Creamy Shrikhand Recipe
.png)
What is Shrikhand?
Shrikhand is essentially thick, strained yogurt (hung curd) sweetened with sugar and flavored with aromatic spices like cardamom and saffron. This refreshing dessert is popular because of its creamy texture and the fragrant notes of its spices, making it a unique blend of simple ingredients and luxurious flavors.
Ingredients for Making Shrikhand
To make the perfect Shrikhand, you’ll need a few basic ingredients that come together to create this silky dessert.
Basic Ingredients:
- 1 liter of full-fat yogurt or curd
- ½ cup powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom (elaichi)
- A few strands of saffron (kesar) soaked in 2 tablespoons of warm milk
- 2 tablespoons chopped nuts (almonds, pistachios, or cashews)
- A few rose petals (optional, for garnish)
Optional Ingredients for Variations:
- ½ cup mango puree for Mango Shrikhand (Amrakhand)
- A few drops of rose water for extra fragrance
- A pinch of nutmeg for additional warmth
Equipment Needed
Before we start, make sure you have these kitchen tools ready:
- Muslin cloth or a clean kitchen towel
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Strainer
- Serving bowls for presentation
How to Make Shrikhand (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Straining the Yogurt
The base of Shrikhand is hung curd, and to make it, you’ll first need to remove the excess whey from the yogurt. Place a muslin cloth over a strainer, and pour the yogurt into the cloth. Tie the edges of the cloth together, creating a bundle.
Step 2: Hanging the Yogurt
Hang the yogurt bundle in a cool place (you can hang it over your sink or refrigerator handle) for 4 to 6 hours, or even overnight. This step helps remove all the liquid, leaving you with a thick, creamy base.
Step 3: Sweetening the Yogurt
Once your curd is thickened, transfer it to a bowl. Add powdered sugar to the hung curd and whisk it well until the sugar is fully incorporated, and the curd becomes smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Adding Cardamom and Saffron
Next, it’s time to add the aromatic ingredients. Stir in the soaked saffron (along with the milk) and ground cardamom into the sweetened yogurt. Mix well to evenly distribute the flavors.
Step 5: Garnishing the Shrikhand
Finally, garnish your Shrikhand with chopped nuts like almonds and pistachios. If you’re feeling fancy, you can also add edible rose petals for a touch of elegance.
Step 6: Chilling the Shrikhand
Before serving, chill the Shrikhand in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, giving the dessert its signature smooth and rich taste.
Tips for the Perfect Shrikhand
- Make Perfect Hung Curd: Ensure your yogurt is completely drained of water to achieve a thick consistency. You can leave the yogurt hanging overnight if possible.
- Choose Full-Fat Yogurt: The quality and fat content of the yogurt directly affect the richness of the Shrikhand, so always opt for full-fat varieties.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to get creative. You can add mango puree, rose water, or even chocolate to make unique Shrikhand variations.
Shrikhand Variations
Mango Shrikhand (Amrakhand)
Add fresh mango puree to the sweetened yogurt to create Amrakhand. The tangy sweetness of mango complements the yogurt’s richness perfectly.
Pistachio Shrikhand
Add finely ground pistachios to the yogurt for a nutty twist on the traditional recipe.
Saffron (Kesar) Shrikhand
For a more luxurious version, increase the quantity of saffron strands soaked in warm milk. This gives the dessert a vibrant golden color and a strong saffron flavor.
Serving Suggestions for Shrikhand
Shrikhand is traditionally served as a dessert or a side dish with Poori (a fried Indian bread). The combination of the rich, creamy Shrikhand and the crisp, flaky Poori is absolutely irresistible. You can also serve Shrikhand on its own as a refreshing dessert or add fresh fruit for a lighter variation.
Storing Shrikhand
Shrikhand can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’re making it ahead of time for a party or event, prepare it a day in advance for the best flavor. While it’s best to avoid freezing Shrikhand, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to a month, though it may alter the texture slightly.
Nutritional Information of Shrikhand
Shrikhand is high in protein due to its yogurt base and provides a good amount of calcium. However, since it’s sweetened with sugar, it can be calorie-dense, making portion control key if you’re watching your sugar intake. On average, a serving of Shrikhand provides around 200-250 calories.
Why Make Shrikhand at Home?
Homemade Shrikhand allows you to control the sweetness and quality of ingredients, ensuring a healthier version compared to store-bought options. Plus, making it yourself is far more cost-effective, and the freshness of the ingredients enhances the overall taste.
Conclusion
Making Shrikhand at home is an easy and rewarding process that results in a rich, creamy, and flavorful dessert perfect for any occasion.
Whether you keep it classic with saffron and cardamom or try exciting variations like Mango Shrikhand, this dish will impress your family and guests alike.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does Shrikhand last in the fridge?
Shrikhand can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
2. Can I use Greek yogurt for Shrikhand?
Yes, Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute for making Shrikhand as it has a thick consistency, similar to hung curd.
3. Is Shrikhand gluten-free?
Yes, Shrikhand is naturally gluten-free since it’s made from yogurt, sugar, and spices.
4. How can I make vegan Shrikhand?
You can make vegan Shrikhand by using plant-based yogurt (like coconut or almond yogurt) instead of dairy yogurt.
5. What’s the difference between Shrikhand and Amrakhand?
Shrikhand is the basic yogurt-based dessert, while Amrakhand includes mango puree for added flavor.
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
