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When the weather gets chilly, there’s nothing quite like a hot bowl of soup. However, if a single bowl isn’t enough to satisfy your hunger, adding a delicious side dish can transform it into a filling and complete meal. Explore our wide range of side dish recipes that pair perfectly with soups. Whether you’re in the mood for carb-loaded options, an extra dose of veggies, kid-friendly choices, or a more sophisticated combination, you’ll discover everything you need to elevate your humble soup into the ideal lunch or dinner.
1. Mouthwatering Paneer Cheese Pakora:
Complement your simple soups with fried snacks as a side dish that will make you drool. For these Indian-inspired cheesy tots, make the batter by mixing one cup of chickpea flour, two tablespoons of ghee, ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper, salt, and garam masala, and finally, add ½ cup of water. Cut 250g of paneer cheese into cubes, dip each cube into the batter, and fry them in hot oil. Fry until golden brown and serve with a hearty vegetable soup or chicken corn soup.
2. Scrumptious Honey Cornbread:
Since cornbread is a staple side dish with soup, we thought you’d appreciate a little twist. Have you ever heard of honey cornbread? It’s super easy to make. In the mood for a juicy, fatty bacon soup tonight? Then a combination of sweet and savory side dishes would be perfect.
Get cornmeal, egg, butter, salt, honey, sugar, flour, milk, and baking powder, and try this finger-licking homemade honey cornbread recipe, which can be prepared within a few minutes. Mix all the dry ingredients first, then add the wet ingredients and batter. Now pour the batter into a lightly buttered hot skillet and bake. When ready, serve it with a hot bowl of soup.
3. Healthy Three-Way Green Salad:
Are you tired of eating your creamy mushroom soup with plain bread? How about adding a few greens to your side dish? Enjoy a crispy, healthy side dish with your rich soup with this simple and quick three-way green salad. Simply take a large bowl and add two sliced celery ribs, six sliced radishes, four cups of iceberg lettuce, two sliced carrots, three freshly sliced cauliflower, and one medium cucumber.
You can also add four cups of leaf lettuce, sliced green onions, six sliced broccoli florets, and four cups of spinach. For the dressing, take a separate bowl and mix ¼ cup of vinegar, ¼ teaspoon dried oregano, and basil, a pinch of salt and pepper, garlic, 1/3 cup of olive oil, and a teaspoon of sugar. Top it with grated Parmesan, and mix the veggies with the dressing.
4. Try Pigs in a Blanket:
Another side dish that complements soup exceptionally well is the classic “Pigs in a Blanket.” These delightful bites offer a combination of savory flavors, a satisfying crunch, and a hint of nostalgia. Adding pigs in a blanket to the meal introduces a delightful textural contrast. The flaky, golden pastry exterior encasing the succulent mini sausages creates a satisfying crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy nature of the soup. Whether you’re enjoying a classic tomato soup, a hearty vegetable stew, or a creamy chowder, these little delights are a perfect match for any soup of your choice. Its recipe is detailed as under:
- Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the puff pastry package (if you have bought a pre-baked puff).
- Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into thin strips, about 1/2 inch wide.
- Wrap each mini sausage or cocktail wiener with a puff pastry strip, ensuring it is fully covered.
- Place the wrapped sausages on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each one.
- Brush the tops of the wrapped sausages with the beaten egg, giving them a golden and shiny appearance when baked. Sprinkle poppy seeds or sesame seeds on top for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Bake in the oven for approximately 15-20 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden.
- Remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving.
5. Mac and Cheese Balls:
Mac and cheese balls are delectable bites of creamy macaroni and cheese coated in a crispy golden shell and are the ultimate side dish to pair with your favorite soup. Combine the cooked macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Using your hands or a spoon, shape the mixture into small balls about 1-2 inches in diameter. Place the mac and cheese balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper—once done, heat oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium heat. Ensure the oil is hot enough for frying (around 350°F or 175°C).
Now carefully place a few mac and cheese balls into the hot oil, being mindful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy on all sides, usually about 2-3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to transfer the fried balls to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve the Mac and cheese balls alongside a steaming bowl of your favorite soup. The creamy, cheesy center pairs wonderfully with the comforting soup flavors, creating a delightful meal experience.
6. Go For Arugula Apple Salad:
When making your soup a complete and balanced meal, an Arugula Apple Salad is the perfect addition. This vibrant and flavorful salad combines the peppery notes of arugula, the crisp sweetness of apples, and the tanginess of a simple dressing.
Combine the fresh arugula, thinly sliced apple, toasted walnuts, and crumbled feta cheese in a large bowl. Whisk the extra-virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper in another small bowl to make the dressing. Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Toss the salad gently to ensure all ingredients are coated with the dressing.
Serve the Arugula Apple Salad alongside your favorite soup. The peppery arugula, crisp apple slices, and the contrasting flavors of the dressing create a refreshing and satisfying side dish that complements the warmth and heartiness of soup.
Conclusion:
A perfect side dish can make a simple bowl of soup a satisfying and complete meal. Whether it’s the savory crunch of Pigs in a Blanket, the indulgent creaminess of Mac and Cheese Balls, or the refreshing combination of Arugula Apple Salad, the perfect side dish can enhance the flavors, textures, and the overall dining experience. So, the next time you’re enjoying a comforting bowl of soup, consider adding one of these perfect side dishes and savor the harmony of flavors that will complete your meal.
