Creamy Indian Shrikhand With Saffron and Cardamom

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Shrikhand is the sweetened yogurt that has to be thick, so I hang it overnight to drain. I add saffron and cardamom once it is stiff so the flavor spreads without splitting.

This Indian Shrikhand recipe is straightforward and can be prepared in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve it chilled as a standalone dessert or with puris for a delicious combination.

Delicious Saffron and Cardamom Shrikhand

This creamy Indian Shrikhand is enriched with the aromatic notes of saffron and cardamom, making it a unique and flavorful dessert. The preparation time for this dish is about 15 minutes, not including the chilling time, and it serves 4-6 people.

Ingredients

2 cups plain yogurt (preferably Greek yogurt for thickness)
1/2 cup powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
1/4 teaspoon saffron strands (soaked in 2 tablespoons of warm milk)
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Chopped nuts for garnish (such as pistachios or almonds)
Fresh fruit slices for serving (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Yogurt: If using regular yogurt, strain it in a muslin cloth or a fine sieve for a couple of hours to remove excess whey, resulting in a thicker consistency.
Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the strained yogurt, powdered sugar, soaked saffron with its milk, ground cardamom, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and creamy.

Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the shrikhand for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to develop.
Serve: Once chilled, serve the shrikhand in individual bowls, garnishing with chopped nuts and fresh fruit slices if desired.