Kesar Elaichi Shrikand: Creamy Saffron & Cardamom Yogurt Delight

Kesar Elaichi Shrikand Recipe

Kesar Elaichi Shrikand is a traditional Indian dessert known for its rich flavors of saffron and cardamom. This delightful dish is a creamy, chilled yogurt preparation, often enjoyed with Puri and Batata Nu Shaak, or simply as a sweet treat on its own. It’s the perfect dish to celebrate special occasions or to enjoy on a relaxing weekend. The process involves making hung curd, which is then blended with fragrant saffron and cardamom to create a silky-smooth dessert. Here’s how you can make this indulgent treat!

Ingredients for Kesar Elaichi Shrikand

Preparation and Cooking Time

Servings

| Servings | 4 |

Cuisine

Indian

Course

Dessert

Diet

Vegetarian

Instructions

1. Prepare Hung Curd (Chakka):
   To begin making your Kesar Elaichi Shrikand, you first need to prepare hung curd, which is essential to achieve the right texture for the dessert. Start by placing a fine-mesh strainer over a deep bowl. Line the strainer with a clean kitchen cotton towel or muslin cloth. Pour the curd into the strainer and fold the edges of the cloth to secure it around the curd. Gently press the curd to release excess whey.

2. Draining the Whey:
   Allow the curd to sit and drain in the fridge for about 4 to 5 hours. If you have the time, you can leave it overnight to ensure all the whey drains off completely. The result should be thick, creamy curd.

3. Refrigerate the Hung Curd:
   After the curd has been drained and the whey separated, carefully remove it from the cloth. Transfer the thick curd into a bowl with a lid and place it back in the fridge to chill until you’re ready to make the shrikand.

4. Saffron and Cardamom Preparation:
   In a small bowl, pour the warm milk and add the saffron strands to it. Stir gently to dissolve the saffron, allowing the milk to absorb the rich golden color and aroma. Set aside for a few minutes.

5. Crush the Cardamom:
   In a mortar and pestle, crush 4 to 5 green cardamom pods into a fine powder. The fresh aroma of the cardamom adds an essential flavor to the shrikand.

6. Prepare the Shrikand:
   Once the curd is chilled and the saffron milk and cardamom powder are ready, it’s time to assemble the dish. Take the chilled hung curd in a large mixing bowl. Add sugar to the curd, and sprinkle in the freshly ground cardamom powder. Gently stir the ingredients together.

7. Add the Saffron Milk:
   Pour the saffron-infused warm milk into the curd mixture. Mix well, ensuring the milk is evenly incorporated into the curd.

8. Whip the Mixture:
   Using a hand blender or a whisk, whip the curd mixture until smooth and creamy. This helps dissolve the sugar and ensures a velvety consistency. Keep whipping until the sugar has fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth and light.

9. Chill and Serve:
   Once your Kesar Elaichi Shrikand is ready, place it in the fridge to chill for at least an hour. The dessert is best enjoyed when served cold, so ensure it is properly chilled before serving.

10. Garnish and Serve:
    When ready to serve, garnish the shrikand with crushed pistachios for an added crunch and a burst of flavor. This sweet, fragrant treat can be served on its own or paired with Puri and Batata Nu Shaak for a traditional Indian breakfast or lunch.

Tips for the Perfect Kesar Elaichi Shrikand:

• Adjusting Sweetness: The amount of sugar in the recipe is adjustable based on your personal preference. Start with 1 1/2 tablespoons and taste the mixture before adding more if needed.
• Saffron Quality: Make sure you use good quality saffron, as it imparts the characteristic golden color and rich flavor to the dish.
• Whipping: If you don’t have a hand blender, a regular whisk works well, but make sure to whisk it thoroughly to get the desired smoothness.
• Serving Variations: Kesar Elaichi Shrikand is a versatile dish that can be served as a dessert after a hearty meal or enjoyed as a side dish with Indian breads like Puri.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

This Kesar Elaichi Shrikand recipe is an exquisite blend of traditional Indian ingredients, offering a creamy, indulgent dessert that will impress guests and family alike. The combination of saffron, cardamom, and pistachios adds a royal touch, making this a perfect treat for festivals, celebrations, or a luxurious everyday indulgence. Enjoy the richness of Indian desserts with this simple yet flavorful recipe!