Authentic Papaya Hung Curd Recipe – Rose Water & Pistachio Delight

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Authentic Papaya Hung Curd Recipe – Rose Water & Pistachio Delight

Hey everyone! Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s close to my heart – Papaya Hung Curd. It’s a delightful blend of sweet papaya, tangy hung curd, and fragrant spices. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s a little piece of Indian summer, and I’m so excited to share it with you. I first made this for a family gathering, and it was an instant hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Papaya Hung Curd is incredibly refreshing, especially during warmer months. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the sweetness of ripe papaya with a creamy, tangy base. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, even if you’ve never worked with hung curd before. It’s a beautiful balance of flavors and textures – smooth, creamy, sweet, and subtly spiced.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious treat:

• 750 ml yogurt (about 3 cups)
• 1 cup chopped ripe papaya
• 2 tbsp raw sugar (or to taste)
• 0.5 tsp cardamom powder
• 1 tbsp rose water
• Crushed pistachios, as needed for garnish

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about the stars of the show! Getting these right will really elevate your Papaya Hung Curd.

Yogurt – Choosing the Right Kind

Full-fat yogurt works best for a richer, creamier hung curd. You can use cow’s milk or buffalo milk yogurt – both are fantastic! I personally prefer buffalo milk yogurt for its slightly tangier flavor.

Papaya – Ripeness and Variety

You want a papaya that’s beautifully ripe, but still firm enough to hold its shape when blended. The color should be a vibrant orange. I love using the Indian papaya variety, but any sweet papaya will do.

Raw Sugar – A Traditional Sweetener

Raw sugar (or misri as it’s often called) adds a lovely, subtle molasses-like flavor. You can substitute with granulated sugar if needed, but the raw sugar really adds a traditional touch. Adjust the amount to your sweetness preference!

Cardamom – The Queen of Spices

Cardamom powder is essential for that authentic Indian flavor. Freshly ground cardamom is even better, if you have the time! It adds a warm, aromatic note that complements the papaya beautifully.

Rose Water – Authentic Flavor Profile

Rose water adds a delicate floral aroma that’s just heavenly. A little goes a long way, so start with 1 tablespoon and add more if you like. Make sure you’re using food-grade rose water.

Pistachios – Regional Variations & Substitutions

Crushed pistachios add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor. You can use other nuts like almonds or cashews if you prefer, or even skip the nuts altogether if you have allergies.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Don’t worry, it’s easier than it looks.

First, you’ll need to make the hung curd. Strain the 750 ml of yogurt using a muslin cloth for 8 hours, or even better, overnight. This removes the excess whey, resulting in a thick, creamy base.

Once your yogurt is beautifully thickened, transfer it to a mixing bowl.

Now, in a blender, combine the chopped ripe papaya, 2 tablespoons of raw sugar, 0.5 teaspoon of cardamom powder, and 1 tablespoon of rose water. Blend until you have a smooth, luscious mixture.

Pour the papaya mixture into the hung curd and whisk everything together really well until it’s completely combined. You want to make sure there are no streaks of papaya left!

Finally, refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour. This allows it to set and the flavors to meld together. Trust me, the wait is worth it!

Before serving, garnish with crushed pistachios for that extra bit of texture and flavor.

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years to make this recipe even better:

Achieving the Perfect Hung Curd Consistency

The longer you strain the yogurt, the thicker the hung curd will be. Overnight is ideal! If you’re short on time, 8 hours will do, but it might not be quite as thick.

Blending the Papaya for Smoothness

Make sure your papaya is well blended. No one wants chunks of papaya in their creamy hung curd!

Balancing Sweetness and Spice

Taste as you go! Adjust the amount of sugar and cardamom to your liking. Everyone has different preferences.

The Importance of Chilling

Chilling is crucial. It allows the flavors to develop and the hung curd to set properly. Don’t skip this step!

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Adaptation (Using Plant-Based Yogurt)

You can easily make this vegan by using plant-based yogurt (like coconut or soy yogurt). Just make sure to strain it for a longer period to achieve the desired thickness. My friend, Priya, swears by using coconut yogurt for a tropical twist!

Gluten-Free Confirmation

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy it!

Spice Level Adjustment (Adding a Pinch of Chili)

For a little kick, add a tiny pinch of chili powder to the papaya mixture. It sounds strange, but it adds a lovely warmth.

Festival Adaptation (Celebrating with Papaya Hung Curd)

During festivals, I sometimes add a sprinkle of saffron strands to the hung curd for a touch of luxury and color. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate!

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Papaya Hung Curd chilled in small bowls or glasses. It’s perfect as a light dessert after a meal, or as a refreshing snack on a hot day. A sprinkle of chopped nuts always makes it look extra special.

Storage Instructions

Papaya Hung Curd will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

What is Hung Curd and How is it Different From Yogurt?

Hung curd is yogurt that has been strained to remove most of its whey, resulting in a thicker, creamier consistency. It’s less tangy than regular yogurt and has a texture similar to cream cheese.

Can I Use Store-Bought Hung Curd?

Yes, you can! If you’re short on time, store-bought hung curd is a convenient option. Just make sure it’s good quality.

What Type of Papaya Works Best in This Recipe?

Any sweet, ripe papaya will work, but I recommend using the Indian papaya variety if you can find it.

Can I Substitute Rose Water with Another Flavoring?

You can try substituting rose water with orange blossom water or a few drops of vanilla extract, but the flavor will be different. Rose water really adds that authentic touch.

How Long Does Papaya Hung Curd Stay Fresh in the Refrigerator?

Papaya Hung Curd will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Enjoy making this recipe! I hope it brings a little bit of Indian sunshine into your kitchen. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below!