An Introduction to a Classic Dessert
Shrikhand is a beloved traditional dessert with deep roots in the western Indian states of Gujarat and Maharashtra. At its heart, it is a simple but luxurious dish made from strained yogurt, known as 'chakka' in Marathi. The process involves hanging curd
in a muslin cloth to drain the whey, resulting in a thick, concentrated yogurt with a texture similar to cream cheese. This creamy base is then sweetened with sugar and delicately flavored with spices like cardamom and saffron, creating a dessert that is both rich and refreshingly cool. Served chilled, it's a staple at festivals and celebrations, often paired with hot, fluffy puris.
A Modern, Dairy-Free Interpretation
The beauty of shrikhand lies in its versatility, and this version offers a contemporary twist by using almond milk yogurt. This adaptation makes the dessert accessible to those who are vegan or prefer dairy-free alternatives, without sacrificing the characteristic thick and creamy texture. The process remains largely the same: the almond milk yogurt is strained to achieve that dense, rich consistency. The result is a lighter, cholesterol-free dessert that still delivers the indulgent experience of traditional shrikhand. The subtle nuttiness of the almond base provides a beautiful backdrop for the star flavors of saffron and cardamom.
The Golden Touch of Saffron
Saffron, the 'golden spice', is what elevates this shrikhand from a simple sweet to a truly blissful experience. Infusing a few strands in warm milk not only imparts a beautiful golden hue but also releases its distinctively luxurious aroma and complex flavour, which has notes of honey and flowers. Beyond its sensory appeal, saffron is celebrated for its wellness properties. It's rich in antioxidants and has been traditionally used to aid digestion and uplift mood. In this dessert, it provides an elegant counterpoint to the sweetness, adding a layer of sophistication that makes each spoonful a celebration.
How to Make Saffron Almond Milk Shrikhand
Crafting this dessert is a simple process of patience and assembly. You will need approximately 4 cups of plain, unsweetened almond milk yogurt, ½ cup of powdered sugar (adjusted to taste), a generous pinch of saffron, 2 tablespoons of warm almond milk, ½ teaspoon of cardamom powder, and 2 tablespoons of chopped almonds and pistachios for garnish. 1. **Prepare the Hung Yogurt:** Line a strainer with a muslin or cheesecloth and place it over a deep bowl. Pour the almond milk yogurt into the cloth, tie it securely, and let it hang in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours, or overnight, to drain all the excess whey. You should be left with a thick, dense 'chakka'. 2. **Bloom the Saffron:** Gently crush the saffron strands and add them to the 2 tablespoons of warm almond milk. Let it steep for at least 15-20 minutes. This will draw out the colour and flavour. 3. **Combine the Ingredients:** Transfer the strained almond yogurt to a mixing bowl. Add the powdered sugar, cardamom powder, and the saffron-infused milk. Whisk everything together until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, with no lumps. A hand mixer can be used for an extra-silky texture. 4. **Chill and Serve:** Stir in most of the chopped almonds, reserving some for garnish. Cover the bowl and chill the shrikhand in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavours to meld and deepen. Serve cold, garnished with the remaining chopped nuts and perhaps a few dry rose petals.
Tips for Perfect Shrikhand
For the smoothest texture, ensure your powdered sugar is sifted to avoid lumps. The key to thick shrikhand is patience; the longer you drain the yogurt, the thicker the final product will be. If you're short on time, you can use store-bought thick Greek-style vegan yogurt as a base, which may require less straining time. Feel free to experiment with other flavorings. A hint of nutmeg can complement the cardamom, or you could fold in a puree of seasonal fruits like mango to create a different variation, known as amrakhand. However, for this version, the classic combination of saffron and almond truly shines.
