Saffron and Cardamom Shrikhand

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A creamy, sweet yogurt dessert perfumed with saffron and cardamom, offering a delicate floral finish and smooth texture. This indian (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs (240g) plain yogurt, (50g) granulated sugar, teaspoon ground cardamom for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk 1 cup plain yogurt until smooth and lump-free. Add 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom, then whisk until the sugar dissolves completely.
  2. Step 2: Soak 1/8 teaspoon saffron strands in 1 tablespoon warm milk for 5 minutes until vibrant orange.
  3. Step 3: Stir the saffron milk mixture into the yogurt mixture until fully combined and evenly colored.
  4. Step 4: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and texture to set.
  5. Step 5: Before serving, garnish with 1/4 cup chopped pistachios for visual appeal and nutty crunch.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Saffron and Cardamom Shrikhand take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Saffron and Cardamom Shrikhand?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (240g) plain yogurt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Saffron and Cardamom Shrikhand?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Saffron and Cardamom Shrikhand for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Saffron and Cardamom Shrikhand vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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