Shrikhand is a very common yogurt based Indian custard. It is mostly popular in Maharashtra and Gujarat. In this recipe, plain yogurt is transformed into a mouth watering delicacy. It comes in various flavours like strawberry shrikhand, mango shrikhand etc. The plain as well as the flavoured recipe requires very few ingredients like curd, sugar, milk and cardamom powder. It is very easy to make and can be prepared at home. It can also be purchased from various food stores.

Ingredients of Plain Shrikhand

•1 kg thick curd
•3/4 cup powdered sugar
•A few strands saffron
•1 tablespoon warm milk
•2 teaspoons cardamom powder (elaichi)

For Garnishing
Slivers of pistachios and almonds

Method of Preparing Plain Shrikhand

•Hang the curds in a muslin cloth in a cool place for approximately 3 hours until all the liquid (whey) has drained off.
•Rub the saffron into the warm milk until it dissolves. Mix together the hung curds, sugar, saffron mixture and cardamom in a bowl and churn using a hand blender.
•Place in the refrigerator.
•Serve cold garnished with slivers of pistachios and almonds.

Ingredients of Strawberry Shrikhand

•1/2kg curds
•300gms sugar
•10 to 12 crushed strawberries
•2 to 3 drops strawberry essence
•1/2 tbsp almond crushed

Method of Preparing Strawberry Shrikhand

•Hang curd in a clean muslin cloth overnight (6-7 hours).
•Take into a bowl, add sugar and mix.
•Keep aside for 25-30 minutes till the sugar is fully dissolved.
•Beat well till sugar is fully dissolved into curd.
•Pass through a big holed strong strainer, pressing with hand or spatula.
•Add crushed strawberries and essence. Mix well.
•Empty into a glass serving bowl and top with almonds.
•Chill for 1-2 hours.
•Serve.

Ingredients of Mango Shrikhand

•1.5 cups thick curd
•3/4 cup mango pulp
•3 tbsp sugar
•2 to 3 strands saffron
•Almonds and pistachios to garnish
•1/4 tsp cardamom powder

Method of Preparing Mango Shrikhand

•Hung the curd in a muslin cloth for 30mins then whisk the thick curd.
•Blend the mangoes to a thick mango pulp without adding water.
•In a bowl add mango pulp, curd, sugar, cardamom powder and mix well.
•Add in crushed saffron and mix.
•Chill it for an hr.
•Garnish with chopped almonds and pistachios.
•Serve.

This yummy dessert can be consumed as a single dish or it can also be paired up with breads. Shrikhand is served during occasions like wedding, birthday etc.