Strained Yogurt Shrikhand with Cardamom
A creamy, sweet dessert made from strained yogurt, gently sweetened and flavored with cardamom, perfect for a light treat. This indian-inspired indian (vegetarian, gluten-free) ready in about 10 minutes pairs plain whole-milk yogurt, granulated sugar, ground cardamom for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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
- 2 cups plain whole-milk yogurt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/4 cup pistachios
- 1/4 cup almonds
- pinch saffron threads
Instructions
- Step 1: Line a fine-mesh strainer with cheesecloth over a bowl, pour 2 cups plain whole-milk yogurt into the strainer, cover, and refrigerate for 8 hours to drain excess whey.
- Step 2: Transfer the strained yogurt to a bowl and mix in 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 tsp ground cardamom until smooth and well combined.
- Step 3: Chill the shrikhand in the refrigerator for 2 hours to set, then serve garnished with 1/4 cup chopped pistachios, 1/4 cup chopped almonds, and a pinch of saffron threads.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Strained Yogurt Shrikhand with Cardamom take to make?
Total time is about 10 minutes (10 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 Strained Yogurt Shrikhand with Cardamom?
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 plain whole-milk yogurt from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Strained Yogurt Shrikhand with Cardamom?
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 Strained Yogurt Shrikhand with Cardamom 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 Strained Yogurt Shrikhand with Cardamom vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The best shrikhand I've ever made. The strained yogurt made it so smooth.
- ★★★★★
Loved it! So simple and delicious.
- ★★★★★
My family loved this recipe. Made it for a special occasion and it was a hit!
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