Name: Shrikhand (Quick Version)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Plain Greek Yogurt; 3 tbsp Powdered sugar; 1/4 tsp Cardamom Powder; 2 tsp Almonds (crushed); 2 tsp Pistachios (crushed); 1 tbsp Sour Cream (optional); Pinch Saffron

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Shrikhand is a sweet, creamy yogurt-based dessert from the western Indian states of Maharashtra and Gujarat. It has a signature balance of sweetness and gentle tang, combined with the aromatic flavors of saffron and cardamom.

Growing up in Mumbai, this was one of the desserts I enjoyed most frequently. While we often bought it from the local sweet shop, I still remember the times my sister made it at home – carefully straining yogurt in a cheesecloth, hanging it over the sink to remove every bit of whey, and then sieving it into a smooth, luxurious texture.

Quick Greek Yogurt Shrikhand

This quick version uses Greek yogurt, which is already strained and thick. It delivers a very similar texture with a fraction of the effort, making it perfect for everyday preparation.

Greek yogurt transforms beautifully with the addition of cardamom, saffron, and sugar—bringing you very close to the traditional experience in just minutes.

Traditional Method of Making Shrikhand

Traditionally, Shrikhand is made by transforming regular yogurt into a thick, creamy base known as chakka.

The process involves:

Placing yogurt in a cheesecloth or muslin cloth
Hanging it for several hours (or overnight) to drain out the whey
Pressing or sieving the thickened yogurt to achieve a smooth texture
Mixing in sugar, saffron, and cardamom

This slow straining process is what gives traditional Shrikhand its rich, dense consistency and signature mouthfeel.

Shrikhand (Quick Version)

54kcal

Prep 5

Cook 10

Total 15

This quick Shrikhand recipe uses Greek yogurt to recreate the rich, creamy texture of the traditional Indian dessert in minutes. Flavored with saffron and cardamom, it’s an easy yet elegant treat that delivers authentic taste with minimal effort.

Servings servings

Course Dessert

Cuisine Indian

Ingredients

Method

Prepare the cardamom powder

Crush green cardamom pods using a mortar and pestle. Remove and discard the skins.

Freshly ground cardamom has a much stronger aroma than store-bought powder.

Soak the saffron

Crush the saffron strands and soak them in 1 tablespoon of warm water.

Let it sit for at least 5 minutes to fully release color and flavor.

Sweeten the yogurt

In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt and powdered sugar. Whisk until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.

Use powdered sugar to avoid a grainy texture.

To make a sugar-free version, sugar can be substituted with the equivalent quantity of Splenda (conversion chart) or Truvia (conversion chart).

Add flavorings

Add the cardamom powder and saffron water to the yogurt mixture. Mix well until evenly incorporated.

Add saffron gradually if you prefer a milder flavor.

Adjust tang (optional)

Mix in sour cream if you prefer a slightly tangier Shrikhand. Taste and adjust based on your preference.

If you've never had Shrikhand before, then I recommend leaving out the sour cream this time.

Chill before serving

Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.

Chilling significantly improves both flavor and consistency.

Garnish and serve

Serve chilled, garnished with sliced or crushed almonds or pistachios.

Nutrition

Calories54kcalCarbohydrates8gProtein6gFat2gSaturated Fat0.5gPolyunsaturated Fat0.4gMonounsaturated Fat1gTrans Fat0.003gCholesterol4mgSodium19mgPotassium101mgFiber0.4gSugar2gVitamin A25IUVitamin C0.1mgCalcium65mgIron0.2mg