Cardamom Saffron Shrikhand Parfait

Cardamom Saffron Shrikhand Parfait vegetarian recipe

This shrikhand parfait layers creamy, saffron-cardamom flavored yogurt with crunchy pistachios and fresh mango, a really nice chilled dessert.

Ingredients

  • 500 grams plain Greek yogurt
  • 0.25 cup powdered sugar
  • 0.5 teaspoon cardamom powder
  • 15 strands saffron
  • 2 tablespoons warm milk
  • 0.5 cup pistachios, unsalted, shelled
  • 1 ripe mango, medium
  • 0.25 cup pomegranate seeds

Instructions

  1. First, prepare the hung yogurt for the shrikhand. Place 500 grams plain Greek yogurt into a muslin cloth or a fine mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth. Set this over a bowl and refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours, or overnight, to drain out the excess whey. You should end up with about 250-300 grams of thick, creamy hung yogurt.
  2. While the yogurt is draining, crush 15 strands saffron lightly and steep them in 2 tablespoons warm milk for at least 15 minutes to release their flavor and color.
  3. Finely chop 0.5 cup unsalted, shelled pistachios. Peel, pit, and dice 1 ripe mango into small cubes.
  4. Once the hung yogurt is ready, transfer it to a mixing bowl. Add 0.25 cup powdered sugar, 0.5 teaspoon cardamom powder, and the saffron-infused milk. Mix everything thoroughly with a spoon or whisk until it's smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired, though the mango will add natural sweetness.
  5. To assemble the parfaits, get four serving glasses. Start by layering a spoonful of the shrikhand at the bottom of each glass. Follow with a layer of diced mango, then a sprinkle of chopped pistachios. Repeat the layers: shrikhand, mango, and pistachios, until the glasses are full, ending with a layer of shrikhand on top.
  6. Transfer the assembled shrikhand parfaits to the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
  7. Before serving, generously garnish each parfait with some fresh 0.25 cup pomegranate seeds and a few extra chopped pistachios. Serve immediately.

View the interactive Cardamom Saffron Shrikhand Parfait recipe