Shrikhand

Shrikhand is an Indian sweet dish made out of strained yogurt. Shrikhnad and puri has always been my favorite combination. I always wanted to make shrikhand at home, and my friend Ankieta's recipe made me realize how easy it is to make this lip smacking dessert. 

Follow this step by step recipe and I can assure you that you wont stop licking your fingers..!!! :)
Shrikhand is made out of hung curd known as "chakka" which is made from yogurt made out of full fat milk. You can either make the yogurt from full fat milk or purchase whole milk yogurt. This shrikhand is made out of elaichi and saffron, you can also flavour it with different fruit puree according to your preference.

PREP TIME	TOTAL TIME
4-5 Hrs	4-5 Hrs

 Serves : 3-4
 INGREDIENTS:-

• Yogurt-  made from half litre of whole milk or 4-5 cups of full fat dahi/yogurt
• Powdered Sugar - 7-8 tbsp you can add or reduce as per your need
• Cardamom/Elaichi -  4-5 finely crushed or 1/2 tsp of Cardamom/ Elaichi powder. 
• Saffron strands - 2 pinches
• Warm Milk - 2 tbsp
• Pistachios and almonds chopped for garnishing.

METHOD:-

• First line a strainer on a bowl and then line the muslin cloth or cotton towel on the strainer and pour the fresh curd in to the cloth.
• Then bring the four edges of the cloth together and tie it properly. Gently press this, you will see the whey dripping.
  
• Place a heavy lid or bowl on the tied muslin. Use a deep bowl so that there is some distance between the whey and the curd in the strainer or else the curd will retain some water.
• Keep the whole thing in the fridge overnight or 4-5 hrs, I kept it overnight. 
• Next day you will see all the whey collected in the bowl and the hung curd/chakka will be ready.
  
• Transfer the hung curd/ chakka into another bowl.
• Meanwhile take another small bowl add 2 tbsp of warm milk and 2 pinches of saffron strands stir it and keep it aside.
  
•  After that add sugar into the hung curd/chakka and stir it lightly.
  
• Then add the saffron dissolved milk and cardamom/elaichi powder and whisk it well with a wired whisk or electric beater till it turns smooth and till sugar is dissolved. check if more sugar is required and add if necessary.
  
  
• Refrigerate the shirkhand and serve it chilled. Add chopped pistachios and almonds while serving. You can also add other dry fruits as per your choice.
  

P.S.:- You can store and use the collected whey for other cooking purpose i.e. while preparing chapatis, gravies etc.