Kebabs are presumably of Mediterranean origin and historically popular in the Basin, the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Indian subcontinent. But today, they have spread worldwide, having traveled as far as Europe and North America. They rank among the most popular foods worldwide, and it won’t be an overstatement to say they’re a global food icon. 

Even so, people just getting to know the kebab often feel curious and confused, and ask how to enjoy it, what to eat it with, etc. So here we are. Let us tell you some easy kebab sides and tasty ways to enjoy different kebabs. 

Popular kebab sides: What to eat with kebabs? 

Kebabs are one of the most versatile foods on the planet. They are made from ground or minced meat, such as kofta and seekh kebabs, or marinated meat pieces skewered on a stick, and cooked over an open flame like shish kebabs. You can enjoy them as is with the right kebab sauce to dip, but when paired with a carb-y side for a complete meal, they taste even better. Nutritionally speaking, too, kebabs are a good source of protein, but adding suitable kebab sides helps you include other food groups and make it a balanced and satisfying meal.

Let us take a look at some popular ways to enjoy a full meal built around kebabs – the best kebab sides and ways you can use them to put together a flavorful plate. 

#1 Side your kebab with a pita 

Nothing quite captures the essence of summer like a pita wrap with crunchy veggies and a refreshing dollop of tzatziki sauce. Adding chicken seekh kebab for protein turns this meal into a must-try for the season. 

If you want this ultra-quick, flavorful meal, all you need are 4 things: 

• Your preferred store-bought pita bread
• Frozen chicken seekh kebab
• Fresh vegetables (finely chopped) 
• Your favorite brand of tzatziki sauce

And these are the few steps for the prep:

• Unpack and heat your ready-to-eat Colonel Kababz (medium spicy) or Kaiser (mildly spicy) chicken seekh kebabs in a non-stick skillet with just enough oil for shallow frying – they take under 10 minutes before ready. 
• If you’ve fried the kebabs in olive oil, use the remaining oil in the skillet for your sauté veggies. Unless of course, you prefer them fresh and crunchy. 
• Toast your pita or fry with just a little olive oil depending on how you choose to do your veggies. The toasted, crispy pita soaks up the moisture from the sautéd veggies nicely, while the rich fried pita goes well with the fresh crunch of veggies. 
• Now, the exciting part.. wrap the kebab and veggies in the pita, and drizzle with tzatziki sauce to taste. If you want a lot of flavor, use the tzatziki sauce as a dip for each yummy bite.  

#2 Fattoush: a fresh’n’healthy kebab side

The popular Lebanese bread salad, fattoush, is one of the best kebab sides for the chicken seekh. The complex flavor profile of the succulent kebabs pairs nicely with a bowl of fresh veggies in a zesty dressing, topped with “pita croutons”.

Here is how you can assemble an authentic Lebanese fattoush* to go with your ready-to-eat Kaiser & Colonel Kababz chicken seekh.

*Credit: This fattoush recipe is by Yumna of Feel Good Foodie.

Once the fattoush is done, grab the chicken seekh kebabs from the freezer. Shallow fry in a non-stick skillet for around 8-10 minutes, and that’s about it. You’re ready to bring it all together on your plate – don’t forget to add the pita croutons to this very fresh’n’healthy kebab side. 

#3 Roll your kebab in a paratha

In the Indian subcontinent, parathas are one of the most popular kebab sides. The unleavened flatbread has a golden, crispy exterior that encases its buttery and flaky layers. 

While the art of making an Indian paratha is not everyone’s ballgame, ready-frozen parathas are an excellent option. They allow you to assemble a robust and full-on-flavor kebab paratha wrap with minimal effort, in almost no time:

Here is what you need to make this wrap:  

• Frozen plain paratha
• Frozen beef seekh kebab 
• Chopped fresh veggies
• Cucumber raita

And here is how you can use the paratha as your kebab side:

• Chop your chosen fresh veggies
• Mix the raita ingredients – Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, chopped onion, cilantro & mint, green chili, salt, cumin and coriander. For a richer version, you can add a little crushed garlic and olive oil.  
• Grab the Colonel Kababz beef seekh, and shallow-fry in a non-stick skillet for about 8-10 minutes. 
• In the same skillet, prepare the Kaiser plain paratha (any variety) – it takes less than 5 minutes before golden brown on both sides. 
• Place the beef seekh and fresh veggies onto the paratha, and roll them in – serve with the cucumber raita – it’s the most refreshing dip for each mouthful.   

#4 Lemon rice & Egyptian Salad: Have a feast with Mediterranean kebab sides

Lemon rice is one of the most classic pairings you can enjoy with meaty Mediterranean dishes like lamb kebabs. The tangy rice beautifully complements the rich and robust lamb flavor. There are many cultural variations of lemon rice, from Greek to South Indian. All are excellent kebab sides, depending on which flavor profile you are more fond of. 

Here is a Greek lemon rice recipe to side with the Lebanese-style lamb kofta kebab. Not as quick as the wraps, but the effort you’ll put in would be worth it.

*Credit: This lemon rice recipe is by Suzy of the Mediterranean Dish.

Slip in colorful freshness with an Egyptian salad (salata baladi). It’s the perfect complement to your kebab and lemon rice duo. The best part is it’s a quick and easy one to assemble with chopped tomatoes, cucumber, onions, and parsley dressed in lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil. If you prefer the warmth of spices, go for cumin or sumac, and some chili pepper in addition to salt and black pepper.  

Now, your delicious kebab sides are ready, and all you’re left with is to heat the lamb kofta kebabs from Colonel Kababz. These are ready to eat, and it takes under 10 minutes before they can go onto your plate with the lemon rice and Egyptian salad.  

#5 Kebab sides for your mixed kebab party platter 

Kebabs are great when enjoyed with an assortment of dips. A mixed kebab platter holds the potential to be a hit at any summer barbecue, especially when served with traditional dips like hummus, couscous salad, and green olives.

Here is how you can make these delicious kebab sides for a platter that everyone is sure to love. 

*Credit: This hummus recipe is by Joanne Gallaher of Inspired Taste

*Credit: This couscous recipe is by Nagi of RecipetinEats 

Once both your kebab sides are ready, it’s time to get the kebab selection ready for the platter – add Lebanese-style kofta, and the Turkish Adana and doner kebabs to side with the hummus, couscous salad, and green olives. Frozen Mediterranean-style kebabs from Kaiser & Colonel Kababz include chicken, beef, and lamb varieties. And all they need is about 8 minutes of shallow-frying in a skillet for the best results. You can easily do them last and serve them fresh from the pan. 

Concluding words…

When it comes to enjoying kebabs, there is no wrong way.  You can feast on a kebab as is to appreciate the pure flavor of seasoned meat, which is how some cultures in the world go about it. However, to make your meal more flavorful, filling, and nutritious, it’s good to have a few good kebab sides with your meal. Sauces like Tzatziki and mint yogurt sauce cut through the richness of the kebabs, whereas sides such as salads, hummus, and olives add an element of freshness to the plate.