Monday, the next week, we mark the auspicious day of Janmashtami with a delicious South Indian Thali spread. This week, we don’t have the usual 3-course dinner, but a lavish range of some of the most festive South Indian meals fit to be in your thali. Have you also checked out our special pick of sweet meats and snacks for the festival?

We’ve selected the lunch menu based on the staples that make a complete South Indian meal – vegetables, sambar and rasam, rice specialties, something spicy and crunchy in the form of condiments or accompaniments, and of course festive sweets for the occasion. Feel free to pick as many of the following selection, to make a complete meal for you and your family this Janmashtami!

Poriyal Recipes

South Indian poriyals and vegetables are usually a dry sabzi, with minimal spices and tempering. A hit of hing, some crackly curry leaves and usually just a generous sprinkling of grated coconut complete the dish and often spiced with green chillies. This Cabbage Poriyal, Keerai Masiyal and Chickpea Sundal complete the triumvirate for your veggie needs.

Lentil Recipes (Rasam, Kuzhambu & Sambar)

A comforting tangy Tomato Rasam can be had as a warm beverage or even as an accompaniment with hot rice and either the Chinna Vengaya Puli Kuzhambu or Vendakkai Vengayam Sambar.

Rice Recipes (Sadam)

In addition to hot steaming white rice, which is a staple in every South Indian meal, you might want to add one of these special preparations of rice for an added punch of flavor. Top it off with a cooling spiced Curd Rice.

Condiments and Accompaniments (Thogayal, Pachadi and Pickles)

No South Indian thali is complete without something crisp to munch on, a spicy chutney, thogayal or some pickle to tingle your tastebuds. This Ridge Gourd Pachadi and Thengai Thogayal are perfect accompaniments either on the side of sambar, rice, or even with just hot rice and ghee. Masala Vadais provide that much-needed crunch.

Sweets (Payasams)

Since it is Krishna Janmashtami, Aval Payasam makes the customary appearance into the meal plate. But you also have the option to choose from other Janmashtami festival favourites like Semiya Payasam and Appams.