Simply Desserts

Shrikhand (Aromatic whipped yogurt)

It is hard to believe that the base of this dessert is plain yogurt. You may enjoy it plain or add chopped fruits

2 lb plain yogurt
2 cups powdered sugar
¼ tsp salt
1/8 tsp nutmeg
5-6 cardamom pods
5-6 strands of saffron
8-10 pistachio nuts

Take 4 inch stack of newspaper and line it with two layers of paper towels.
Empty out the contents of yogurt on this stack, keep aside for 4-5 hours or overnight. The water will drain away and you will get super thick yogurt.

Place this thick yogurt in a container. Add powdered sugar, salt and whisk it well. Peel cardamom pods and remove seeds. Crush them slightly to release fragrance. Add crushed cardamom seeds, nutmeg and saffron strands.
Serve with garnish of pistachio nuts.

Sheera (Cream of wheat pudding)

The humble cream of wheat is transformed into a heavenly dessert, which can be enjoyed cold or hot.

2 teaspoon butter or shortening
1 cup cream of wheat
2 cups hot water
1 cup sugar
6-7 almonds
6-7 pistachio nuts
5 cardamom pods

In a pan heat butter or shortening. Add cream of wheat and sauté on medium heat for 10 minutes. Slowly add hot water and stir for 3 minutes. Close it with a tight fitting lid and keep covered for 5 minutes. Remove lid and add sugar. Mix it well for one minute and keep covered for 5 minutes on low heat. Peel cardamom pods and remove seeds. Crush them in a mortar and pestle. Chop almonds and pistachio. Finally add the cardamom seeds, chopped nuts and stir well for 4-5 minutes.

Serve piping hot with slices of pineapple and strawberries on the side.

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Shahi tukda (Bread pudding)

This is an Indian twist to the bread pudding.

4 slices of white bread
1 cup half and half milk
(or whole milk with 2 tablespoon cream)
2 tablespoon sugar
5-6 cardamom pods
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
oil to deep fry
Nuts or pureed strawberries for garnish

Make fancy shapes of bread with a cookie cutter. Heat oil and deep fry the bread. Keep aside.

Place half and half milk in small bowl and add sugar. Peel cardamom pods and crush seeds in a mortar pestle. Add nutmeg and cardamom powder to milk. Mix well and keep aside.

To serve place couple of fried bread pieces on a plate, drizzle 2 tablespoon of milk. Garnish with chopped nuts or decorate with pureed strawberries on the side.