Chili and Its Perfect Match: 5 Possible Side Dishes

Chili is one of the most popular comfort food out there, as it is a one-pot wonder that is ready in no time. This powerhouse dish is loaded with vegetables, protein, and flavoring, but the dish reaches perfection when combined with a few sides. Whether you prefer a thick and beefy chili or a spicy vegetarian version, the right side dish will take your chili game to the next level. Here are five possible side dishes to try out with different types of chili.

Potato Cakes

Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food and are a match made in heaven when enjoyed with chili. To make your chili plate a bit special, turn ordinary potatoes into craveable potato cakes. All you need is 4 large potatoes, 2 tablespoons of butter, your favorite herbs, and a bit of seasoning.

Start by grating the potatoes finely, using a food processor. Squeeze most of the moisture out of the potatoes and combine them with the rest of the ingredients. Form the potato mix into small patties, cook them until golden in your favorite skillet, and enjoy them as a delicious side for your chili.

Baked Sweet Potatoes and Plantains

Chili can benefit from a bit of sweetness, so why not indulge in some sweet potatoes and plantains? Start by cutting sweet potatoes and plantains into cubes and marinate them in a caramelized honey-maple syrup. Coat them in some melted butter and herbs, and bake them in the oven until golden. The sweetness of the potatoes and plantains complement the heat and robustness of the chili to create a balanced mix of flavors.

Green Salad

Chili is a full-flavored dish, so it’s always a great idea to balance out the flavors with some lightness. Green salads are the ideal side dish to pair with chili as they are light and healthy. Pick your favorite greens (arugula, baby spinach, watercress, etc.) and prepare the salad with your preferred toppings.

If you want the salad to match the flavors of the chili, prepare it with a chili-based dressing. This creamy chili dressing adds a creamy sweat to your salad and will make it more appealing. The light flavor of the greens and the creamy dressing will cut through the heaviness of the chili and make the meal complete.

Cornbread

Cornbread is a great pairing for chili as it can take a simple dish and turn it into a dinner that feels very special. Cornbread is a classic comfort food in its own right and pairs beautifully with many dishes, including chili. To make cornbread just right, simply combine cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt, and bake it in the oven. The perfect cornbread should have a dense and moist interior, a light and golden-brown exterior, and it should have the perfect texture to accompany the texture of chili.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables are always a great side dish for any main course, as they provide delicious crunch and savory goodness. You can be creative with the vegetables you roast and opt for a combination of your favorite roasted veggies. Just drizzle them with some oil and your preferred seasonings, and bake at 200C for about 30 minutes. Roasted vegetables provide freshness to your chili night and make the meal more suited for all types of diets.

There are plenty of side dishes you can enjoy with chili, so the best way to find the perfect match for your chili is to experiment. Choose sides that you love and that will balance out the dish and complement the flavors of the chili. The sides of your chili can be just as craveable as the chili themselves, so give these side dishes a try and make every chili night a special one.