For a blogger, I am, perhaps, surprisingly low-tech.
I prefer print to online newspapers, books to ebooks, and knives and hands to choppers and processors.
So, it was particularly satisfying for me to adapt this recipe for shrikhand – an Indian dish of sweet strained yogurt – that I had ripped out and saved from the NY Times Magazine. Not to mention, any recipe that utilizes saffron in unexpected ways is a win in the s&h book!
I cut off a large swatch of cheesecloth, rigged a little bowl with large chopsticks on top to set up for straining, and got started.
This simple and cooling dessert will see you through the depths of summer – and allow me to file away that recipe.
- 32 oz full fat greek yogurt
- 1 cup confectioners sugar
- 1 cup unsalted pistachios, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon saffron threads
- 1 teaspoon cardamom powder (or crushed cardamom seeds)
- Place yogurt into cheesecloth, suspend over a large bowl, and place in the fridge. Let the whey strain for about 24 hours. The result will be super thick yogurt.
- Put the yogurt in a large mixing bowl and gently fold in the sugar, pistachios and spices. Smooth the top or place into a mold. Chill for about an hour.
- Top with more pistachios, if desired ,before serving.
Darya says
Oooh I love this! I’ve made Amrakhand, which is the same but with pureed mango added to the yogurt, bit this simple, straightforward dessert sounds amazing. How far can a little quality saffron go? Love it!
saffronandhoney says
Oh I love the version with mango too! Extra summery and refreshing. Thanks, Darya 🙂
mimi says
Oh that’s so lovely!!! I love your presentation as well.
saffronandhoney says
Thank you so much, Mimi!
betsyb says
Never heard of this but it sounds and looks delightful.
saffronandhoney says
Thank you! I hope you get to try it out one day:)
Teresa says
Beautiful! I have some yogurt straining in the fridge right now, for savoury purposes, but shrikhand would be a wonderful treat right now. Your version sounds wonderful! Cardamom and saffron are such an intoxicating combination.
saffronandhoney says
Thank you so much, Teresa! This was quickly and efficiently eaten in our house 🙂
steph (whisk/spoon) says
I also prefer print, and have quite the collection of ripped out articles and recipes. This looks and sounds delicious! And I think I have these ingredients on hand, too…
saffronandhoney says
haha I’m glad I am not the only one who is still doing that and jotting things down by hand 😉 Let me know how you enjoy the shrikhand!