Saffron-kissed Shrikhand
Shrikhand, a creamy and luscious Indian dessert, is a yogurt-based treat that is both easy to make and incredibly flavorful. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion. To make shrikhand, you will need to start with thick yogurt. You can either strain regular yogurt overnight or use Greek yogurt. Once you have your yogurt, whisk it together with jaggery (or brown sugar), milk, saffron, cardamom, and lemon juice. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and cover it. Set it aside in a warm place for 8-10 hours, or overnight, until the shrikhand has thickened and set. Once the shrikhand is set, serve it chilled, garnished with nuts, or fruit of your choice.
Shrikhand has a long and storied history, dating back to the 16th century. It is believed to have originated in the state of Maharashtra, India, and was originally made with buffalo milk. Over time, shrikhand became popular throughout India and is now enjoyed by people of all ages. Traditionally, shrikhand was made by hanging yogurt in a muslin cloth overnight to drain off the excess water. This process would take several hours, but it resulted in a thick and creamy yogurt that was perfect for making shrikhand. Today, you can use Greek yogurt to achieve the same results without having to wait overnight. Shrikhand is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in many different ways. It can be served plain, or it can be flavored with a variety of fruits, nuts, or spices. It can also be used as a topping for other desserts, such as ice cream or fruit salad.
Saffron-kissed Shrikhand Saffron-kissed Shrikhand Saffron-kissed Shrikhand Saffron-kissed Shrikhand
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 0 | Serves: 2
Ingredients
  • 1 cup (240ml) thick yogurt (strained overnight or Greek yogurt)
  • 1/2 cup (100g) jaggery (or brown sugar)
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground saffron
  • 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
  • Few drops of lemon juice
  • Ghee, for greasing
Instructions
  1. In a bowl, whisk together the yogurt, jaggery, milk, saffron, cardamom and lemon juice until smooth.
  2. Transfer the mixture to a greased 4-inch (10 cm) baking dish.
  3. Cover and set aside in a warm place for 8-10 hours, or overnight, until the shrikhand has thickened and set.
  4. Once set, serve the shrikhand chilled, garnished with nuts, or fruit of your choice.
Why It Works
  • Using thick yogurt or Greek yogurt ensures that the shrikhand will be thick and creamy.
  • Adding jaggery (or brown sugar) and milk sweetens the shrikhand and gives it a rich flavor.
  • Saffron and cardamom add a warm and aromatic flavor to the shrikhand.
  • Lemon juice adds a touch of acidity that balances out the sweetness of the shrikhand.
  • Setting the shrikhand in a warm place for 8-10 hours allows the flavors to meld and the yogurt to thicken.