Name: Shrikhand Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 min
Total time: 1 h 44 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: pinch Saffron; 4 cups plain whole milk yogurt; ¾ tsp ground cardamom; 2 tbsp water; 1 cup confectioners' sugar; ¼ cup coconut; 1 mango

A yogurt-based Indian dessert, Shrikhand delight is a beautiful concoction of saffron, cardamom, sugar, and mango, garnished with toasted coconut. This recipe promises a creamy, luscious sweet treat with a delicate balance of flavors - a refreshing end to any meal.

Photos of Shrikhand Recipe

This recipe calls for plain whole milk yogurt, saffron, and cardamom, which are easily available in any supermarket or an Indian grocery store. If you're not able to find the saffron, it's an optional ingredient but does add a lovely color and aroma. Additionally, it uses ripe mangoes and toasted coconut for garnish which can be found in the fruit and baking aisle respectively.

Ingredients for Shrikhand Delight Recipe

Saffron: This is a spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus, commonly known as the saffron crocus. It provides a lovely yellow color and a unique flavor to the dish.

Plain whole milk yogurt: This is the base of the dessert, providing a creamy, tangy flavor.

Ground cardamom: This spice gives a sweet, aromatic flavor to the Shrikhand.

Water: Used to simmer the spices.

Confectioners' sugar: This is powdered sugar used to sweeten the dish.

Coconut: Toasted coconut adds a nice crunch and flavor. It also pairs well with the mango.

Mango: This adds a tropical flavor and also acts as a garnish.

One reader, Ammamaria Worden says:

This shrikhand delight recipe is an absolute game-changer! The blend of saffron and cardamom creates a heavenly aroma, and the creamy texture is simply divine. Topped with mango and toasted coconut, it's a burst of flavors in every bite. A must-try for all dessert enthusiasts!

Ammamaria Worden

Mastering the Techniques for Shrikhand Delight

How to toast saffron: Toast the saffron in a small pan over low heat for about 2 minutes, stirring, until brittle.

How to pulverize saffron: Remove the toasted saffron and pulverize it in a mortar with a pestle or on a cutting board with the side of a large knife blade.

How to strain yogurt: Place the yogurt mixture in a strainer lined with cheesecloth, a coffee filter, or a paper towel and set it over a bowl. Let it drain in the refrigerator for 1 hour.

How to toast coconut: In a small frying pan, toast the coconut over low heat for about 2 minutes, stirring, until golden.

How To Make Shrikhand

Sweet and spice flavors come together in this shrikhand recipe. It’s an Indian dessert made with yogurt and toasted coconuts topped with mango slices.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 4 minutes

Chill Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Total: 1 hour 44 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

pinchsaffron
4cupsplain whole milk yogurt
¾tspground cardamom
2tbspwater
1cupconfectioners’ sugar
¼cupcoconut,shredded
1mango

Instructions

In a small pan, toast the saffron over low heat for about 2 minutes, stirring, until brittle.
Remove and pulverize in a mortar with a pestle or on a cutting board with the side of a large knife blade.
Put the yogurt in a large bowl. Put the saffron back into the pan and add the cardamom and water. Bring just to a simmer, stirring.
Whisk the saffron mixture into the yogurt. Put the yogurt mixture in a strainer lined with cheesecloth, a coffee filter, or a paper towel and set it over a bowl.
Let drain in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
Transfer the yogurt to a bowl. Add the ⅓ cup of sugar or more to taste. With an electric mixer, beat the yogurt for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Pour into bowls and refrigerate until well chilled, or put in the freezer for about 30 minutes until very cold but not frozen.
In a small frying pan, toast the coconut over low heat for about 2 minutes, stirring, until golden.
Serve the shrikhand topped with mango and coconut, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 335.42kcal
Fat: 9.98g
Saturated Fat: 6.70g
Monounsaturated Fat: 2.38g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.30g
Carbohydrates: 54.95g
Fiber: 1.90g
Sugar: 52.55g
Protein: 9.40g
Cholesterol: 31.85mg
Sodium: 115.50mg
Calcium: 308.35mg
Potassium: 543.47mg
Iron: 0.45mg
Vitamin A: 111.51µg
Vitamin C: 32.04mg

Crucial Technique Tip for Perfecting Shrikhand Delight

When toasting the saffron and coconut, it's important to keep a close eye on them as they can burn quickly. Stir continuously and remove from heat as soon as they become fragrant and change color. This will ensure they are toasted to perfection without being burnt, enhancing the overall flavor of your shrikhand.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Shrikhand Delight

Preparation: Use pre-ground cardamom and saffron to save time on toasting and grinding.

Chilling: Place the strained yogurt in the freezer for 30 minutes to speed up the chilling process.

Toppings: Use pre-cut mango and store-bought toasted coconut to save time on preparation.

