Shikanji is a rich drink made with hung curd and thickened milk infused with saffron , enriched with nuts.
Please don't confuse it with Nimbu Pani/ Sweet Lime also known as Shikanji in North India.
Shikanji from Malwa has a sweet and slightly tangy taste.The milk is infused with saffron and reduced to half.
The Yogurt is also hung for a couple of hours to remove excess whey as we want the drink to be thick and rich.
You can do the prep a day in advance. Then make the Shikanji a few hours before serving and chill it.
It tastes best when served chilled.
It is garnished with pistachio and almonds.
Ingredients
Hung Curd 100 gms from 300 gms normal curd
Milk 500 gms
Raw Sugar 3 tbsp
Saffron a generous pinch
Green Cardamom powder 1/4 tsp
Raisins 1 tbsp
Chopped Pistachio 1 tbsp
Chopped Almonds 6
Method
Hang 300 gms of homemade curd for 2 hours.
Mix in sugar and green cardamom powder.
Whisk it to remove lumps.
Keep it in the fridge covered.
Dissolve saffron in 2 tbsp hot milk. Let it soak for ten minutes.
Take 500 ml milk in a heavy bottom pan and simmer it until half in quantity.
Crush the saffron and add it to simmering milk.
Keep stirring from time to time to avoid the milk from burning.
Once done keep it in the fridge.
Once both the main ingredients are chilled, blend them with a balloon whisk.
Taste and adjust sugar.
Pour into glasses, garnish with chopped nuts and raisins.
Serve immediately.
You can also serve these as Shots.