Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Mango Shrikhand Recipe – Authentic Indian Yogurt Dessert with Saffron

Introduction

Oh, Shrikhand! Just the name conjures up memories of festive gatherings and sweet, cool relief on a hot summer day. This Mango Shrikhand is a family favorite, and honestly, it’s one of the easiest Indian desserts you’ll ever make. It’s creamy, dreamy, and bursting with the tropical sweetness of mangoes. I first made this for a Diwali celebration years ago, and it’s been a request ever since! Let’s get into it, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Mango Shrikhand is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. It’s incredibly refreshing, naturally gluten-free, and requires minimal cooking – perfect for when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the beautiful saffron threads add a touch of luxury and that signature aromatic flavor. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful treat:

• 2 Ataulfo Mexican mangoes
• 1 cup thick Greek yogurt (about 240g)
• ?? cup powdered sugar (adjust to taste – start with 1/4 cup/30g and add more)
• Pinch of salt
• Pinch of saffron
• Powdered pistachio for garnish

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients – a few little tips can make all the difference!

Ataulfo Mangoes (Regional Variations & Flavor Profile)

Ataulfo mangoes, also known as honey mangoes, are my absolute favorite for Shrikhand. They’re incredibly sweet, creamy, and have a beautiful golden color. If you can’t find Ataulfo, Alphonso mangoes are a fantastic substitute. Tommy Atkins mangoes will work in a pinch, but you might need to add a little extra sugar.

Greek Yogurt (Choosing the Right Consistency)

Full-fat Greek yogurt is key here. It needs to be thick! The thicker the yogurt, the creamier your Shrikhand will be. Avoid using low-fat or non-fat yogurt, as it won’t give you the same rich texture.

Saffron (Quality & Blooming Techniques)

Saffron is the star when it comes to aroma and color. A little goes a long way! To get the most out of your saffron, gently crush a pinch of threads and soak them in 1 tablespoon of warm milk for about 15-20 minutes. This “blooms” the saffron, releasing its flavor and color.

Powdered Sugar (Adjusting Sweetness)

Powdered sugar dissolves more easily than granulated sugar, giving you a smoother Shrikhand. Start with ¼ cup (30g) and taste as you go. Mangoes vary in sweetness, so you might need to adjust the amount of sugar to your liking.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s make some Shrikhand!

1. First, we need to make hung yogurt. Line a colander with double-layered cheesecloth. Add the Greek yogurt, gently press to remove some excess water, then tie the cloth into a bundle and let it drain for at least 4 hours, or even better, overnight in the fridge. This is so important for getting that perfect thick consistency.
2. Once the yogurt is nicely drained, it’s time to blend! Add the drained hung yogurt, the pulp of your Ataulfo mangoes, powdered sugar, a pinch of salt, and the saffron (with the milk it bloomed in) to a blender.
3. Blend everything until it’s super smooth and creamy. Don’t be afraid to scrape down the sides of the blender a few times to make sure everything is incorporated.
4. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This allows the flavors to meld and the Shrikhand to thicken up even more. Trust me, this step makes a difference!
5. Finally, serve chilled, garnished with a generous sprinkle of powdered pistachios.

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years to help you make the best Mango Shrikhand:

Achieving the Perfect Shrikhand Texture

The key is patience! Don’t rush the draining process for the yogurt. The longer it drains, the thicker your Shrikhand will be.

Working with Hung Yogurt

If your hung yogurt still seems a little wet after draining, you can gently squeeze out any remaining liquid with your hands (through the cheesecloth, of course!).

Enhancing the Mango Flavor

For an extra burst of mango flavor, you can add a teaspoon of mango puree to the Shrikhand after blending.

Variations

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

Vegan Mango Shrikhand

Use a thick plant-based yogurt (like coconut or cashew yogurt) instead of Greek yogurt. You might need to adjust the amount of powdered sugar depending on the sweetness of the yogurt. My friend, Priya, swears by cashew yogurt for this!

Gluten-Free Adaptations

This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check that your powdered sugar doesn’t contain any gluten-based additives.

Spice Level Adjustments (Cardamom, Ginger)

A pinch of cardamom powder or a tiny bit of grated ginger can add a lovely warmth to the Shrikhand. My grandmother always added a hint of cardamom.

Festival Adaptations (Holi, Diwali)

During Holi, I like to add a sprinkle of edible silver leaf (varak) for a festive touch. For Diwali, a few chopped nuts like almonds and cashews are a beautiful addition.

Serving Suggestions

Mango Shrikhand is delicious on its own, but it’s also wonderful with:

• Puri or roti
• As a side dish with a Thali
• Alongside other Indian sweets

Storage Instructions

Mango Shrikhand will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavor might intensify slightly over time.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions!

What is Shrikhand and where does it originate?

Shrikhand is a traditional Indian dessert made from strained yogurt, sugar, and flavorings. It originated in the state of Maharashtra, but it’s now enjoyed all over India and beyond!

Can I use other types of mangoes besides Ataulfo?

Yes, you can! Alphonso mangoes are the best substitute. Tommy Atkins will work, but you might need to add more sugar.

How far in advance can I make Mango Shrikhand?

You can make the hung yogurt a day in advance. The Shrikhand itself is best made a few hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

What is the best way to drain the yogurt for hung yogurt?

Using a double layer of cheesecloth and letting it drain in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours (or overnight) is the most effective method.

Can I add nuts or other flavorings to the Shrikhand?

Absolutely! Chopped pistachios, almonds, cardamom, or even a touch of rosewater are all delicious additions.

Is Saffron essential for authentic Shrikhand?

While not essential, saffron is traditional and adds a unique flavor and beautiful color. If you don’t have saffron, you can omit it, but the Shrikhand won’t be quite the same.