Dussehra isn’t solely about the stunning processions and grandeur; it’s also a time to savour food that’s rich in tradition. Among the many delights, Mysore-style payasam truly stands out as a luscious, creamy dessert. When served in charming little festive cups, this dish becomes an elegant addition, making it ideal for gatherings, bhog, or as a delightful sweet ending to your festive meal.

Rasam Rice or Rasam Sadham is a wholesome, tangy South Indian dish that combines the spice and zest of rasam with the heartiness of rice and dal. This one-pot recipe simplifies the process by cooking everything together in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker. The result is a comforting bowl of fluffy rice infused with the goodness of lentils and the punchy flavours of tamarind, tomatoes, and aromatic spices. If you're learning how to make rasam rice in one pot, start with this recipe.

Vermicelli upma or semiya upma is a flavourful, satisfying South Indian breakfast dish made with roasted semolina noodles, aromatic spices and crunchy nuts. This semiya upma recipe shares similarities with noodle-based dishes found in global recipes—experimenting with different vegetables or spice blends can give this traditional dish a fresh, international twist while keeping its essence intact.