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You Can — and Should — Make Indian Sweets

Published October 19, 2022

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A joyful conversation with Hetal Vasavada

Indian sweet making “is about feel. It’s a lot more tactile. And it takes time to know when it looks right.”

Not long ago, our colleague, the wonderful Holly Haines, did us the pleasure of introducing us to her friend, Hetal Vasavada. Hetal made her name on season six of MasterChef, which she was on with Holly, and which she told us some pretty great stories about on this week’s episode of Food with Mark Bittman.

Now, Hetal is known for her incredible desserts, which are themselves “not 100 percent American but not fully Indian,” so, a sort of American or European-style dessert with Indian flavors, perhaps, or vice versa. Think Jaggery Puffed Rice Crispies, Masala Doodh Tiramisu, Orange and Cardamom Cinnamon Rolls — all recipes from her book, Milk & Cardamom (also the name of her blog). Pretty fantastic. And, Diwali is right around the corner — October 24 this year — so this episode is both a celebration of that holiday, one that Hetal loves, plus a celebration of this dynamic chef. We had a lot of fun talking to her. 

Please listen, subscribe, and review. The recipe featured in today’s episode — Shrikhand Parfait, from Milk & Cardamom — is below. Also! We’re giving away three copies of Milk & Cardamom. New Bittman Project members will have three times the chance of winning. Subscribe by Friday for your chance to win.

Thank you, as always. — Mark

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Shrikhand Parfait

Shrikhand has to be one of my favorite dinner party desserts! It’s mostly found in the Western states of India and is made of hung curd, a thick and creamy drained yogurt. It’s similar to Greek yogurt but 100 times creamier and thicker. It’s typically flavored with saffron and cardamom, and if you’re feeling fancy, you can add mango purée or rose water to it! I changed up the original recipe to add more textures to the dessert. Crunchy cookie crumbs, juicy fresh mango, fluffy whipped cream and thick shrikhand — all in one bite! — Milk & Cardamom

Shrikhand Parfait


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