Mango Shrikhand (Aamrakhand) recipe step-by-step creamy dessert

It’s summer and honestly, how can you not make this creamy mango shrikhand? The smell of ripe mangoes in the kitchen, the bright golden colour, and one bite of this delicious recipe feels like slow, sunny afternoons in the summer. And in our house, this is one of those desserts that simply had to be made during the mango season. It is also known as Aamrakhand.

This mango shrikhand recipe is simple, comforting, and incredibly satisfying. And the best part is you don’t need any fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen. It is made using simple ingredients and a little bit of patience. This homemade mango shrikhand is perfect for family gatherings, festive meals, or even when you just want to make an ordinary lunch feel special. My version of mango shrikhand is special because everything is well-balanced and perfectly smooth.

What is Mango Shrikhand

Mango Shrikhand is a creamy Indian dessert which is made by blending thick hung curd along with fresh mango pulp and a bit of sugar and cardamom. This dessert has been very popular in the western states of Maharashtra and Gujarat for generations. During the mango season, the plain shrikhand is transformed into a golden and fruity version which is known as Aamrakhand.

This is perfect to make during hot summer days as it does not involve any type of cooking. Mango Shrikhand is often served during festivals like Gudi Padwa and Ugadi. It tastes the best when served with hot puris as part of a festive thali. 

Why you’ll love this Mango Shrikhand recipe

It is one of those desserts that looks impressive but takes very little effort in its preparation. 

• This dessert recipe requires no cooking. And by no cooking I mean there is no use of gas, no baking, and no complicated steps. 
• It is made using just 5 simple ingredients. Even using simple ingredients, a delicious and beautiful dessert like this can be made.
• It can be named as the ultimate summer dessert which is cool, creamy, and naturally fruity.
• Mango Shrikhand can be made a few hours in advance and let it chill in the fridge. This makes it kids-friendly and perfect for festive seasons. 

Ingredients Required 

Here’s the list of all the ingredients you will need to make Mango Shrikhand 

• 2 cups thick hung curd : For the best texture, it is recommended to use full-fat curd. You can make it by straining the curd in a muslin cloth for 4 to 5 hours or overnight to remove the excess whey. Thickness of the curd will result in the richer outcome of the mango shrikhand.

•  1 cup fresh mango pulp : The best choice would be sweet and ripe mangoes as they give natural sweetness and the perfect vibrant color. Just make sure the pulp is smooth and fiber free. 

• ½ cup powdered sugar : Using powdered sugar makes the sugar blend in the shrikhand easily without making the texture grainy. You can always adjust the quantity depending on how much sweetness you want. 

•  ¼ teaspoon cardamom powder : Even adding a small amount of cardamom powder adds a lovely traditional aroma and warmth to the dessert. 

• Few strands of saffron (optional) : Soak a few strands of saffron in warm milk for 10-15 minutes before adding to the dessert. 

How to make Mango Shrikhand step-by-step 

Step 1 : Straining the curd 

1. Take full-fat fresh curd in a muslin cloth and tie it tightly. 
2. Hang it over a bowl or simply keep it in a strainer. 
3. This is done to remove the excess whey from the curd. It will result in thick and creamy hung curd.

Step 2 : Whisk the curd 

1. After removing the excess whey from the curd, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. 
2. Take a whisk or a spoon and beat it well until the texture becomes smooth and no lumps are present. 
3. This step is very important in the final outcome of the mango shrikhand.

Step 3 : Mixing mango pulp and sugar

1. To the bowl, add fresh mango pulp and mix it.
2. Make sure the mango pulp is smooth in texture without any lumps and not fibrous.  
3. Now add powdered sugar and soaked saffron milk. 
4. Now gently mix everything together until the color of the shrikhand turns into a beautiful golden color and the texture becomes creamy.
5. Avoid overmixing the mango shrikhand for best texture.

Step 4 : Chilling the shrikhand

1. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. 
2. Chill the mango shrikhand for at least 1 hour as it helps the flavours to blend perfectly and makes the shrikhand thicker. 
3. After it is chilled, you can serve this mouth-watering mango shrikhand by garnishing with saffron strands, chopped pistachios, or almonds. 

Tips for perfect mango shrikhand 

1. Always use full-fat curd only for thick and creamy shrikhand because using low-fat curd won’t give the same richness. 
2. Don’t rush the straining of the curd process. It needs time to become whey free. If it is not strained properly, the shrikhand can turn watery.
3. Make use of sweet and ripe mangoes only. Choosing naturally sweet mangoes makes the shrikhand give its best taste and avoids relying too much on sugar.
4. Always adjust the sugar quantity after mixing the mango pulp. Since few mangoes are sweeter than the others, adjust the sugar accordingly. 
5. Don’t overmix the shrikhand at the end. Just combine everything gently.

What to serve with Mango Shrikhand 

You can try these best combinations with mango shrikhand.

1. With hot puri 

This is the best traditional way to serve mango shrikhand. Serve chilled mango shrikhand alongside freshly fried hot puris. 

2. As a festive dessert

Whether it’s a family gathering or a festival meal, a bowl of mango shrikhand can make everything bright at the table. Garnish it with saffron and chopped nuts to make it look extra special.

3. With paratha

If you want a slightly different taste, serve the shrikhand with parathas. It will work beautifully as a side dish sweet.

4.  As a side in a traditional thali

In many homes, mango shrikhand is served as part of a complete thali. It balances the spice of curries by adding cool and creamy sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What is Mango Shrikhand made of ?

Mango Shrikhand is a perfect summer dessert which is made using thick hung curd, mango pulp, and sugar which are blended together and garnished with saffron strands and cardamom.

2. Is Mango Shrikhand good for health ?

Since Mango Shrikhand is made from hung curd and fresh mango pulp, it does have some nutritional benefits. But it also contains sugar, so one must enjoy the dessert mindfully.

3. Is Mango Shrikhand good for kids ?

Yes, mango shrikhand is the best dessert for kids because of its creamy texture and sweet mango flavor. To make the healthier version of it, keep the sugar quantity in moderate levels.

4. Can mango shrikhand be made in advance?

Yes, mango shrikhand can be made in advance and in fact, it tastes the best when it is made a few hours ahead. 

5. What is the replacement of sugar in Mango Shrikhand ?

The best replacements of sugar in mango shrikhand are jaggery, honey, or just rely only on the natural sweetness of ripe mangoes.