Piyush Drink Recipe: Piyush is a creamy beverage popular in the Maharashtrian and Gujarati cuisines of western India. It’s made by whisking together Shrikhand (a thick yogurt-based dessert) and milk, flavored with nutmeg and cardamom. The nutmeg lends a distinctive flavor and aroma to the drink.
Piyush is somewhat similar to the well-known beverage Lassi, but it’s thicker, creamier, and sweeter due to the addition of Shrikhand. Shrikhand itself is known for its thick, creamy, and sweet consistency.
For a quick and easy version, store-bought Shrikhand can be used instead of homemade, along with yogurt and milk. You can choose from flavors like cardamom, saffron, or a combination of both in the Shrikhand. Alternatively, you can prepare Shrikhand at home using a homemade Shrikhand recipe.
Piyush is a refreshing drink enjoyed in Maharashtra and Gujarat, loved by both kids and adults alike. To truly appreciate its deliciousness, you have to taste Piyush for yourself.
Ingredients: Piyush Drink Recipe
- 200 grams of Shrikhand (about 1 cup), flavored with cardamom, saffron, or a combination
- 1.5 cups of fresh and cold or room temperature yogurt (curd)
- ¾ to 1 cup of cold or room temperature milk
- 2 to 3 tablespoons of sugar, or as needed
- 2 to 3 green cardamoms, powdered finely
- ¼ teaspoon of grated or ground nutmeg
- 6 to 7 unsalted pistachios, sliced
- 1 to 2 pinches of saffron strands
Instructions: Piyush Drink Recipe
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shrikhand, yogurt, milk, sugar, cardamom powder, and nutmeg powder.
- Using a hand-held blender, a wired whisk, or a traditional hand-held Indian churner (madani), blend everything until smooth and creamy.
- Alternatively, you can blend the ingredients in an electric blender.
- Refrigerate the piyush for at least 2 hours to chill.
- If using cold shrikhand, yogurt, and milk, the piyush can be served immediately after blending.
- Start by adding 2 tablespoons of sugar. If desired, adjust sweetness by adding 1 tablespoon more later.
- Pour the chilled piyush into glasses and garnish with sliced pistachios or almonds and saffron.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to a day.
Notes:
- Use fresh yogurt that is not too sour for the best results.
- Customize by adding your choice of nuts and dry fruits.
- This recipe can be easily adjusted to make larger servings.
Conclusion:
Piyush Drink Recipe is a delightful beverage enjoyed in Maharashtra and Gujarat, appreciated by both children and adults. Its creamy texture and aromatic flavors make it a refreshing treat, perfect for any occasion. Whether served chilled as a refreshing drink or paired with traditional Indian snacks, Piyush is sure to be a hit among family and friends.
FAQs about Piyush Drink Recipe
What is Piyush?
Piyush is a creamy beverage popular in the Maharashtrian and Gujarati cuisines of western India. It’s made by combining Shrikhand, a thick yogurt-based dessert, with milk and flavored with nutmeg and cardamom.
How is Piyush different from Lassi?
While both Piyush and Lassi are yogurt-based drinks, Piyush is thicker, creamier, and sweeter than Lassi due to the addition of Shrikhand. Shrikhand adds richness and sweetness to Piyush.
Can store-bought Shrikhand be used to make Piyush?
Yes, store-bought Shrikhand can be used to make Piyush for a quick and easy version of the drink. Choose from flavors like cardamom, saffron, or a combination of both.
How long should Piyush be refrigerated before serving?
It’s recommended to refrigerate Piyush for at least 2 hours before serving to chill it. However, if using cold Shrikhand, yogurt, and milk, Piyush can be served immediately after blending.
What are some garnishing options for serving Piyush?
Piyush can be garnished with sliced pistachios or almonds and saffron strands before serving to add visual appeal and a hint of additional flavor.