Shrikhand

Shrikhand is an Indian sweet dish made from strained yogurt (typically Greek yogurt) flavored with spices and cardamon and sweetened with powdered sugar, and topped with nuts, often pistachios.

The Ayurvedic view on yogurt is that it can aggravate both Pitta (heating) and Kapha (blockages in channels), and is best consumed as Takra (diluted to kefir-like consistency and made digestible with spices).

Shrikhand is considered beneficial for Vata and Pitta due to its sweet and cooling qualities. Spices like saffron and cardamom help support blood purification, enhance gut flora, boost immunity, reduce inflammation, and benefit the skin and eyes. Additionally, it provides calcium, protein, and phosphorus, which support bone health.

Equipment Needed

Cheese Cloth

Colander

Small Pot and/or sauté pan

A bowl that the colander will fit in for draining the Yogurt overnight

Ingredients

Pinch saffron threads

4 teaspoons of ground green cardamom

4 tablespoons of whole milk

4 cups yogurt  (preferably whole fat)

1/4-1/2 cup of powdered sugar or alternative sweetener

2-3 tablespoons of slivered toasted pistachios

Procedure

·   Line a colander with two layers of cheesecloth.

·   Dry roast the saffron threads in a hot pan until they become brittle. Then, cool and powder the threads.

·   Scald the Milk in a small pan, add the Saffron and Cardamom, and stir. Let it cool for 2 minutes.

·   Mix seasoned milk with the yogurt and blend well.

·   Place the yogurt in the lined colander and set it in the bowl. Wrap the whole thing in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, or for about 12-16 hours.

·   Remove the yogurt and sweeten the mixture.

·   Serve in small bowls, topped with pistachios.