Sikarni
Sikarni Recipe - A Delicious Tibetan Yogurt Dessert
Introduction
Sikarni is a traditional Nepali dessert that is creamy, sweet, and flavored with aromatic spices. It is a popular dish served during festivals and special occasions in Nepal.
History
Sikarni has been a part of Nepali cuisine for generations, with its origins dating back to ancient times. It is believed to have been created by the Newari community in Nepal and has since become a beloved dessert enjoyed by people of all ethnicities in the country.
Ingredients
- 4 cups regular yogurt
- 2 cups sour cream
- 0.25 cup double cream
- 2 cups sugar
- 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground cardamom
- 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp saffron
- 1 cup unsalted, shelled pistachio nuts, cut into thin slices
How to prepare
- In a large bowl, mix together yogurt and sour cream.
- Pour the yogurt mixture into a large colander lined with a cheesecloth.
- Allow it to drain for about 12 hours.
- Transfer the drained mixture into a mixing bowl.
- Dissolve saffron in lukewarm cream.
- To the yogurt mixture, add sugar, cinnamon, black pepper, cardamom, nutmeg, dissolved saffron, and pistachio nuts; fold in thoroughly.
- Chill the mixture overnight in the refrigerator.
- To serve, scoop a cup of the chilled dessert onto a serving plate and top it with a generous amount of unsalted, shelled, whole pistachio nuts.
Variations
- You can add chopped fruits such as mangoes or strawberries to the Sikarni for a refreshing twist.
- For a vegan version, you can use dairy-free yogurt and cream substitutes.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to drain the yogurt mixture for at least 12 hours to achieve the desired creamy consistency.
- Chilling the mixture overnight allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the taste of the dessert.
- Adjust the amount of sugar according to your preference for sweetness.
- Toasting the pistachio nuts before adding them to the dessert can enhance their flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Sikarni can be served as a dessert after a traditional Nepali meal or as a sweet treat on its own.
Cooking Techniques
The key cooking technique for Sikarni is to drain the yogurt mixture to achieve a creamy consistency.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor.
Make Ahead Tips
Sikarni can be prepared a day in advance and chilled in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Presentation Ideas
Serve Sikarni in individual dessert bowls garnished with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon and a few whole pistachio nuts on top.
Pairing Recommendations
Sikarni pairs well with spicy Nepali dishes such as dal bhat or chicken curry.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftover Sikarni in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir well before serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Sikarni contains approximately 250 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Sikarni contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Sikarni contains approximately 15 grams of fats.
Proteins
Each serving of Sikarni contains approximately 8 grams of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
Sikarni is a good source of calcium, vitamin B12, and phosphorus.
Alergens
Sikarni contains dairy (yogurt, sour cream, double cream) and nuts (pistachio nuts).
Summary
Sikarni is a rich and creamy dessert that provides a good amount of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.
Summary
Sikarni is a delicious and creamy Nepali dessert that is perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat. With its rich flavors and aromatic spices, it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
How did I get this recipe?
The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of wonder. It was a warm summer day, and I had been invited to a friend's house for dinner. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the most amazing aroma coming from the kitchen. My friend's mother was cooking up a storm, and I couldn't wait to see what she had in store for us.
As we sat down to eat, I was presented with a dish unlike any I had ever seen before. It was a creamy, smooth dessert that looked almost like a cloud on a plate. My friend's mother called it Sikarni, and I was immediately intrigued. I had never heard of this dish before, but I knew I had to learn how to make it.
After that night, I couldn't stop thinking about Sikarni. I asked my friend's mother for the recipe, but she told me it was a family secret that had been passed down for generations. I was disappointed, but determined to find a way to make it myself.
I spent days scouring cookbooks and the internet for any mention of Sikarni. I even asked around in the local markets, hoping to find someone who knew how to make it. But no one seemed to have heard of it before. I was starting to lose hope when I remembered that my own grandmother was a treasure trove of recipes and culinary knowledge.
I called up my grandmother and asked her if she had ever heard of Sikarni. To my surprise, she laughed and told me that she had been making it for years. She invited me over to her house the next day to teach me how to make it.
As soon as I arrived, my grandmother ushered me into the kitchen and started pulling out all the ingredients we would need. She explained that Sikarni was a traditional Nepalese dessert made with yogurt, cream, sugar, and a hint of cardamom. She showed me how to mix everything together until it was smooth and creamy, and then topped it off with a sprinkle of crushed pistachios and saffron.
I watched in awe as my grandmother worked her magic, transforming simple ingredients into a decadent and delicious dessert. She told me stories about how she had learned to make Sikarni from her own grandmother, who had passed down the recipe through the generations. I felt so grateful to be learning this recipe from her, connecting to my family's past through the art of cooking.
After we finished making the Sikarni, my grandmother insisted that we sit down and enjoy it together. As I took my first bite, I was transported to a place of pure bliss. The creamy texture, the sweet flavor, and the hint of cardamom all melded together perfectly on my tongue. I couldn't believe that something so simple could be so incredibly delicious.
From that day on, Sikarni became a staple in my own cooking repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and any time I wanted to treat myself to a special dessert. Every time I took a bite, I was reminded of my grandmother's love and wisdom, passed down to me through this delectable recipe.
As I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that led me to discover Sikarni, I am filled with gratitude for the culinary traditions that have been handed down to me. I may have learned this recipe later in life, but it has become a cherished part of my own cooking legacy. And I can only hope that one day, I will be able to pass it on to future generations, just as my grandmother did for me.
Categories
| Cardamom Recipes | Cheese Recipes | Dessert Recipes | Double Cream Recipes | Pistachio Recipes | Saffron Recipes | Tibetan Desserts | Tibetan Recipes |