If you have a thing for creamy, luscious desserts that taste like sunshine in a bowl, then this Mango Shrikhand Recipe is going to be your new obsession. This traditional Indian sweet treat blends the natural sweetness of ripe mangoes with the velvety richness of yogurt, all lifted by aromatic cardamom and the golden glow of saffron. It’s refreshingly simple yet indulgently satisfying, making it perfect for warm days or whenever you want a taste of pure joy. Trust me, once you try this Mango Shrikhand Recipe, it’ll become a fixture in your dessert rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Mango Shrikhand Recipe lies in its uncomplicated ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—mango puree for fruity sweetness, yogurt for creamy texture, and subtle flavor enhancers like cardamom and saffron that bring an authentic touch of elegance.
- Mango puree: Half a cup of ripe mango puree forms the vibrant, fruity base and gives the shrikhand its unmistakable flavor and bright color.
- Granulated sugar: One tablespoon adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the fruitiness.
- Yogurt: Two cups of thick, creamy yogurt provide the smooth texture and slight tang that balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Cardamom powder: A pinch of this spice offers a warm, fragrant backdrop, elevating the overall flavor.
- Saffron strands: Just 3-5 threads infuse the dish with a subtle floral aroma and a luxurious golden hue.
How to Make Mango Shrikhand Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Yogurt
Start by straining the yogurt to remove excess water. This step is crucial because thick and creamy yogurt is the foundation of perfect shrikhand. Use a muslin cloth or a fine sieve and let it drain for at least 3-4 hours or overnight for the best consistency.
Step 2: Blend the Ingredients
Once you have that rich, thick yogurt, mix in the mango puree and sugar thoroughly. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely and you have a smooth, vibrant mixture. This blend is where the natural sweetness and tanginess come together harmoniously.
Step 3: Add the Flavor Boosters
Now, sprinkle the cardamom powder over the mixture and add the delicate saffron strands. Stir gently to distribute the flavors evenly. The cardamom and saffron will marry beautifully with the mango’s tropical notes, creating a dessert that’s a symphony of tastes.
Step 4: Chill and Set
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the Mango Shrikhand Recipe for at least one hour. Chilling helps the flavors meld and thickens the texture even more, making it wonderfully refreshing when served.
How to Serve Mango Shrikhand Recipe
Garnishes
Garnish your Mango Shrikhand with slivers of pistachios or almonds to add a delightful crunch and contrast. A few extra strands of saffron on top not only add a pop of color but enhance the aroma, making your dessert as visually inviting as it is delicious.
Side Dishes
Mango Shrikhand pairs wonderfully with simple Indian breads like puris or poori. The crispy, warm breads balance the cool, creamy dessert, creating a meal experience that’s both comforting and exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a contemporary twist, serve your Mango Shrikhand in small glass jars or elegant bowls layered with fresh mango chunks or a drizzle of honey. You can even turn it into a parfait by alternating shrikhand with granola or toasted coconut for texture and extra flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Mango Shrikhand keeps beautifully in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. It’s best consumed within 2-3 days to enjoy the freshest flavors and creamy texture.
Freezing
While shrikhand can be frozen, the texture may change slightly once thawed due to the yogurt. If you want to freeze it, place it in a freezer-safe container and use it within a month. Thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
This dessert is best enjoyed cold, so reheating is not recommended. Simply let it come to a cool room temperature if it feels too chilled, and serve immediately for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought mango puree?
Absolutely! Store-bought mango puree works perfectly and can save time, but always check that it’s made from ripe mangoes for the best flavor in your Mango Shrikhand Recipe.
What type of yogurt is best for shrikhand?
The best yogurt for shrikhand is thick, full-fat, and plain. Homemade yogurt or Greek yogurt works great because it gives that creamy, rich texture that is hard to beat.
Is saffron necessary in Mango Shrikhand Recipe?
Saffron is traditional and adds a lovely aroma and golden hue, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can still make delicious shrikhand without it. The mango and cardamom will shine through beautifully.
Can I make this dessert vegan?
Yes! Use plant-based yogurt options like coconut or almond yogurt. While the flavor profile changes slightly, the creamy texture and fruity sweetness still make it a delightful vegan treat.
How ripe should the mangoes be?
Mangoes should be very ripe and sweet to get that perfect natural sweetness and vibrant flavor in your Mango Shrikhand Recipe. Unripe mangoes can taste tart and won’t blend well with the creamy yogurt.
Final Thoughts
This Mango Shrikhand Recipe is truly a little bowl of happiness. It’s easy to make, refreshingly sweet, and perfect for sharing with friends or family. Whether you’re welcoming summer or just seeking a luscious treat, this dessert will brighten your day and warm your heart. I encourage you to whip up this recipe soon—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
PrintMango Shrikhand Recipe
Mango Shrikhand is a traditional Indian dessert made by combining smooth, creamy yogurt with sweet mango puree and flavored with fragrant cardamom and saffron strands. This refreshing treat is perfect for warm weather or as a festive dessert, offering a luscious blend of fruity sweetness and aromatic spices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For Mango Shrikhand
- ½ cup mango puree
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 cups yogurt (preferably Greek yogurt or hung curd)
- ⅛ teaspoon cardamom powder
- 3–5 strands saffron
Instructions
- Prepare Yogurt: Begin by straining the yogurt through a fine muslin cloth or cheesecloth for 4-6 hours or overnight to remove excess whey and achieve a thick, creamy consistency known as hung curd.
- Mix Mango Puree and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, combine the mango puree with granulated sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture is smooth and sweet.
- Add Cardamom Powder and Saffron: Sprinkle cardamom powder and add the saffron strands to the mango-sugar mixture. Mix gently to infuse the flavors evenly throughout the puree.
- Combine With Yogurt: Fold the thick hung yogurt into the mango mixture carefully to retain the creamy texture, ensuring the mango and yogurt are fully blended without lumps.
- Chill: Refrigerate the mango shrikhand for at least 1 hour before serving. Chilling helps the flavors meld beautifully and makes the dessert refreshingly cool.
- Serve: Serve the mango shrikhand chilled, optionally garnished with a few saffron strands or chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds for added texture and presentation.
Notes
- Use ripe, sweet mangoes or high-quality mango puree for the best flavor.
- Straining yogurt is essential to get the thick texture characteristic of shrikhand.
- You can adjust the sugar quantity depending on the sweetness of the mangoes used.
- Saffron is optional but adds authentic aroma and color.
- For a richer dessert, add a tablespoon of condensed milk while mixing.
