Shrikhand is a traditional Indian dessert with sweetened strained yogurt infused with aromatic saffron & cardamom. This recipe uses high-protein Greek yogurt as a modern shortcut for a luscious, creamy, healthier treat made with minimal ingredients, offering a refreshing blend of simplicity and decadence.
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Shrikhand is a popular Indian dessert originating from Gujarat and Maharashtra. It's made from strained yogurt, sweetened with sugar and flavored with saffron and cardamom, and typically includes nuts. It has a creamy, silky texture and a rich, aromatic flavor profile.
Shrikhand is served chilled and is popular during festivals and special occasions. It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with accompaniments such as puris (deep-fried puffed bread), fresh fruits, or other desserts.
I adore this Shrikhand recipe for its blend of ease and decadence. It's a healthy treat that comes together in 5 minutes once the yogurt is strained. Plus, it needs minimal prep and is meal-prep-friendly, so I can whip it up in advance for gatherings or a mid-week indulgence.
Let's get started with this healthy shrikhand recipe!
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Ingredients - Notes & Substitutions
Here's what we need to make this simple yet satisfying sweetened yogurt :
- Greek Yogurt: I recommend full-fat Greek yogurt for the creamiest texture. If unavailable, strain regular yogurt to achieve a thicker consistency. Use fresh homemade yogurt or one from a freshly opened container since yogurt turns sour if it's been open for a few days.
- Powdered Sugar: Adjust sweetness to taste. Substitute with honey or date syrup if looking for unrefined sugar options. For a sugar-free substitute, use monkfruit sugar.
- Saffron: Infuses a golden hue and delicate flavor. Soak it in warm milk to extract the best flavor and color.
- Cardamom Powder: Adds a fragrant touch. Freshly ground cardamom seeds yield the best flavor. I crush 2-4 green cardamom pods using a mortar-pestle, or spice grinder.
- Nuts: I add sliced pistachios for garnish. You can customize this to your liking and use other nuts like almonds or cashews.
Scroll to the recipe card for a detailed list of ingredients and quantities.
More Shrikhand Flavors to Explore: Mango Shrikhand and Rose Shrikhand
How To Make Shrikhand
Here are the step-by-step instructions and photos for making Shrikhand:
Strain Yogurt
Place a mesh strainer in a bowl and line it with cheesecloth. Pour the yogurt into the cheesecloth and tie it tightly.
Place a heavy weight on top of it. Refrigerate it for 3 to 4 hours. If using regular yogurt, leave it overnight.
Prepare Shrikhand
Transfer the strained yogurt to a mixing bowl and add the saffron-infused milk. Mix it until smooth. Now add powdered sugar and cardamom powder. Mix it well until it's lump-free then fold in the nuts.
Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to let the flavors meld. Garnish with sliced nuts and soaked saffron strands before serving. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
- As is: Serve chilled shrikhand as a standalone dessert. It makes for a light and refreshing dessert after a rich meal.
- Popular Pairing: Serve Shrikhand with piping hot puris for a classic and indulgent combination.
- Serve as a Parfait: Layer Shrikhand with granola and fruits for an elegant dessert parfait.
- Dessert: Enjoy a guilt-free dessert by serving Shrikhand with cut fruits and assorted nuts.
How to Store & Make Ahead
Store shrikhand in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store the container away from foods with strong odors to prevent the absorption of flavors.
You can make shrikhand up to 3 days ahead of time. Keep it refrigerated in an airtight container until ready to serve.
Recipe Tips & Notes
- Strain Yogurt: For an extra-smooth texture, strain Greek yogurt for 3 to 4 hours, and regular yogurt overnight to remove excess moisture.
- Bowl size: Pick a large bowl so that the bottom of the mesh strainer doesn't touch the bottom of the bowl.
- Fresh yogurt: Use yogurt from a freshly opened container for the best flavor.
- Saffron Tip: Soak saffron in warm milk for enhanced color and flavor.
- Chill Before Serving: Allow Shrikhand to chill in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving to enhance its creamy consistency and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use regular yogurt but you'll have to strain it overnight to get the same thick and creamy texture as the Greek yogurt.
You can make shrikhand without saffron, but it will miss the iconic aroma and flavor of the traditional recipe.
Popular Indian Desserts
📖 Recipe
Shrikhand With Greek Yogurt
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Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 16 ounces Greek yogurt or plain yogurt
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon cardamom powder
- ¼ teaspoon saffron soaked in 1 tablespoon warm milk
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 2 tablespoons pistachios chopped or sliced, divided
Instructions
- Place a mesh strainer in a bowl and line it with cheesecloth. Pour the yogurt into the cheesecloth. Tie the cheesecoth tightly and place a heavy weight on top of it. Refrigerate it for 3 to 4 hours. If using regular yogurt, leave it overnight.
- Transfer the strained yogurt to a mixing bowl and add the saffron-infused milk. Mix until fully incorporated. Now add powdered sugar and cardamom powder. Mix well until smooth and lump-free. Fold in the chopped nuts (if adding).
- Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to let the flavors meld. Garnish with sliced nuts and soaked saffron strands before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Strain Yogurt: For an extra-smooth texture, strain Greek yogurt for 3 to 4 hours, and regular yogurt overnight to remove excess moisture.
- Bowl size: Pick a large bowl so that the bottom of the mesh strainer doesn't touch the bottom of the bowl.
- Fresh yogurt: Use yogurt from a freshly opened container for the best flavor.
- Saffron Tip: Soak saffron in warm milk for enhanced color and flavor.
- Chill Before Serving: Allow Shrikhand to chill in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving to enhance its creamy consistency and flavor.
- Note: The nutrition facts below are my estimates. If you follow any diet plan, I recommend cross-checking with your preferred nutrition calculator.
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