Shrikhand
Indulge in the creamy, aromatic delight of Shrikhand, a traditional Indian sweet crafted from strained yogurt. Infused with fragrant cardamom and delicate saffron, this refreshing dessert offers a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making it an exquisite treat for any occasion.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 4 hr 15 min
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Per serving
- 268 kcal
Allergen information: may contain milk, nuts, and tree nuts. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
Ingredients
- 960 gplain yogurt, full-fat
- 0.5 cupgranulated sugar
- 0.5 tspcardamom powder
- 1 pinchsaffron threads, soaked in 2 tbsp warm milk
- 2 tbspmilk, warm
garnish
- 2 tbsppistachio, chopped(optional)
Equipment
Colander · Muslin cloth · Large mixing bowl · Whisk · Small microwave-safe bowl · Kitchen twine or rubber band · Heavy object (e.g., can of food)
The method
Step by step
- 1
Line a colander with a clean muslin cloth or several layers of cheesecloth, ensuring it drapes over the edges, then place the colander over a deep bowl to catch the draining whey.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Using a fine-mesh cheesecloth or a clean, thin kitchen towel will prevent any yogurt from escaping while allowing the whey to drain efficiently.
- 2
Gently pour the plain yogurt into the center of the cloth-lined colander.
About 1 min
- 3
Gather the edges of the cloth tightly around the yogurt, forming a secure pouch, and tie them with kitchen twine or a rubber band.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Ensure the knot is firm to prevent the yogurt from spilling when pressure is applied.
- 4
Place a heavy object, such as a can of food or a small plate with weights, on top of the tied yogurt pouch to press out excess whey.
Cook’s note: This step significantly speeds up the straining process and results in a thicker, creamier hung curd.
- 5
Refrigerate the colander with the weighted yogurt pouch for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight (8-12 hours), to allow the whey to fully drain and the yogurt to thicken into a 'hung curd'.
About 4 hr
Cook’s note: The longer the yogurt drains, the thicker and richer your Shrikhand will be. The final texture should resemble cream cheese.
- 6
In a small microwave-safe bowl, gently warm the milk for 15-20 seconds until it's lukewarm, then add the saffron threads and let them steep for 5 minutes to release their color and aroma.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Avoid boiling the milk, as high heat can diminish the delicate flavor of the saffron. Lukewarm milk is ideal for infusion.
- 7
Once the yogurt has drained and achieved a thick, creamy consistency, transfer the hung curd to a large mixing bowl.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Scrape down the sides of the cloth to ensure you get all the thickened yogurt.
- 8
Add the granulated sugar, cardamom powder, and the saffron-infused milk to the hung curd in the mixing bowl.
About 1 min
- 9
Using a whisk or an electric mixer on low speed, beat the mixture thoroughly until it is smooth, creamy, and the sugar has completely dissolved.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Continue whisking until no sugar granules are detectable, ensuring a silky-smooth texture for the Shrikhand.
- 10
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and chill the Shrikhand in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours, to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to firm up.
About 1 hr
Cook’s note: Chilling is crucial for the flavors to fully develop and for the Shrikhand to achieve its optimal refreshing consistency.
- 11
Just before serving, spoon the chilled Shrikhand into individual serving bowls and garnish generously with finely chopped pistachios.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: For an extra touch of elegance, you can also add a few fresh saffron strands or a sprinkle of dried rose petals.
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 267.9kcal
- Protein
- 9.4g
- Carbs
- 38g
- Fat
- 9.6g
- Fibre
- 0.5g
- Sugar
- 36.9g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
This Shrikhand is delightful on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with fresh fruits like mango or berries. For a richer flavor, you can use full-fat Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt. Consider serving it in small, elegant dessert glasses for a beautiful presentation. A sprinkle of chopped almonds or cashews can also be added for extra texture.
Store leftover Shrikhand in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Shrikhand is best served chilled and does not require reheating.
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