Cherry Shrikhand – A Creamy Winter Delight
Desserts bring warmth and joy to every season, but winter calls for something extra special. Cherry Shrikhand is a rich, creamy, and refreshing twist on the classic Indian sweet, blending the goodness of hung curd and cherries with aromatic cardamom. While traditional sweets can be heavy, this version is light yet indulgent, making it a perfect dessert for chilly evenings.
Despite their natural sweetness and vibrant flavors, fruits are often overlooked in Indian desserts. People stick to sugar-laden, dairy-based sweets and miss out on the nutritional benefits and refreshing taste of fruits. Cherries add a unique tang and color to Shrikhand, making it a visually appealing and delicious treat that also packs a health punch.
Benefits of Cherry Shrikhand
Hung curd serves as the base of this Shrikhand, offering a probiotic-rich dessert that supports digestion and strengthens immunity, especially in colder months. The addition of cherries enhances both the flavor and nutrition, as they are packed with vitamin C, fibre, and antioxidants that help reduce inflammation, improve skin health, and boost metabolism. Unlike traditional sugar-laden sweets, this version uses a moderate amount of powdered sugar, allowing the natural tartness and sweetness of cherries to balance the dessert while keeping it light on calories. Another advantage of this Shrikhand is its simplicity, as it requires no baking or cooking. This makes it a convenient option for festive treats or a quick, refreshing dessert that can be prepared with minimal effort.
How to Make Cherry Shrikhand
- Prepare the hung curd – Hang thick yogurt in a muslin cloth overnight in the refrigerator to drain excess water and get rich, creamy hung curd (approx. 150-200g).
- Mix the flavors – In a mixing bowl, add hung curd, some cardamom powder, and finely chopped Chile Cherries.
- Sweeten it – Add 80g powdered sugar (adjust as per taste) and mix gently until smooth and well combined.
- Chill the shrikhand – Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors and serve it perfectly chilled.
- Assemble & garnish – Fill a piping bag with a big nozzle, pipe the Shrikhand into shot glasses, and top with fresh Chile Cherries and a sprinkle of cardamom powder.
Conclusion
This refreshing, creamy dessert is a perfect blend of tradition and modern flavors. It is light yet indulgent, making it ideal for festivals, gatherings, or simply as a winter treat. The combination of hung curd and cherries gives it a unique texture and taste, making every bite a delight. Serve it chilled and make your misty winter extra special.
