Divinely Delicious Amrakhand Recipe: Mango Shrikhand Delight!
Introduction
Amrakhand, a luscious and delightful dessert, brings the essence of summer to your dining table with its rich, creamy texture and vibrant mango flavor. This Mango Shrikhand, also known as Amrakhand in Maharashtra, is a perfect balance of tangy yogurt and the natural sweetness of ripe mangoes. Infused with aromatic saffron and topped with crunchy pistachios, it’s a dessert that brings joy in every spoonful. Whether you’re celebrating a festive occasion or just craving something indulgent, this Mango Shrikhand is sure to impress your family and friends. Here’s how you can make this easy yet divine treat!
Recipe Overview
| Course | Cuisine | Diet | Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dessert | Maharashtrian | Vegetarian | 10 minutes | 30 minutes | 40 minutes | 4-6 servings |
Ingredients
To prepare this indulgent Mango Shrikhand, gather the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ripe Mango | 1 kg |
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) | 50 grams |
| Sugar | 2 teaspoons |
| Saffron Strands | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Pistachios (finely chopped) | 2 tablespoons |
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Sugars | 28 g |
| Fat | 2 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Calcium | 100 mg |
| Vitamin C | 10 mg |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Mangoes and Curd
- Begin by peeling the mangoes. Chop 3 of the mangoes into small pieces and blend them into a smooth puree. Set aside.
- For the remaining 3 mangoes, chop them finely to use as a topping later.
Step 2: Make Hung Curd (Strained Yogurt)
- To make hung curd, line a strainer with a clean muslin cloth or cotton handkerchief. Place the strainer over a deep bowl.
- Pour the curd (yogurt) into the strainer, bringing the edges of the cloth together. Tie the cloth lightly to prevent it from overflowing.
- Gently press the curd to help the whey (water) drip down into the bowl. Keep the strainer and the bowl in the refrigerator for 12 to 15 hours (overnight is ideal) to allow the curd to thicken and the whey to separate.
Step 3: Prepare the Sugar and Saffron Mixture
- While the curd is draining, grind the sugar along with the saffron strands in a small grinder or mortar and pestle. This helps release the saffron’s flavor and color more effectively.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
- After the curd has been strained and thickened, transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
- Add the sugar-saffron mixture and the mango puree to the thickened curd.
- Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and creamy, ensuring the mango, saffron, and sugar are evenly incorporated.
Step 5: Refrigerate the Shrikhand
- Place the Mango Shrikhand in the refrigerator for another 2 hours. This step is crucial for the flavors to meld together and for the dessert to take on a rich, golden hue.
Step 6: Serve the Mango Shrikhand
- Once chilled, scoop out a generous portion of the Mango Shrikhand into serving bowls.
- Garnish with chopped pistachios and the finely chopped mango pieces you set aside earlier.
Step 7: Enjoy!
- Serve the Amrakhand (Mango Shrikhand) as a standalone dessert or pair it with a traditional Maharashtrian main course such as Puri, Batata Nu Shaak, and Kadhi for a festive meal.
Tips for the Perfect Amrakhand
-
Use Ripe Mangoes: The sweetness of ripe mangoes is essential to achieving the perfect balance of flavors. Choose mangoes that are juicy and full of flavor.
-
Chill for Best Results: Amrakhand tastes best when served chilled, as this helps the saffron, mango, and yogurt flavors to fully infuse.
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Straining the Yogurt: Don’t rush the process of making hung curd. The longer you let the whey drain, the creamier your Mango Shrikhand will be.
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Add a Touch of Rose Water: For an additional aromatic touch, you can infuse the Mango Shrikhand with a few drops of rose water.
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Garnish Variations: Feel free to experiment with different garnishes such as almonds, cashews, or even a few saffron strands on top for extra flair.
Why You’ll Love This Mango Shrikhand
Amrakhand (Mango Shrikhand) is a quintessential summer treat in many Indian households, especially in Maharashtra. It combines the rich creaminess of yogurt with the refreshing sweetness of mango, making it the perfect dessert for hot weather. The subtle touch of saffron elevates the flavor and adds a luxurious feel to the dish, while the pistachios bring in a crunchy contrast. This versatile dessert is great for any occasion—from casual family gatherings to festive celebrations.
Enjoy the tropical goodness of mangoes in a way that’s both decadent and healthy. With its beautiful color, smooth texture, and balanced sweetness, Mango Shrikhand is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve Amrakhand chilled as a dessert on its own.
- Pair it with Puri (fried flatbread), Batata Nu Shaak (spicy potato curry), or Kadhi for a traditional Maharashtrian meal.
- For a special touch, serve it as part of a festive spread or during celebrations like Diwali or Ganesh Chaturthi.
Enjoy your homemade Amrakhand and relish the burst of tropical flavors in every bite!