Substitute Ingredients For Shrikhand Recipe

pinch saffron - Substitute with ground turmeric: Ground turmeric can provide a similar golden color and a mild earthy flavor to the dish, similar to saffron.
plain whole milk yogurt - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt has a thicker consistency and tangy flavor, which can work well as a substitute for whole milk yogurt in this recipe.
ground cardamom - Substitute with ground cinnamon: Ground cinnamon can provide a warm and sweet flavor similar to cardamom, adding a different but complementary taste to the dish.
confectioners' sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add sweetness and a hint of floral flavor to the dish, replacing the sweetness of confectioners' sugar.
coconut - Substitute with chopped almonds: Chopped almonds can provide a similar nutty texture and flavor to the dish, adding a crunchy element in place of coconut.
mango - Substitute with papaya: Papaya can offer a similar tropical sweetness and texture to the dish, replacing the mango while maintaining a delightful fruity flavor.

Elevate Your Shrikhand Delight Presentation

Elevate the plating: When presenting the Shrikhand Delight, focus on creating a visually stunning plate. Use edible flowers and saffron strands to add vibrant colors and delicate touches to the dish.
Incorporate texture: Introduce contrasting textures to the presentation. Utilize toasted coconut for a crunchy element and ripe mango slices for a juicy, soft component.
Balance the elements: Ensure that the presentation strikes a harmonious balance. Incorporate the creamy Shrikhand with the sweetness of the mango and the subtle nuttiness of the toasted coconut.
Utilize elegant serving ware: Choose elegant and refined serving ware to complement the sophistication of the dish. Opt for delicate porcelain bowls or glass dessert cups to showcase the Shrikhand Delight.
Attention to detail: Pay attention to the finer details. Use gold leaf or silver dragees sparingly to add a touch of luxury and finesse to the presentation.
Artful drizzling: Consider drizzling a mango coulis or honey in an artful manner around the plate to add a touch of elegance and flavor complexity.
Garnish with precision: Garnish the dish with meticulously placed pistachio crumbles or almond slivers to add a final touch of sophistication and flavor contrast.

Essential Tools for Crafting the Perfect Shrikhand

Small pan: A small, shallow pan used for toasting or heating ingredients.
Mortar and pestle: A set of tools used to crush, grind, and mix substances, typically used for pulverizing spices and herbs.
Cutting board: A flat board used for cutting and preparing food.
Strainer: A device used for separating liquids from solids by passing the mixture through a porous material.
Cheesecloth: A loose-woven cotton cloth used for straining liquids and making cheese.
Coffee filter: A paper or cloth filter used to separate coffee grounds from the liquid during the brewing process.
Paper towel: An absorbent paper used for drying or cleaning.
Electric mixer: A kitchen appliance used for mixing, beating, and whipping ingredients.
Frying pan: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods.

Storing and Freezing Shrikhand Delight: A Guide

Storing: transfer the shrikhand to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to develop and intensify over time, making it even more delicious.
Freezing: shrikhand can be frozen for longer storage. Pour the prepared shrikhand into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Cover the containers tightly with lids and place them in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Thawing: when you're ready to enjoy the frozen shrikhand, transfer the container from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Give it a good stir before serving to ensure a smooth and creamy consistency.
Toppings: if you plan to add toppings like mango or coconut, it's best to do so just before serving. This will prevent the toppings from getting soggy or losing their texture during storage.
Portion control: if you've made a large batch of shrikhand, consider dividing it into smaller portions before storing or freezing. This way, you can easily thaw and enjoy the desired amount without having to defrost the entire container.

Fascinating Trivia About Shrikhand Delight

Shrikhand delight is a traditional Indian dessert that is often served during festivals and special occasions. It is a sweet and creamy dish made from strained yogurt, flavored with saffron, cardamom, and sugar. The addition of mango and toasted coconut adds a delightful tropical twist to this classic recipe. Shrikhand is not only delicious but also has a significant cultural and historical importance in Indian cuisine, often being associated with celebrations and feasts.

Is Making Shrikhand Delight at Home Cost-Effective?

The cost-effectiveness of this shrikhand delight recipe is quite high. The main ingredients, such as plain whole milk yogurt and mango, are relatively affordable and widely available. The addition of saffron and cardamom may increase the cost slightly, but these are common spices used in many recipes. Overall, this recipe offers a delightful and flavorful dessert at a reasonable cost. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its balance of cost and flavor. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$15, making it a budget-friendly treat.

Is Shrikhand Delight a Healthy Treat?

The shrikhand delight recipe is a relatively healthy dessert option, thanks to its main ingredient: yogurt. Yogurt is a good source of protein, calcium, and probiotics, which can benefit digestive health. The recipe also includes mango, a fruit rich in vitamins A and C, as well as dietary fiber. However, there are a few aspects of this recipe that could be improved to make it even healthier:

The recipe calls for a significant amount of confectioners' sugar, which is high in calories and lacks nutritional value. Reducing the sugar content or using a natural sweetener like honey could make this dessert healthier.
While coconut can add a nice flavor and texture to the dish, it is also high in saturated fat. Using a smaller amount of toasted coconut or opting for unsweetened coconut flakes could help reduce the fat content.
The recipe uses whole milk yogurt, which is higher in fat compared to low-fat or non-fat yogurt. Switching to a lower-fat yogurt option could help reduce the overall calorie and fat content of the dessert.

