From generation to generation, the sweet treat known as “shrikhand” has been a favorite in India. As a treat, it is offered during large feasts on holidays and special occasions. Although this sweet delicacy is largely from Maharashtra and Gujarat, it can also be found in Punjab and Rajasthan in different forms. This article mentions some lesser-known facts about Shrikhand that you must know about!
The Historical Facts about Shrikhand
One of India’s oldest desserts, Shrikhand, dates back to 400–500 B.C. However, literature about food in the Kannada language from around 1025 AD contains the earliest recorded mention of Shrikhand in Indian history.
Shrikhand is a dish that is mentioned in the 11th-century book, Lokopakara, by the Sanskrit scholar Chavundaraya covering gardening, medicine, cuisine, and much more. Shrikhand is also mentioned in literature in Mangarasa’s 1594 AD manuscript, Supa Shastra: Culinary Traditions in Medieval Karnataka.
While this meal has been mentioned in historical writing, the word Shrikhand’s etymology is a little different. According to legend, the words “Srikhand” and “qand,” both meaning “sweet,” are derived from the Sanskrit word “ksheera,” which means condensed milk.
It is a straightforward dessert made with yogurt that includes saffron, almonds, and dried fruit.
Although this delightful treat has a variety of origins, everyone around the world still adores it.
How it is Made?
Usually cooked with hanging curd, this delectable delicacy is an easy dish to cook because of the straightforward procedure. The temperature of pasteurized milk is raised briefly and then quickly lowered. The chilled milk is heated after being mixed with little lactic curd.
The most common ingredient in this delectable delicacy is hanging curd. It’s a dish that’s simple to cook because the procedure is so straightforward. Milk that has been pasteurized is heated for a brief period and then quickly chilled. The cool milk is mixed with some lactic curd before being boiled and then cooled once more. The curd produced by this process is dried for around 8 to 10 hours by hanging it in a soft muslin towel.
The remaining liquid is then drained from the hung curd to create “chakka,” a creamy concoction. To give the Shrikhand a deep flavor, this chakka is then combined with sugar and other flavorings, along with dried fruits and nuts.
Shrikhand is now available in a wide range of flavors, including the traditional Kesar Shrikhand, Elaichi Shrikhand, and Badam Shrikhand, as well as fruit flavors like Mango Shrikhand, Pineapple Shrikhand, and Strawberry Shrikhand, as well as more modern flavors like Tutti Fruiti Shrikhand, Rose Shrikhand, and many others.
Apart from Shrikhand – lesser known facts & being very tasty, Shrikhand also offers various health benefits. desserts that are healthy? Everyone likes to hear that, right?
Here are some health benefits of the popular dessert, Shrikhand –
- B vitamins, including vitamins B1, B2, and B12, are present in Shrikhand in large quantities. These vitamins aid in converting the food you eat into energy. Also, they aid in removing calcium from the foods you eat that are high in calcium.
- We then arrive at calcium. As Shrikhand is a dairy product, it is high in calcium, which aids in the development of stronger bones and teeth.
- Better skin is encouraged by Shrikhand’s milky properties. It provides the necessary nutrients to your skin, keeping it soft and supple.
- Shrikhand is rich in beneficial fats and can be a significant aid in weight gain and muscular development.
- It helps you feel fuller for longer and encourages restful sleep.
- Probiotics in Shrikhand are abundant and help your body absorb nutrients.
- It encourages restful sleep and keeps you satisfied for longer.
- Probiotics, which help your body absorb nutrients from meals, are abundant in Shrikhand. Also, it promotes healthier digestion and strengthens your immune system.
Shrikhand is a terrific option for a sweet dish after a filling meal, a cool dessert during the summer, and even a great traditional treat to serve to visitors on special occasions. Shrikhand is a common ingredient in meals. It may elevate a basic meal to something exceptional. When you don’t feel like cooking, you may simply eat it with rotis or puris. That is a fantastic way to improve the flavor of your kids’ meals.
Now that you are aware of all the fantastic advantages that this delectable dessert has to offer, grab some right away!
