Gulkand Shrikhand – No Cook Indian Dessert

Shrikhand is an extremely popular no-cook Indian dessert that’s served on happy occasions. Gulkand flavored Shrikhand is made with Greek yogurt and rose jam.

I simply love this time of the year. It marks the beginning of festivities as per the Hindu calendar. Starting September, all our festivals are lined up one after the other and it only ends in January. So many festive occasions calls for a variety of things like family get-together, new clothes, grand food and mouth-watering desserts. It’s also an exciting time for us at Cookilicious. That’s because everyone is hunting for delicious recipes that aren’t just easy to make but appetizing as well. We literally work overtime to bring to you innovative recipes that will not only be a feast to your belly but for your eyes as well! Personally, I enjoy making desserts as it’s the most searched category on our website. Plus, there is so much creativity involved in coming up with a new sweet-dish recipe every single time. In the last 3 years (i.e ever since the conception of Cookilicious), I don’t think I have repeated a dessert dish on any festive day. In fact, now even my friends and family are aware of this and never forget to ask me what new dessert I made this time!

Now Shrikhand is something I have always loved for dessert but never ever attempted to make it myself until now. If you are wondering what is Shrikhand, then let me enlighten you. Shrikhand is a curd specialty dish from India. The yogurt/curd is strained using a muslin cloth to remove the excess water. This strained thick yogurt (the texture is like Greek Yogurt at this point) is then flavored either with spices and nuts or with seasonal fruits. It’s a no-cook recipe that literally takes five minutes to get ready. That my friend is  Shrikhand. Now lazy (read smart) people like me prefer to skip the hanging yogurt part to save time. Instead, I chose to use Greek Yogurt, which is nice and creamy and of course high in fats. Plus if it is a flavored one then much better as it will add to the taste. If you ever happen to eat a Thali at any Indian restaurant, you will notice that Shrikhand is one of the first items to be served. As a kid, I would lick it off the plate instantly and demand for more. 

There was this one Elaichi (Cardamom) flavor Shrikhand which was and is still my all time favorite and I cannot resist  when it’s served. OMG, just thinking of it makes my mouth water! When I got this opportunity to collaborate with Wallaby Organic Greek Yogurt and Kefir to create an interesting recipe using their products, I was very excited. Greek Yogurt Shrikhand was the first idea that popped in my mind. But before that, all those who are probably wondering why Wallaby Organic Greek Yogurt and Kefir, let me share with you certain facts about this brand that I came across in my research. Firstly, it’s slow crafted using an Australian-inspired organic recipe. Secondly, their unique slow culturing process takes twice as long creating a tart free indulgent taste that’s twice as good, which makes one feel fulfilled and connected to the current moment. And thirdly, it has a uniquely mellow, delightful taste that you can savor for long. 

I can think of so many wonderful ways to use these products in my everyday recipes like smoothies, overnight oats, desserts, snacks and of course Shrikhand. Without much ado, let me get to straight to the recipe that’s not just simple and easy to make but needs just five ingredients! Take Wallaby Organic Greek Yogurt in a mixing bowl. I have used vanilla flavored yogurt, you can use plain as well. To that add saffron, cardamom powder, rose-water and gulkand. Gulkand, by the way is a sweet preserve made of rose petals in  South Asia. It is prepared using special pink rose petals mixed with sugar. It brings a refreshing flavor to any dish that its added to. Mix all the ingredients together until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Transfer it to serving bowls and garnish it with edible rose petals and chopped nuts. Cover the bowls with cling wrap and refrigerate it for an hour at least. Gulkand Shrikhand is best served chilled. You can prepare this dessert as a snack on a regular day or on any festive occasion. I am positive that this dish will be loved by all.

If you do try this recipe, please do share it with your friends on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. This will keep me motivated to develop more interesting recipes. Click a pic and post it with the hashtag #cookiliciousveg . I would love to see your pictures on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter!

I use the hashtag #cookiliciousveg on all social media platforms (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook) so you can get access to what's cooking in my kitchen. To stay updated, you can either subscribe to our newsletter  (free gift if you do so!) or follow me on my social media Instagram , Facebook   and Twitter! There is even a Pinterest board called Cookilicious Recipes  from where you can pin the recipes you love.

Some other holiday dessert recipes that you can try are Instant Coconut Ladoos (No Condensed Milk Required), Apple Khoya Kheer, Rose Sandesh, 2-Ingredient Coconut Macaroons, Vegan No Bake Raspberry Energy Bites, No-Churn Rose Gulkand Ice Cream, Mango Semolina Cupcakes, Eggless Almond Butter Oats Cookies, Jhajhariya/Sweetcorn Pudding, Sweet Potato Nei Paniyaram With Leftover Puran, Granola Oats, Honey & Almonds & Rice Pudding/Kheer, Rabri Ice Cream with Beetroot & Raspberry Sauce, Chocolate Rava Laddu, Cashew & Condensed Milk Biscuits, Hibiscus Strawberry Pastry Puffs and Jam Cigars, Beetroot Halwa, Sweet Potato Puran Poli/Pancakes and Aval Kesari | Beaten Rice Pudding.

Happy Holiday!!!