Janmashtami special shrikhand recipe
Celebrating Janmashtami with a Sweet Treat
Janmashtami, the festival celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna, is a time of joy and devotion. Traditionally, this special occasion calls for delicious dishes. One such treat is Shrikhand, a creamy, sweet yogurt-based dessert. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through a simple recipe to make Janmashtami special shrikhand. Whether you’re new to cooking or have some experience, you’ll find this guide easy to follow. Let’s get started on creating this tasty dessert!
Ingredients You Will Need:
To start, gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you need for Janmashtami special shrikhand:
- 1/2 kg fresh curd: Make sure the curd is fresh and thick for the best texture.
- 2-3 tbsp powdered sugar: Adjust the amount based on how sweet you like it.
- 3-4 saffron strands: Soaked in 1 tbsp of water. Saffron adds a lovely aroma and color.
- 5 broken cashews: For a crunchy bite.
- 5 chopped almonds: Adds texture and flavor.
- 5 chopped pistachios: Enhances the overall taste.
- 1/4 tsp cardamom powder: Gives a warm, aromatic flavor.
- Garnishes: Extra chopped almonds, pistachios, and saffron water for decoration.
Having everything ready will make the process smooth. Now, let’s move on to the preparation steps.
Step 1: Preparing the Curd
Begin by preparing the curd. For a smooth and creamy shrikhand, the curd should be thick. If your curd is too runny, strain it using a muslin cloth or a fine sieve to remove excess whey. Place the curd in the cloth and hang it for a few hours or overnight. This will make sure the curd is thick and perfect for shrikhand.
Step 2: Mixing the Ingredients
Once you have the thick curd, transfer it to a mixing bowl. Add the powdered sugar and mix well until it dissolves completely. This ensures that the sweetness is evenly distributed throughout the curd.
Next, add the saffron strands soaked in water to the curd. Saffron not only gives a lovely color but also a unique flavor that enhances the shrikhand. Mix well so that the saffron is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Adding Nuts and Spices
Now it’s time to add the nuts and spices. Incorporate the broken cashews, chopped almonds, and chopped pistachios into the mixture. These nuts will give a pleasant crunch and rich flavor to the shrikhand.
Then, add 1/4 tsp of cardamom powder. Cardamom adds a warm, aromatic essence to the dessert. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Step 4: Chilling the Shrikhand
After mixing all the ingredients, cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2-3 hours. Chilling the shrikhand will let the flavors meld together and the dessert to set properly.
During this time, the flavors will blend, and the texture will become creamy and delicious.
Step 5: Garnishing and Serving
Once the shrikhand is chilled, it’s time to garnish and serve. Transfer the shrikhand to a serving dish. For a finishing touch, garnish it with extra chopped almonds, pistachios, and a drizzle of saffron water. The garnishes not only make it look nice but also add extra flavor and texture.
Serve the shrikhand chilled. It pairs beautifully with puris or can be enjoyed on its own.
Tips for Perfect Shrikhand
- Use Full-Fat Curd: For the best texture and taste, use full-fat curd. It makes the shrikhand rich and creamy.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the mixture before chilling and adjust the sweetness to your liking.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to try adding different nuts or a hint of rose water for a unique twist.
Enjoy Your Festive Treat:
Making Janmashtami special shrikhand is a great way to celebrate the festival. This easy recipe ensures that you can prepare a traditional Indian dessert with minimal effort. With fresh curd, aromatic saffron, crunchy nuts, and fragrant cardamom, this shrikhand will surely add sweetness to your Janmashtami celebrations.
We hope this simple recipe has been helpful and inspires you to make this tasty treat for your family and friends. Happy cooking and joyous Janmashtami!