Name: Kesar Elaichi Shrikhand Recipe: Creamy Saffron Cardamom Indian Dessert
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 kg Yogurt; 1 cup Sugar (adjust to your preferred sweetness., powdered); 1 tsp Cardamom Powder (elaichi; freshly ground is preferred for the best flavor.); 1/4 tsp Saffron Threads (saffron strands; soak in 2 teaspoons of warm milk for 10-15 minutes to release color and flavor.); 2 tsp Milk (warm milk for saffron infusion.); 2 tbsp Almonds (chopped); 2 tbsp Pistachios (chopped)

Kesar Elaichi Shrikhand Recipe: Creamy Saffron Cardamom Indian Dessert

Ritu Gupta

UpdatedJuly, 2025

40 minutes

912 reads

4.34 from 3 votes

Indian

About Kesar Elaichi Shrikhand Recipe: Creamy Saffron Cardamom Indian Dessert

Indulge in the luxurious taste of Kesar Elaichi Shrikhand, a beloved Maharashtrian dessert that effortlessly transforms simple yogurt into a creamy, aromatic delight. This recipe infuses the richness of saffron and cardamom into silky-smooth yogurt, creating a refreshing and subtly sweet treat perfect for any occasion.

The vibrant color from saffron and the warm spice of cardamom complement the creamy texture of the hung yogurt beautifully. This easy-to-make dessert is a testament to the magic of simple ingredients elevated to something truly special. Serve chilled for a delightful culinary experience.

Whether you're celebrating a festival or simply looking for a unique and flavorful dessert, Kesar Elaichi Shrikhand is sure to impress. Its elegant simplicity and unforgettable taste make it a cherished classic.

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Recipe Time & More

Prep30

Cook10

Total40

Calories1965 kcal

Serves

Served AsDesserts

Recipe TasteCrunchy Sweet

Ingredients

For the Shrikhand

▢ 1 kg Yogurt plain, full-fat yogurt; also known as curd. greek yogurt may also be used but may result in a slightly thicker consistency.
▢ 1 cup Sugar adjust to your preferred sweetness., powdered
▢ 1 tsp Cardamom Powder elaichi; freshly ground is preferred for the best flavor.
▢ 1/4 tsp Saffron Threads saffron strands; soak in 2 teaspoons of warm milk for 10-15 minutes to release color and flavor.
▢ 2 tsp Milk warm milk for saffron infusion.

For Garnishing

▢ 2 tbsp Almonds chopped
▢ 2 tbsp Pistachios chopped

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Instructions

Prepare the Hung Yogurt

Drain the yogurt in a cheesecloth-lined colander or fine-mesh sieve for at least 3 hours, or overnight, to remove excess whey. Alternatively, you can line a sieve with several layers of paper towels and set it over a bowl for 15-20 minutes.

Infuse Saffron and Combine Ingredients

In a small bowl, steep the saffron threads in warm milk for 10-15 minutes until the milk turns a vibrant yellow-orange color.
In a large bowl, gently whisk together the hung yogurt and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Stir in the saffron milk and cardamom powder, ensuring everything is well combined.

Garnish and Chill

Gently fold in the chopped almonds and pistachios. Transfer the shrikhand to a serving bowl or individual serving dishes. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the shrikhand to chill thoroughly.

Serve

Serve the chilled Kesar Elaichi Shrikhand. It's delicious on its own or with puris, poori, or other Indian bread.

Recipe Notes

Expert Tips for the Perfect Kesar Elaichi Shrikhand

For an even creamier texture, use full-fat yogurt and hang it for a longer duration.
Adjust the amount of powdered sugar according to your preference for sweetness. Start with less and add more gradually.
If you don't have saffron threads, you can use a high-quality saffron extract, but adjust the amount carefully.
Get creative with garnishes! Try adding other nuts, rose petals, or even a drizzle of honey for extra flavor and visual appeal.