Shrikhand is a classic Indian sweet dish known for its creamy texture, luxurious richness, and vibrant, aromatic flavors. Made from strained yogurt and flavored with aromatic saffron and cardamom, this sweet treat is a staple in festive and celebratory meals, especially in the western states of Gujarat and Maharashtra.
What makes this shrikhand recipe truly special is how easy and quick it is to prepare, especially when using Greek yogurt as a shortcut. With no cooking involved, you can have a silky, creamy dessert ready in just 5 minutes or less. The Greek yogurt gives it that perfect thick texture without the need for straining curd overnight, making it ideal for busy days or last-minute get-togethers.
A rich, saffron-infused dessert with cardamom and nuts—perfectly sweet, creamy, and festive for any celebration.
Shrikhand pairs beautifully with hot puris for a festive meal, or you can serve it chilled on its own for a refreshing sweet treat. Whether you’re making it for a celebration or just treating yourself on a weekday, this quick shrikhand recipe delivers big on flavor with minimal effort.
You’ll Love This Shrikhand Recipe
- Only Two Main Ingredients: At its core, this shrikhand recipe needs just two essential ingredients—Greek yogurt and powdered sugar. These form the smooth, creamy base of the dessert. The remaining ingredients, like saffron, cardamom, and chopped nuts, are added for flavor and garnish, making the dish even more delightful.
- Ready in Under 5 Minutes: This recipe is a lifesaver when you’re short on time. Whether you’re planning a festive menu or want a quick sweet fix after dinner, this shrikhand comes together in just five minutes or less—no elaborate prep, no waiting, just mix and chill!
- Zero Cooking Involved: One of the best things about shrikhand is that there’s absolutely no cooking required. Simply whisk the yogurt, blend in the flavors, and your dessert is ready to be chilled and served. It’s as effortless as it is delicious—perfect for summer days or last-minute guests.
- Tastes Just Like Traditional Shrikhand: Even though this version skips the long process of hanging curd overnight, the final result doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture. Using thick Greek yogurt gives you the same creamy consistency and tanginess found in authentic shrikhand, with far less effort. It’s a smart shortcut that still delivers that traditional taste you love.
Ingredients For Greek Yogurt Shrikhand:
Here’s a look at all the ingredients you’ll need to make this creamy and flavorful shrikhand. While only two are absolutely essential—Greek yogurt and sugar—the rest truly elevate the taste and presentation. For best results, try not to skip any of the flavoring or garnishing components.
- Greek Yogurt: This is the base of our shrikhand and the key to its rich, thick texture. Greek yogurt is simply regular yogurt that’s been strained to remove excess whey, resulting in a denser, creamier consistency. It works as a perfect substitute for traditional hung curd used in Indian kitchens to make shrikhand. It’s natural tanginess adds a lovely depth of flavor.
- Powdered Sugar: I’ve used store-bought powdered sugar (also known as confectioner’s sugar or icing sugar) to sweeten the yogurt. If you only have granulated sugar at home, you can grind it into a fine powder before mixing. This ensures the sugar blends smoothly into the yogurt without leaving a gritty texture or altering the consistency.
- Cardamom Powder: Made by crushing or grinding the seeds from green cardamom pods, this spice adds a warm, aromatic note that complements the sweetness beautifully. Even a small amount goes a long way in flavor.
- Assorted Nuts: I like to use a combination of chopped almonds, pistachios, and cashews. These are traditional in Indian desserts and bring both crunch and richness. You can adjust based on what you have or prefer.
- Saffron Strands: Infused in a little warm milk, saffron adds a delicate aroma and natural golden hue to the shrikhand. It’s an ingredient I highly recommend not skipping, as it really elevates the dessert.
How To Make Greek Yogurt Shrikhand?
1) Infuse the Saffron: Lightly crush a few saffron strands between your fingers and stir them into warm milk. Set this aside for a few minutes to let the saffron release its color and aroma.
2) Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, add thick Greek yogurt, powdered sugar, and the prepared saffron milk. Instead of whisking briskly, gently fold the ingredients together using a spatula or spoon. This ensures the shrikhand stays rich, thick, and smooth without becoming watery.
3) Flavor It: Sprinkle in freshly ground cardamom powder and add a handful of finely chopped nuts such as almonds, pistachios, or cashews.
