What Dessert Goes With Curry? 12 Perfect Pairings
Wondering what dessert goes with curry?
If so, you’ve come to the right place.
Everyone loves a curry night, and it can be a great way to bring the family together for conversation and a delicious meal.
Choosing a sweet treat or a pudding to round things off though can be tricky, and you’ll want to make sure that you’ve chosen goes with spicy food.
You might also be looking for something a little lighter, as Indian food can be filling and rich.
Without any further ado, let’s look at 12 different suggestions for what dessert goes with curry…
1. Indian rice pudding (kheer)
Kheer is an Indian rice pudding that you’ll often find on the desserts menu in traditional Indian restaurants.
It’s made with just three key ingredients – rice, milk, and sugar – and then flavoured with cardamon, nuts, and a little rose water.
If you like, you can make it vegan by using almond milk.
It’s warming but surprising light, and it can be served hot or cold.
I personally prefer it chilled, and it can be wonderfully refreshing after a spicy curry.
2. Carrot halwa
Carrot halwa is an Indian pudding made with carrots, milk, sugar, ghee, and nuts. Traditionally, it’s made with full fat milk, and no processed ingredients such as condensed milk.
It’s a popular dish that’s often served up at parties and feasts, and it’s a great staple dessert to have in your repertoire if you love cooking curries.
3. Caffe affogato
Okay, so caffe affogato might not be the most traditional option for a dessert to serve after curry, but it’s absolutely delicious!
It’s also super easy to prepare and requires just two ingredients.
Simply place a scoop of good quality vanilla ice cream in a heat-resistant glass or bowl, and pour over a shot of hot coffee.
It’s the perfect choice when you want to be able to offer a dessert, but you know that everyone will likely be full from the curry!
If you love curry night, you’ll also enjoy the best side dishes to serve with chickpea curry.
4. Kulfi
Kulfi is a traditional dairy-based dessert, and it’s often referred to as Indian ice cream.
Its main ingredients are milk, sugar, nuts, and cardamon, and flavourings like chopped nuts and fruits are often added into the mixture.
Finally, it’s poured into moulds and frozen until set.
If you fancy trying it at home, check out this easy and creamy kulfi recipe.
I like to make popsicle sticks, but if you don’t have any, you can use any freezer safe container instead and simple serve your kulfi in scoops.
5. A fresh fruits platter
A platter of fresh fruits is healthy, super tasty, and acts as a welcome palate cleanser after a rich and spicy meal.
I like to choose exotic fruits, such as star fruit, dragon fruit, mango, kiwi, and pineapple.
You can get as creative as you like here.
If you’re in a rush, simply chop up your chosen fruits and you’re good to go.
Alternatively, you can take a little extra time over presentation and create something that makes for a fantastic centrepiece at the table.
6. Cardamon biscuits
Sometimes, when you’re trying to decide what dessert goes with curry, you’ll want a simple bite that can be prepared in advance and served with a hot cup of tea.
In this instance, cardamon biscuits are a wonderful option.
They take around an hour to make, and you can coat them with a thin layer of icing if you like.
These make a beautiful gift, so you could wrap a few in a pretty ribbon and give them to your guests to take home and enjoy another day.
7. Lemon syllabub
A good lemon syllabub is light, creamy, zesty, and a perfectly fitting choice when you’re trying to decide what dessert goes with curry.
It’s traditionally made with whipping cream, though if you’re trying to cut back on the calories a little, you can get experimental with the ingredients.
You could use half Greek yoghurt and half cream instead, for example.
You can also transform it into a trifle by adding sponge fingers to the bottom of the serving bowl, and drizzling with white wine and sugar before topping with fresh fruit and then spooning over your syllabub mixture to finish.
8. Mango sorbet
A mango sorbet is deliciously light, making it a great choice for serving after a curry.
It’s low in fat, and it’s a real treat when the temperatures start to soar.
It’s also typically free from dairy, gluten, and eggs, and it’s suitable for vegans, so it’s ideal if you’re catering for those with extra dietary preferences and needs.
It’ll keep in the freezer for up to three months, so you might decide to prepare a batch of it so you’ve got an easy dessert ready to go the next time you have guests!
9. Chocolate and amaretto mousse with raspberry sauce
You can’t possibly create a list of delicious desserts without having a chocolate based option!
This recipe for chocolate and amaretto mousse with raspberry sauce is one of my go-to choices when I have guests coming over, and the addition of a little booze makes it feel super indulgent.
You can prepare them a day ahead and leave to chill in the fridge, so they’re another convenient option for when you don’t necessarily have a lot of free time on the evening when you’re serving your meal.
10. Pistachio barfi
Pistachio barfi is an Indian spiced, nutty fudge, and it’s excellent for serving after a curry when you want to offer your guests a few little sweet morsels without going overboard.
It has the texture of soft marzipan, and is deliciously indulgent.
The process, including cooling and setting, takes most of the day, so make sure that you plan in advance.
Once ready, barfi can be kept in an airtight box at room temperature for 3-4 days.
11. Caramelised bananas
Caramelised bananas are melty, tasty, and a real treat after a meal like a curry, especially when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
You just need to slice up your bananas, roll them in a little sugar, and cook in a pan over a medium heat for around 5 minutes, turning regularly.
Add a little sugar or honey, if you like some extra sweetness.
12. Chocolate fondu
When contemplating what dessert goes with curry, a fondu is a fabulous choice!
I like to prepare various bits for dipping, including fresh fruits, marshmallows, and biscuits.
As well as being super tasty, it’s also a load of fun and is sure to keep your guests entertained for a little while.
Whether you’re making a Thai green curry, a Goan prawn curry, or anything in between, these 12 desserts are perfect for serving with your next fakeaway meal.
Do you have a favourite?
Which will you be choosing for your next curry night?
Leave a comment and share your thoughts!
For more ideas for curry night, check out what to serve with dhal.
