Some people love the tradition of Christmas and the ritual of having the same meal each year. They wouldn’t dream of deviating from the roast potatoes, parsnips and Brussels sprouts that accompany their festive turkey. Others, however, love to experiment with different flavours and textures. For those who want to take inspiration from the best Indian restaurants in South Kensington and add a touch of spice to the sides that accompany their Christmas turkey, here are some delicious suggestions.
1. Aloo gobi
In addition to your usual roast potatoes, why not create a dish of aloo gobi to add some warmth to your meal? This tasty combination of potatoes and cauliflower has plenty of texture and incorporates Indian spices like ginger, coriander and garlic.
2. Sag panir
Greens are a core part of any Christmas feast, and you can easily swap out traditional boiled or braised cabbage, kale or Brussels sprouts for a side of sag panir. This mild dish consists of any leafy greens such as spinach, kale or Swiss chard cooked with panir cheese in butter, cream and spices. It’ll pair beautifully with turkey and elevate your Christmas dinner wonderfully.
3. Brinjal bhajee
This simple fresh aubergine dishwill add a little bite to your festive lunch and complements more traditional sides – such as glazed parsnips – without overpowering them. The aubergines are cooked with mustard seeds, cumin seeds and ginger, and provide a soft texture and a warming kick.
4. Indian spiced carrots
If you want to explore Indian flavours without trying to replicate the best Indian food in South Kensington, spiced carrots are a simple and flavourful alternative to traditional honey or maple roast veggies. Toss the carrots in oil, ginger paste and garam masala then roast, then add toasted almonds for some extra crunch.
5. Spiced cranberry sauce
Increase the depth of flavour of your cranberry sauce by adding the tangy sweetness of ginger and orange juice to homemade or shop bought cranberry sauce. Elevate it further with cardamom and cinnamon – we’re sure you’ll never look back.
6. Chaat style sprouts
Add an Indian twist to your sprouts by shredding them and pairing them with chickpeas, ground cumin, coriander and tamarind chutney or pomegranate molasses. The best part of this chaat-style side is that it’s equally delicious served warm with Christmas dinner as it is served cold with leftovers the next day.
7. Bindi mossala
For a more unusual side, try a semi-dry okra curry known as bindi mossala. The okra is cooked with onions, tomatoes, green chillis, cumin seeds and garam masala, and will add some bite to your Christmas dinner. It’s also wholesome and nutritious, helping you enjoy a balanced feast that won’t leave you bloated.
Enjoy authentic Indian food in South Kensington
If you’re looking for the best Indian South Kensington this winter, don’t miss Little India. Our menu offers unique dishes with uncompromising taste, created by experienced chefs that use only the finest ingredients. Whether you’re looking for inspiration or simply want hearty food after a day of Christmas shopping, reserve a table with us and enjoy mouth-watering Indian cuisine.