4) Final Fold and Chill: Gently fold everything together until evenly mixed. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least an hour before serving. Shrikhand tastes best when it is served cold, allowing the flavors to deepen and settle.
Traditional Method: How to Make Shrikhand Using Hung Curd
1) Set Up for Draining: Place a large, deep bowl on the counter and rest a strainer on top, ensuring the bottom of the strainer doesn’t touch the collected liquid. Line the strainer with a clean muslin cloth or a thin cotton kitchen towel.
2) Straining the Yogurt: Place the plain yogurt in the center of a clean muslin cloth, gather all the sides, twist them carefully, and tie with a clip or kitchen twine. Set it over a deep bowl in the fridge and allow it to drain slowly for a minimum of 5 hours or overnight, until the excess whey has fully dripped out, leaving behind thick, creamy curd.
3) Prepare the Hung Curd: After draining is complete, you’ll be left with dense, creamy curd inside the cloth, while the liquid whey will have settled in the bowl beneath.
4) Infuse the Saffron: As before, soak crushed saffron strands in warm milk and let them steep for a few minutes.
5) Combine: Add the hung curd, powdered sugar, and saffron milk into a mixing bowl.
6) Gently Fold: Use a spatula to gently fold the ingredients until well blended. Avoid whisking too hard, as this may thin out the texture.
7) Add Flavor and Texture: Mix in cardamom powder and chopped nuts of your choice for added richness and crunch.
8) Chill and Serve: Fold once more, cover, and refrigerate until chilled. Once cooled, serve your homemade traditional shrikhand cold, garnished with a few extra saffron strands or nuts.
Expert Tips For BEST Shrikhand Recipe
- Avoid Vigorous Mixing: One of the key secrets to getting the perfect shrikhand texture is how you mix the ingredients. Instead, gently fold the ingredients into the thick yogurt to maintain its creamy, spoonable consistency. The goal is to retain that luscious, rich texture shrikhand is known for.
- Make Ahead for Best Flavor: Shrikhand benefits from resting time. If possible, prepare it a few hours in advance and refrigerate. This not only allows the saffron and cardamom to infuse more deeply, enhancing the overall flavor and aroma, but also helps the dessert set better, giving it a firmer, creamier texture that’s ideal for serving.
- Use Mild Yogurt for Traditional Method: If you’re following the traditional method using hung curd, be sure to use fresh, plain yogurt that isn’t too sour. Yogurt that’s overly tangy can make the shrikhand taste off-balance or unpleasant. Homemade curd or fresh store-bought curd works best for this version.
- Fasting-Friendly Version: When making shrikhand for Hindu fasts (vrat), skip the store-bought powdered sugar. These often contain added corn starch, which may not be allowed during fasting. Instead, use regular granulated sugar and grind it into a fine powder at home to ensure purity and fasting compliance.
- With these simple yet effective tips, your shrikhand will turn out perfectly every time—thick, flavorful, and irresistibly creamy!
Serving Ideas:
1) As a Part of a Traditional Thali: Shrikhand is often enjoyed as a sweet component of a complete Indian meal, especially in Gujarati and Maharashtrian cuisine. It typically finds a place on a festive or special-occasion thali (platter) alongside dishes like puri, sabzi, dal, rice, pickle, and salad. The sweet and creamy nature of shrikhand balances the savory and spicy flavors of the rest of the meal, making it a well-loved accompaniment.
2) With Puri – A Classic Combo: The most beloved pairing is Shrikhand with Puri. The contrast between the warm, puffed puris and chilled, velvety shrikhand is truly comforting and indulgent. This duo is especially popular during festivals, weddings, or Sunday family meals.
3) Served as a Standalone Dessert: You don’t need a full thali to enjoy shrikhand. It also shines as a simple, no-fuss dessert. Just serve a bowl of chilled shrikhand on its own—no need for any sides. Top with slivered nuts and a few saffron threads for a touch of elegance. This chilled, velvety treat makes a delightful ending to any hearty and satisfying meal.
4) In Small Cups or Glasses for Parties: For festive gatherings or dinner parties, you can present shrikhand in individual dessert glasses or small clay pots (matkas) for a traditional touch. Topped with slivered almonds or pistachios, it becomes an eye-catching and delicious addition to any dessert spread.
Whether served as part of a meal or on its own, shrikhand offers a cooling, creamy, and flavorful ending to any Indian feast.