Saffron and Cardamom Shrikhand
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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240g) plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/8 teaspoon saffron strands
- 1 tablespoon warm milk
- 1/4 cup, chopped pistachios
Instructions
- 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.
- Step 2: Soak 1/8 teaspoon saffron strands in 1 tablespoon warm milk for 5 minutes until vibrant orange.
- Step 3: Stir the saffron milk mixture into the yogurt mixture until fully combined and evenly colored.
- Step 4: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and texture to set.
- Step 5: Before serving, garnish with 1/4 cup chopped pistachios for visual appeal and nutty crunch.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
I've tried many indian recipes and this is hands down the best.
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.
