Shrikhand is a delightful Indian dessert made from strained yogurt, flavored with cardamom and saffron. A step-by-step guide on how to make Shrikhand:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of thick yogurt (preferably full-fat)
- 1/2 cup of powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground cardamom
- A pinch of saffron strands (soaked in 1 tablespoon of warm milk)
- Chopped nuts (almonds, pistachios) for garnish
- A few saffron strands for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Yogurt:
- Start with thick yogurt. You can either use store-bought Greek yogurt or hang regular yogurt in a muslin cloth for a few hours or overnight to remove excess water. You should be left with thick, hung curd.
2. Strain the Yogurt:
- Take the hung yogurt in a mixing bowl.
3. Add Sugar:
- Add the powdered sugar to the yogurt. You can adjust the amount to your desired level of sweetness.
4. Mix and Whisk:
- Mix the sugar into the yogurt and whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and the sugar is fully dissolved.
5. Add Cardamom:
- Add the ground cardamom to the yogurt mixture and continue to whisk to evenly distribute the flavors.
6. Saffron Infusion:
- Soak a pinch of saffron strands in a tablespoon of warm milk and let it sit for a few minutes. This will help release the saffron's color and flavor.
7. Add Saffron:
- Pour the saffron-infused milk into the yogurt mixture. It will impart a lovely saffron hue and a subtle aroma to the Shrikhand.
8. Mix Well:
- Stir everything together until well combined.
9. Chill:
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the Shrikhand for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the dessert to chill.
10. Garnish and Serve:
- Before serving, garnish the Shrikhand with chopped nuts and a few saffron strands for a beautiful presentation.
11. Serve:
- Serve the Shrikhand chilled as a delightful dessert. It's often enjoyed on its own or with puris (deep-fried bread), as part of a traditional Indian meal.
Enjoy your homemade Shrikhand, a sweet and creamy Indian dessert with a hint of cardamom and saffron!