### Amrakhand (Mango Shrikhand) Recipe
Amrakhand, popularly referred to as mango shrikhand, is a charming sweet dish from Maharashtra that merges the luscious tastes of ripe mango puree with the smooth consistency of hung curd or yogurt. This classic Indian dessert is particularly favored during the warmer months, providing a cool delight that is both tasty and simple to make.
#### Ingredients
– 2 cups of hung curd (strained yogurt)
– 1 cup of ripe mango puree (ideally from sweet, juicy mangoes)
– 1/2 cup of powdered sugar (modify based on sweetness preference)
– 1/4 teaspoon of cardamom powder
– A few strands of saffron (optional)
– Chopped ripe mango pieces (optional, for extra texture)
#### Preparation of Hung Curd
1. **Straining Yogurt**: Position a muslin cloth or a fine sieve over a bowl. Pour in the yogurt and allow it to drain for 2-3 hours in the refrigerator. This step eliminates excess whey, yielding a thick, creamy hung curd.
2. **Whisking**: Once the yogurt is strained, whip it until smooth and airy, reaching a texture akin to cream cheese.
#### Making Amrakhand
1. **Combine Ingredients**: In a mixing bowl, incorporate the hung curd, mango puree, powdered sugar, cardamom powder, and saffron strands (if opted).
2. **Mix Well**: Carefully fold the ingredients together until thoroughly mixed. If a stronger mango flavor is desired, you may add additional mango puree and incorporate some chopped mango pieces.
3. **Taste and Adjust**: Sample the mixture and modify the sweetness if needed, adding more sugar or honey as preferred.
#### Serving Suggestions
Amrakhand can be enjoyed in several ways:
– **As a Dessert**: Serve chilled in small bowls or dessert glasses.
– **With Roti or Puri**: Typically, mango shrikhand is relished as part of a meal alongside roti or puri.
– **Frozen Treat**: You may also freeze amrakhand to create a delightful mango-flavored ice cream that children will adore.
#### Tips for Best Results
– **Quality of Mangoes**: Choose ripe, sweet mangoes for optimal flavor. The caliber of the mango will greatly influence the dessert’s taste.
– **Yogurt Selection**: Ensure that the yogurt is not overly sour, as this can affect the overall flavor of the amrakhand.
– **Straining Time**: Allow the yogurt to strain in the refrigerator to prevent souring from heat.
Amrakhand is a flexible and refreshing dessert that captures the spirit of summer. Its creamy consistency and fruity taste make it beloved by many, particularly in Marathi and Gujarati families. Savor this delightful treat as part of your summer meals or as a sweet pleasure on its own.