12 Nov Spice Up Your Meals: 7 Irresistible Side Dishes You Need to Try
When it comes to enjoying pizza, what can elevate the experience more than adding a few irresistible side dishes? At Mamajoun Pizzeria, it’s not just about mouthwatering Armenian-inspired pizzas but also about pairing them with delectable sides that pack a punch of flavor. Whether you’re dining in or ordering for takeout, adding these diverse side dishes to your meal is a guaranteed way to enhance the experience.
From creamy dips to nutritious salads, these dishes provide the perfect blend of texture, spice, and heartiness to complement your pizza feast. Let’s dive right in and explore 7 must-try side dishes that are sure to leave you craving more!
1. Eetch (Armenian Bulgur Salad)
If you’re looking for something fresh yet filling, Eetch is a must. This vibrant dish is made with bulgur wheat, tomatoes, onions, parsley, and a hint of lemon juice. Unlike tabbouleh, eetch has a slightly softer, fluffier texture and offers a more robust tomato flavor. Its light, tangy taste balances perfectly with the richness of cheesy pizzas, creating an excellent contrast that your taste buds will love.
Pro tip: Enjoy eetch as a starter or side dish to refresh your palate between slices of pizza!
2. Babaghanouj (Smoky Eggplant Dip)
Babaghanouj is the star of Mediterranean dips. This creamy dish features roasted eggplant, tahini, garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil, delivering a smoky and savory profile. It’s smooth and satisfying, ideal for spreading on warm pita bread or using as a dip for veggies.
Pizza and babaghanouj might sound unconventional, but trust us—that earthy eggplant flavor works wonders alongside the salty, cheesy goodness of pizza slices.
3. Classic Hummus
It’s impossible to talk about irresistible side dishes without mentioning hummus. This silky, protein-rich dip made from chickpeas, tahini, and lemon juice is a beloved staple across Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines.
What makes hummus an excellent companion to pizza? Its smooth and nutty flavor balances out the pizza’s spices. Plus, hummus is perfect for dipping everything from pita bread to vegetable sticks, making it a great shared side dish for group dinners.
4. Mohamara (Spicy Red Pepper Spread)
Looking to turn up the heat? Mohamara is a spicy, flavor-packed dip made with roasted red peppers, walnuts, breadcrumbs, and pomegranate molasses. It offers an irresistible combination of sweetness, nuttiness, and mild heat.
This unique spread complements pizzas with bold toppings, like pepperoni or sausage, making it a fantastic side dish for spice lovers. Dip some flatbread in mohama or slather it on pizza crusts for that extra zing.
5. Mixed Bean Salad
Light and refreshing, a mixed bean salad adds balance to any hearty pizza meal. Made with kidney beans, chickpeas, black beans, onions, and fresh herbs, this salad offers a medley of colors, textures, and flavors.
The zesty vinaigrette dressing makes the dish bright and lively, ensuring every bite feels fresh and flavorful. Plus, beans provide fiber and protein, making it a nutritious side to round out your pizza feast.
6. Lentil Balls (Mercimek Köftesi)
These bite-sized lentil balls are a crowd-pleaser. Made from red lentils, bulgur, onions, and spices, they are soft, savory, and loaded with flavor. Lentil balls are commonly served chilled with a squeeze of lemon juice, which adds a refreshing tang.
Pair these lentil bites with your pizza to add a touch of Middle Eastern flair to your meal. They are perfect for vegetarians and are filling enough to be enjoyed on their own or as an appetizer.
7. Quinoa Salad with Fresh Herbs
If you’re in the mood for a healthy side dish, quinoa salad is the way to go. Quinoa is tossed with fresh herbs, diced vegetables, lemon juice, and olive oil, creating a salad that’s both light and satisfying.
Quinoa’s nutty taste and fluffy texture offer the perfect contrast to pizza, and it’s a great option for those looking for a gluten-free side dish. Whether you enjoy it as a starter or a side, this salad will leave you feeling refreshed.
Why These Side Dishes Make a Difference
Adding side dishes to your pizza meal at Mamajoun Pizzeria not only enhances the flavor experience but also creates a sense of variety. The combination of dips, salads, and light bites ensures that there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a spice lover, health-conscious, or just looking to enjoy classic Mediterranean flavors.
These sides bring balance to your meal. For example, a hearty pizza can be lightened with a quinoa salad or bean salad. Adding diverse side dishes to your meal also makes dining with a group more fun, as you get to try a little bit of everything.
Conclusion
At Mamajoun Pizzeria, pizza is just the beginning of a flavorful journey. From creamy dips like babaghanouj and hummus to vibrant salads and crispy lentil balls, these side dishes are sure to spice up your meal. Whether you’re hosting a pizza night or ordering takeout for the family, adding these delicious sides will elevate the entire experience.
Next time you place an order, don’t just settle for pizza—add a few of these irresistible sides and discover the magic of pairing complementary flavors. You’ll thank yourself later!
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FAQs
1. Can I order these side dishes at Mamajoun Pizzeria for takeout?
Yes! Many of these sides, such as hummus, eetch, and mixed bean salad, are available for takeout to pair with your favorite pizza.
2. Are the side dishes vegetarian or vegan-friendly?
Most of these side dishes, including lentil balls, hummus, and quinoa salad, are vegetarian and vegan-friendly, making them suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences.
3. What is the best dip to pair with pizza crust?
Mohamara is a great option if you like some heat, while hummus or babaghanouj provides a creamy, savory complement to pizza crusts.
4. Are these side dishes gluten-free?
Many of these dishes, such as quinoa salad, hummus, and mixed bean salad, are gluten-free. However, check with the restaurant for specific details if you have dietary restrictions.
5. How can I make my pizza meal healthier?
Adding nutrient-rich sides like eetch, quinoa salad, or mixed bean salad can provide a balanced meal. These dishes offer fiber, protein, and essential nutrients to complement your pizza indulgence.