Sumptuous Summer Shirkhand (Gluten-Free)

Celiac.com 09/11/2020 - If you're looking for a rich, creamy dessert that is also refreshing, and lower in calories, then look no further than shirkhand, a luscious, nutritious and probiotic delight. Commonly found in the Indian state of Gujarat, this silky, smooth yogurt dessert packs tremendous flavor into a simple dish, that's fit for royalty. It's sure to enchant palates, and stir the senses. 

Ingredients:

• 4 cups plain whole-milk Greek yogurt
• ½ tsp. saffron threads, divided
• 4 green cardamom pods, seeds removed, or 1 tsp. ground cardamom
• ½ cup sugar

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Tools: A mortar and pestle, coffee filters, and a sieve or colander.

Directions:
Line a large sieve or colander with coffee filters or paper towels, overlapping them so they cover sides, and set inside a large bowl. 

Place yogurt in colander and let drain in refrigerator at least 8 hours and up to 12 hours; discard drained liquid in bowl. 

Finished yogurt should be very thick, and even more dense and creamy than Greek or European-style yogurt.

Crush ¼ tsp. saffron threads to a powder with a mortar and pestle; pour them into a small bowl. 

Grind the cardamom seeds until very fine.

Transfer strained yogurt to a large bowl and mix in crushed saffron, cardamom, and sugar.

At this point, the yogurt will likely turn a pale yellow color. 

Place saffron threads on top. Do not mix, so as to get the rich color contrast.

Chill at least 2 hours, and up to 8 hours, before serving.

Read more about this and other wonderful recipes at Bonappetit.com