To further enhance the nutritional value of this recipe, consider the following suggestions:

Incorporate more fresh fruits, such as berries or diced apples, to increase the fiber content and add more natural sweetness to the dessert
Use a combination of low-fat yogurt and Greek yogurt to maintain a creamy texture while reducing the fat content
Experiment with adding a small amount of chia seeds or ground flax seeds to boost the omega-3 fatty acid and fiber content of the dish
Instead of toasting the coconut in oil, try toasting it dry in a pan or in the oven to reduce the added fat

Editor's Take on the Delightful Shrikhand Recipe

The Shrikhand Delight recipe is a delightful and refreshing dessert that beautifully balances the richness of yogurt with the exotic flavors of saffron and cardamom. The addition of toasted coconut and sweet mango adds a delightful tropical twist. The method of straining the yogurt results in a creamy and luxurious texture, while the saffron infusion adds a subtle yet aromatic touch. This recipe is a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and aromatic flavors, making it a wonderful choice for a light and satisfying dessert.

Enhance Your Shrikhand Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Grilled Pineapple with Honey Glaze: Grill the pineapple slices until they have beautiful grill marks, then drizzle with a honey glaze for a sweet and tangy side dish.

Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus: Toss asparagus spears with garlic, parmesan, and olive oil, then roast until tender and slightly crispy for a flavorful and elegant side dish.

Minty Watermelon Salad: Combine juicy watermelon cubes with fresh mint, feta cheese, and a tangy vinaigrette for a refreshing and vibrant side dish.

Creamy Coconut Rice: Cook jasmine rice in coconut milk and water, then stir in shredded coconut for a creamy and tropical twist on traditional rice as a side dish.

Delectable Alternatives to Shrikhand Delight

Savory Beef Stew: This hearty beef stew is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with tender beef, vegetables, and savory broth, it's a comforting and satisfying meal.

Mango Salsa Chicken: This vibrant and flavorful chicken dish is a perfect balance of sweet and spicy. The juicy mango salsa adds a refreshing twist to the tender and juicy chicken breasts.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: Indulge in a bowl of this creamy and comforting tomato basil soup. The rich and velvety texture, combined with the aromatic basil, makes it a perfect starter or light meal option.

Appetizers and Main Dishes That Elevate Shrikhand Delight

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your guests with these savory stuffed mushrooms, filled with a flavorful mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs.

Bruschetta: Satisfy your guests' appetites with these delicious bruschetta, featuring a medley of fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic piled high on crispy, toasted bread.

Main Courses:

Chicken Alfredo: Creamy and indulgent, this classic Italian dish features tender chicken and al dente pasta smothered in a rich, cheesy Alfredo sauce. It's the ultimate comfort food that never fails to satisfy.

Beef Stir Fry: A quick and flavorful dish that's perfect for busy weeknights. Tender strips of beef are stir-fried with an assortment of colorful vegetables in a savory sauce, creating a delicious and nutritious meal in no time.

Why trust this Shrikhand Recipe:

This recipe for shrikhand delight is a delightful and authentic Indian dessert that captures the essence of traditional flavors. The use of saffron infuses a rich and aromatic note, while cardamom adds a warm and earthy undertone. The addition of mango brings a burst of sweetness and freshness, complementing the creamy texture of the yogurt. The toasting of coconut adds a delightful crunch and nuttiness. These carefully selected ingredients and meticulous preparation ensure a truly indulgent and satisfying dessert experience.

Share your thoughts on the Shrikhand recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know how it turned out for you!

FAQ:

What is shrikhand?

Shrikhand is a traditional Indian dessert made from strained yogurt, sweetened with sugar, and flavored with saffron, cardamom, and other ingredients. It has a creamy and rich texture, and is often served as a dessert or a side dish in Indian cuisine.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of plain whole milk yogurt?

Yes, you can use Greek yogurt as a substitute for plain whole milk yogurt. However, Greek yogurt is thicker and tangier, so you may need to adjust the sweetness and consistency of the shrikhand accordingly.

How long can I store shrikhand in the refrigerator?

Shrikhand can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. Make sure to keep it chilled to maintain its freshness and flavor.

Can I use other fruits instead of mango for the topping?

Absolutely! While mango is a popular choice for topping shrikhand, you can also use other fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, or even a mix of fruits to add a refreshing and colorful twist to the dish.

Is there a vegan version of shrikhand?

Yes, you can make a vegan version of shrikhand by using dairy-free yogurt, such as almond or coconut yogurt, and opting for plant-based sweeteners like agave nectar or maple syrup. The flavor may vary slightly, but it's a great option for those following a vegan diet.