicken Korma: Chicken korma is a flavorful Indian dish made with chicken pieces simmered in a creamy sauce made with yogurt, cream, and a blend of aromatic spices. It's characterized by its mild yet rich taste, and you can always make it at home for a mild yet filling meal. It is lighter in taste as compared to butter chicken and can be made spicier for a zesty flavor.

4. Anda Curry: You can always pair your roti with sabzis made with eggs, like anda (egg) curry. This high-protein dish is ridiculously easy to make, with a base of tomatoes, onions, and spices, which is then made into a savory curry that is both hearty and healthy! Incorporating eggs into your diet is always healthy, as they can be prepared in several ways. If you don't know what to eat with roti, try pairing it with an anda curry or egg bhurji.

When choosing what to eat roti with, you have to always consider many factors, like your taste palate, allergies, dietary needs, and, of course, your mood. You can always expand and search for more options to pair with your wholesome rotis. When you start cooking at home, it can sometimes be a hassle to prepare elaborate meals for yourself or your family. But with Rotimatic, you can make your cooking experience so much easier by saving time, energy, and effort by taking help from your handy kitchen assistant, the fully-automated Rotimatic.