Mango shrikhand is a creamy, tangy yogurt-based dessert that's popular in India. It's made with hung yogurt, which is yogurt that has been drained of excess water, resulting in a thick, concentrated yogurt. The hung yogurt is then combined with mango pulp, sugar, and spices, and blended until smooth. The shrikhand is then refrigerated for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight, to allow the flavors to meld. Mango shrikhand is a delicious and refreshing dessert that's perfect for any occasion.
The history of mango shrikhand is long and storied, dating back to the Mughal Empire in India. It is said that the Mughal emperor Akbar was a great fan of mangoes, and he would often have them served to him at his court. One day, the emperor's chef decided to experiment with a new dessert, and he combined hung yogurt with mango pulp, sugar, and spices. The emperor loved the dessert, and it quickly became a favorite among the Mughal court. Mango shrikhand remained a popular dessert in India for centuries, and it is still enjoyed today by people all over the world.
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 0 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
2 cups plain yogurt
1 cup ripe mango pulp
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
A pinch of saffron strands
2 tablespoons chopped nuts (optional)
Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
In a muslin cloth or cheesecloth, tie the yogurt and hang it over a bowl or sink to drain the excess water for 4-5 hours.
In a blender or food processor, combine the drained yogurt, mango pulp, sugar, cardamom, and saffron.
Blend until smooth and creamy.
Pour the shrikhand into individual serving bowls or glasses.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight.
Before serving, garnish with chopped nuts and mint leaves, if desired.
Why It Works
The use of hung yogurt gives the shrikhand a thick, creamy texture.
The mango pulp provides sweetness and a bright, fruity flavor.
The sugar adds sweetness and helps to balance the tanginess of the yogurt.
The spices add depth of flavor and complexity to the shrikhand.
The refrigeration time allows the flavors to meld and develop.