Celebrate Victory With Mithai: OTG Recipes For Dussehra

Dussehra carries deep cultural meaning in India as it commemorates the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana and also symbolises the triumph of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura. This festival closes the Navratri celebrations and prepares the way for Diwali. For many households, this time of year is not only about visiting temples and watching the Ram Lila performances but also about filling the kitchen with aromas of festive cooking. Mithai is always central to the festival, as sharing sweets with friends, family, and neighbours reflects joy and togetherness.

In recent years, many homes have embraced modern kitchen appliances that allow traditional recipes to be made with more ease. An oven is particularly useful during this season, as it helps to prepare mithai with consistent results and without the need for constant attention. Appliances such as those from Usha have become trusted companions in the kitchen, allowing families to explore authentic recipes with confidence. By using an OTG, one can bake or roast ingredients evenly and prepare mithai that retains its festive flavour and character. The recipes that follow are suited for home kitchens and bring together familiar ingredients with techniques that benefit from the precision of an OTG.

2. Baked Sandesh With Saffron

Sandesh is another Bengali speciality that is simple yet elegant. Chenna is kneaded with sugar until smooth and flavoured with saffron that has been soaked in warm milk. The mixture is shaped into small pieces and arranged in a baking tray. Once baked, the sandesh develops a gentle firmness and a light crust. This variation retains the freshness of the sweet while adding a baked texture. Garnishing with pistachios before serving provides colour and a festive touch.

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3. Roasted Coconut Ladoo 

Coconut ladoo has always been a favourite during festivals. Roasting the grated coconut brings out a deeper flavour compared to stove-top roasting. The roasted coconut is then mixed with condensed milk and shaped into ladoos while still warm. The roasting step also helps to reduce excess moisture, ensuring the ladoos remain fresh for longer. Rolling them in a final coating of roasted coconut gives them an attractive appearance. This recipe requires minimal ingredients but delivers a satisfying sweet that aligns perfectly with festive occasions.

Also read: From Garlic Bread To Tandoori Paneer: Restaurant-Style Recipes In Your OTG

4. Baked Kesar Peda

Peda is widely shared during Dussehra, particularly in North Indian households. A baked version allows the peda to hold shape and carry a richer taste. Khoya is mixed with sugar, ghee, and saffron and then pressed into small rounds. These are placed on a tray and baked until they develop a golden shade. The result is a peda with a slightly caramelised edge and a fragrant saffron note. Baking also reduces the stickiness that sometimes accompanies traditional stovetop preparation, which makes the peda easier to store and distribute as gifts.

5. Dry Fruit Barfi With Roasted Nuts

Dry fruit sweets are always welcome during festivals as they represent abundance and generosity. Using an OTG makes it simple to roast nuts evenly without risk of burning. Cashews, almonds, and pistachios can be roasted until aromatic and then blended into a coarse mixture. This is combined with dates or figs to provide natural sweetness and set into trays. Once firm, the barfi is cut into squares and served. Roasting enhances the flavour of the nuts and gives the barfi a balanced taste that is both wholesome and festive.

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