Shrikhand

Ingredients

• 5-8 saffron strands
• 1 quart plain yogurt
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1/3 cup confectioners' sugar (more to taste)
• 1/4 cup shredded coconut, unsweetened if possible
• 1 mango, cut into thin slices

Directions

1. 1

   In a small pan, toast the saffron over low heat, stirring, until brittle, about 2 minutes. Re move and pulverize in a mortar with a pestle or on a cutting board with the side of a large knife blade.

2. 2

   Put the yogurt in a large bowl. Put the saffron back into the pan and add the cardamom and water. Bring just to a simmer, stirring. Whisk the saffron mixture into the yogurt.

3. 3

   Put the yogurt mixture in a strainer lined with cheesecloth, a coffee filter, or a paper towel and set it over a bowl. Let drain in the refrigerator for 1 hour. Transfer the yogurt to a bowl. Add the 1/3 cup sugar, or more to taste. With an electric mixer, beat the yogurt until slightly thickened, 2 to 3 minutes. Pour into bowls and refrigerate until well chilled, or put in the freezer until very cold but not frozen, about 30 minutes.

4. 4

   Meanwhile, in a small frying pan, toast the coconut over low heat, stirring, until golden, about 2 minutes. Serve the shrikhand topped with the mango and coconut.