Make Shrikhand with Greek Yogurt
Shrikhand is a delicious and simple dessert recipe made with thick yogurt flavored with sugar, saffron and cardamom.
What is Shrikhand
Popular in the western Indian states of Gujarat and Maharashtra, shrikhand is one of the easiest and tastiest desserts around. You can make this delicious sweetened yogurt using just 6 ingredients, and with only a few minutes of preparation. Seriously, it just takes 15 minutes of work!
If sweetened yogurt doesn’t sound like much of a dessert to you, I should point out that shrikhand is considered an important component of Maharashtrian and Gujarati weddings. This humble dessert is delicious enough to be served as part of the wedding thali meal, so you know it has to be good!
Traditional shrikhand is made using hung curd (also known as ‘Chakka‘ in Marathi language), a homemade yogurt that is drained of any whey.
With the growing popularity and availability of Greek yogurt, though, I have included this recipe version too in this post. Because of this shortcut, shrikhand has become my go-to dessert.
The resulting dish is creamy, thick and dense, almost like a tart cheesecake filling or thick pudding. In fact, if you wanted, you could probably use shrikhand to make a lovely icebox pie.
I also love that I don’t have to feel guilty about eating this traditional sweet. One serving of my shrikhand recipe made with hung curd is packed with 20% of the daily recommended protein and over 30% of calcium needed in a day. “Good for you dessert” is no longer an oxymoron!
How to make Shrikhand
Making shrikhand recipe with greek yogurt saves you of the additional time spent in hanging the curd to remove the whey.
Greek yogurt is thick unlike the usual homemade Curd
So all you need is just about 10 to 15 minutes to make shrikhand from greek yogurt. Refrigerate for half to one hour and you are ready to serve it.
So when you are are short of time or expecting sudden guests, you can make this quick recipe of shrikhand with greek yogurt.
Preparation
1. In a small bowl, take ½ to 1 tablespoon milk and warm it on a stove top or in a microwave. Add a pinch of saffron strands – about 12 to 15 strands. Mix and set aside.
2. In a mixing bowl take 1.5 cups chilled greek yogurt (about 400 grams)
Add Sugar
3. Add ⅓ cup fine sugar. I have used unrefined organic cane sugar. You can also add powdered sugar instead. Add sugar as per taste.
First add ⅓ cup and if required you can add 1 to 2 tablespoon more. For a more sweet taste, you can add ½ cup sugar.
Whipping Greek Yogurt
4. With a wired whisk and with brisk round movements, mix the sugar with the yogurt, as well as beat the yogurt till it becomes smooth and does not have any tiny yogurt granules.
For a quicker work, use a stand mixer or an electric beater to whip the greek yogurt.
5. Here’s the greek yogurt whipped to a perfect smooth, creamy consistency. This takes about 6 to 7 minutes.
Add Flavorings
6. Now add the saffron soaked milk and ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom powder and 2 to 3 pinches of grated nutmeg or ground nutmeg.
7. Mix again very well.
8. Cover the bowl with a lid and refrigerate for 30 minutes to a couple of hours. You can also keep overnight or for a couple of days.
While serving, sprinkle some sliced or chopped dry fruits (almonds, cashews, pistachios, chironji) and 2 to 3 saffron strands (optional).
I have used chopped cashews for garnish. Serve greek yogurt shrikhand.
What do you eat with Shrikhand
Enjoy shrikhand as it is like a sweet dessert. Want even more crunch and a bit of richness? Serve alongside delicious fried Poori!
Storage and Make Ahead
Store shrikhand in a covered container or box for a week in the refrigerator. For make ahead options, you can make a large batch and freeze for 1 to 2 months.
Source: https://www.vegrecipesofindia.com/shrikhand-recipe/#make-shrikhand-with-greek-yogurt
