Shrikhand - Yogurt Dessert with Saffron & Nuts


kesar-shrikhand
Today's post is all about celebrating Yogurt - one of the simplest sources of Calcium and Protein, and I am sure the name DANNON is not unknown to any of you, right? Dannon Activia is graciously giving away FREE coupons to all our readers to try their new yogurt samples. You can print your free coupons by visiting this link below:

Visit the Activia Selects Facebook page to get your FREE coupon now!

Shrikhand, also known as Amarkhand or Mattha is an easy and flavorful Indian dessert which is traditionally prepared by hanging Yogurt in a muslin cloth and draining it of all its liquid content, then using the remaining whey to make the rich and creamy Shrikhand. It is generally flavored with saffron, cardamom and nuts, but over time, various Shrikhand recipes have evolved where you can flavor it with seasonal fruits and artificial flavors to suit your tastebuds. It is similar to a Yogurt Parfait, just a bit thicker in texture, and without granola or cereals. Also, it has a nice creamy flavor, but without the usual fat content. A perfect accompaniment to any Indian meal, or as a healthy dessert when entertaining, this Kesar Shrikhand (Yogurt Dessert) is sure to please you and your guests!

Ingredients
3 cups fresh yogurt
1 cup caster sugar
5-6 strands of saffron (plus more for garnish)
1 tbsp warm milk
1/4 cup nuts - pistachios, almonds, cashews - chopped
1/2 tsp cardamom powder

For Garnish
some more chopped nuts
rose, marigold or any other edible flower petals

Method
Line a colander with a muslin cloth(or a very fine cloth or sieve) with the edges hanging over the colander. Pour in the yogurt. Gather the edges of the muslin cloth and tie a knot, hanging the tied edges from the kitchen sink, letting all the liquid from the yogurt drip in the sink. At the end of 5 hours, the yogurt that remains in the sieve/muslin cloth will be thick and creamy.

Take 1 tbsp warm milk, and drop the saffron strands into it. Let it rest for 15-20 mins to bleed so the saffron oozes out all its color.

Transfer the hung yogurt to a large bowl. Add all the remaining ingredients to it. Mix well, cover, and set in the refrigerator until it is time to serve.

Transfer to a Serving Bowl, or in individual bowls. Then garnish with some chopped nuts, saffron strands and flower petals.

Tip: To reduce hanging time, blend 4 tbsp condensed milk with 1/4 cup crumbled paneer. Make a smooth paste, then add to the curd to make a thicker Shrikhand when you don't have enough time for preparation.

Shrikhand is a simple and delicious dessert, high in calcium and flavor. This traditional recipe is a bit time-consuming, so if you are looking for a quicker version, try my Sour-Cream Kesar-Elaichi Shrikhand recipe, which requires no prep-time whatsoever, without compromising on the taste!






And now that you have enjoyed the Shrikhand, take this opportunity to try the new refreshing Dannon Activia yogurt flavors by activating your FREE coupons today! Visit the Activia Selects Facebook page to get your FREE coupon now!


Related Recipes:
Mango Kulfi (Mango-Mascarpone Mousse)
Pear & Almond Yogurt Cake
Coconut Burfi (Coconut Laddoos)

Related Tags
, , ,


If you liked this post, please subscribe to our feed so you'd never miss a recipe or article again!





27 comments :

Meeta K. Wolff said...

I really love and enjoy a good shrikhand - it brings back great memories of vacations in India! And yes the best was always the classic saffron and nut shrikhand!

amna said...

there is a restaurant in Hyd that serves the best saffron shrikhand ever!! its overpriced but i indulge one in a while :)

Sonia said...

Shrikhand is all time demanding dessert...! thanks for tips.
btw, whr is Puri Mansi...? ;)
Sonu:)

Anonymous said...

I simply love shrikhand, and its totally worth the prep time! the pic looks really beautiful Mansi! I didn't know marigold was edible! I always learn something new from you:)

~jayshree

Anonymous said...

I started to make a shrikand a couple of months ago but the drained yogurt was hijacked for another use -- your creation reminds me to try again! I've never tried it with edible flowers, I love this suggestion!

Manggy said...

That looks really delicious! I've had strained yogurt before, it's puckeringly tart! I love it! :)

Anonymous said...

The hotel I recently stayed in at Torquay tried a desert like this, and it was not far off the mark in taste and look. I doubt for one minute the used Shrikhand though.

What shops in the UK sell it as I would like to have a go at the recipe myself.

Shreya said...

HI, I have always wondered how to make shrikhand at home. We always buy it and have from outside..will surely try this:-)

notyet100 said...

nice click,..looks yum,..

Vaidehi Bhave said...

I Love shrikhand very much... and this pic is so yummy...

SMN said...

hey manasi i love shrikand with puris lovely combo it is

Anonymous said...

I love shrikhand and your recipe is so authentic and yummy. Thanks for the tips regarding condensed milk.

Mike of Mike's Table said...

I'd never heard of Shrikhand but it sounds tasty! Do you think substituting Greek style yogurt would work (so as to skip the straining step)?

Mansi said...

hey Mike - yes, greek style yogurt would work, or even Sour Cream, as I've suggested in the post; the latter is preferable b'coz it has a little sour taste, which is traditional for "Shrikhand":)

Torquay Hotel - thanks for visiting Fun & Food! you can buy ready-made shrikhand only from authentic indian grocery stores - Amul brand, but that's really hard to find! to make this on your own, you just need sour cream or plain yogurt, and follow the steps in the recipe. Hope this helps!

Cris said...

Oh I rarely use saffron for sweet recipes, but when I do I am always surprised by the beauty and the flavor it adds, this looks so good!

Tee said...

yummm....perfect for summers! Looks delicious!
I did not know that Srikhand was also known as mattha...Maharashtrians have a buttermilk drink which is known as mattha. :)

Mansi said...

Thanks Cris - yes, saffron does add a beautiful color and flavor to most Indian desserts:)

Tee - in Gujarat, when you mix fruits in shrikhand and beat it a little thinner, its called "Mattha" and is a hot favorite!:)

Vanamala Hebbar said...

looks wonderful delious shrikhand.

Anonymous said...

This is my first visit to your blog and it's awesome! The pics and recipes are mouth watering. I can't wait to try some of your recipes, thanks for such an inspiring website!

Dragon said...

This looks so creamy and good. YUM!

Anonymous said...

I always see this but never knew it was made from the whey. thanks for the informative post!

ST said...

shrikhand is my all time favorite.... It brings back great memories of my childhood as my Mom used to prepare it on Ugadi and some special occassions...Pic is soooo good and yummy...Thanks for the useful Tips..

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing your delightful recipe. I do practice putting nuts on all of my recipes and the result is unbelievable. Eating right makes you feel good, and it's important for reducing your risk for diseases like heart disease, certain cancers, diabetes, stroke, and osteoporosis.

Mallika said...

Wouldn't it be quicker to just use a thick yogurt? Something Greek style? Then all you'd need to do is mix in the other ingredients. A thought...

Mansi said...

Mallika - perhaps you forgot to see my suggestion at the end of the post where I've mentioned that for a "quicker version", use Sour cream:) and yes, greek-style yogurt would work too, except I like sour cream better as it has a bit tart taste which is typical for a shrikhand recipe:)

Trupti said...

I love Srikhand. This srikhand looks perfect..very delicious.

Love the new look of this blog.

Indian Khana said...

Love this anytime ..looks fab