Wishing everyone a joyful Holi! With longer days and warmer weather, it's the ideal time to celebrate with vibrant recipes. This year, I'm excited to share a delightful no-bake treat: shrikhand. It's incredibly simple, requires just five ingredients, and is a fantastic way to enjoy the season!
What Exactly Is Shrikhand?
Shrikhand is a popular Indian dessert, especially loved in Gujarat and Maharashtra. It's created from hung curd, which is yogurt that's been strained to remove whey. While traditional recipes often feature cardamom and saffron, there are countless variations including fruits, nuts, and even chocolate! Though I didn't have it frequently growing up, I've enjoyed it at gatherings and appreciate its rich flavors. My twist involves layering it into a parfait, but feel free to make it your own!
Key Ingredient: Yogurt
In my home, yogurt was always a staple. We used it for dishes like boondi and kadhi, as well as enjoying it plain alongside meals. As a result, I've learned to get creative with leftover yogurt! For this recipe, using full-fat yogurt is essential. If you're using regular plain yogurt, strain it longer for a thicker consistency. Greek yogurt is already thick but benefits from overnight straining for an extra creamy texture. You could even explore dairy-free alternatives, though I haven't tried them myself.
Straining the Yogurt
To strain the yogurt, place a cheesecloth over a handheld strainer, set it atop a bowl, and spoon the yogurt in. Cover it with the cheesecloth edges. You might add weight on top, like a heavy plate, to help press out excess liquid. Check out this visual guide for reference!
Flavoring Your Shrikhand
Sweetener: I usually opt for powdered sugar, as it blends seamlessly into the yogurt. Granulated sugar works fine, but honey or maple syrup can also be used, although they might thin the yogurt slightly. Taste and adjust the sweetness to your liking!
Spices: Cardamom holds a special place in my heart for its unique aroma. It adds a lovely warmth to this dish. Saffron, though pricey, enhances the flavor beautifully. If you prefer to skip it, that's okay! I like to top my shrikhand with rose petals and biscuits, but fruits, nuts, or granola are great alternatives too.
Can This Be Made Ahead?
Absolutely! Just plan ahead for straining the yogurt. Once that's done, simply mix all the ingredients in a bowl. Store covered in the fridge and enjoy within a few days—if there's any left!
Description
This yogurt-based dessert is bursting with flavor and only requires five ingredients. Perfect for any celebration!
Ingredients
- 32 oz plain full-fat Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp milk of your choice
- pinch of saffron
- powdered sugar (about 1/2 cup, adjust to your taste)
- 10 crushed cardamom pods
- for serving: biscuits, rose petals, fruit, nuts
Instructions
- Strain the yogurt overnight by placing it in a cheesecloth-lined strainer over a bowl.
- Combine the thickened yogurt in a bowl.
- Warm the milk in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, then add saffron, crushing it into the milk. Let it bloom until deep yellow.
- Incorporate saffron milk into the yogurt and mix well.
- Add cardamom and sugar, adjusting to your taste.
- Layer the yogurt with biscuits and your choice of toppings. Enjoy!
