Introduction

 

Just thinking about the name of Sheer Khurma makes me remember happy times from my childhood. The excitement in our home grew as Eid got closer, because we knew that soon we would be able to enjoy the rich and creamy Sheer Khurma. It was mesmerizing the first time I tried Sheer Khurma because of its velvety texture and delicate balance of tastes.

 

Learn more about the cultural importance of Sheer Khurma during Eid celebrations in this insightful article on Sheer Khurma.

 

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Ingredients:

 

• 1 litre Milk
• 1 cup Semiya (Vermicelli)
• 1/2 cup Ghee (Clarified Butter)
• 1/2 cup chopped Mixed Dry Fruits (Cashew, Almond, Chironji, Pistachios)
• 1 tsp Cardamom Powder
• A pinch of soaked Kesar (Saffron)
• 1 tsp Kewra Water
• 1/2 cup Sugar
• 1 tbsp Kismis (Raisins)
• 1/2 cup chopped Dates

 

Instructions:

 

1. Reduce Milk:
Pour 1 litre of milk into a large vessel and bring it to a boil. Simmer until it reduces to about half its original quantity, thickening in consistency.

2. Sauté Semiya:
In a separate pan, heat 1/2 cup of ghee. Add 1 cup of semiya (vermicelli) and sauté it until it turns golden brown.

3. Add Dry Fruits:
To the sautéed semiya, add 1/2 cup of mixed dry fruits, including cashews, almonds, chironji, and pistachios. Stir well to combine.

4. Set Garnish Aside:
Remove a small portion of the sautéed vermicelli and dry fruits mixture for garnishing later.

5. Add Flavorings to Milk:
Once the milk has reduced, add 1 tsp of cardamom powder, soaked saffron, and 1 tsp of kewra water. Stir well to incorporate the flavors.

6. Add Sugar to Milk:
Now, add 1/2 cup of sugar to the milk mixture. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Let it simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors.

7. Prepare Vermicelli Mixture:
In the sautéed vermicelli, add 1 tbsp of raisins and 1/2 cup of chopped dates. Pour a small amount of the hot milk mixture over the vermicelli. Cover and let it cook for 2 minutes until the milk is absorbed.

8. Garnish with Sweetened Semiya:
Sprinkle a little sugar on the reserved portion of sautéed vermicelli for garnishing, enhancing its flavor.

9. Assemble Sheer Khurma:
On a serving plate, pour the prepared milk mixture. Layer the cooked vermicelli on top and garnish with the reserved sautéed vermicelli, dry fruits, and additional dates.

10. Serve:
Your delicious Sheer Khurma is ready to be served! Enjoy this flavorful dessert with your family and friends.

 

Note:
You can adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of sugar to suit your taste.

 

 

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About Sheer Khurma

 

A traditional South Asian dessert called Sheer Khurma is made with vermicelli, milk, sugar, and different kinds of nuts and dried fruits. It is also called Sheer Korma or Seviyan. For example, "Sheer Khurma" means "milk with dates" in Persian, which shows what these two sweet treats are made of. It is usually made for holidays like Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha, and in Muslim communities all over the world, it has a lot of religious and cultural meaning.

Different parts of the world have different recipes for Sheer Khurma. Each family adds their own special touch to this traditional dish. But the main idea stays the same: a rich, creamy pudding with the smell of cardamom, saffron, and rose water, topped with a lot of dates, almonds, pistachios, and other dried fruits. Sheer Khurma is more than just a dessert; it's a sign of friendship, kindness, and sharing happiness with family and friends.

 

 

Cooking Tips

 

1. Choice of Vermicelli: For a light layer in the Sheer Khurma, use thin vermicelli.
2. Milk: To make it thick and rich, use full-fat milk.
3. Sweetness: You can change how much sugar you use to your liking, but keep in mind that the dried fruits also add sweetness.
4. Flavorings: Add cardamom powder, saffron strands, and a little rose water to Sheer Khurma to make it taste better and smell better.
5. Nuts and Dried Fruits: Before adding the nuts to the Sheer Khurma, lightly toast them to make them crunchier and improve the taste.
6. Simmering: Let the Sheer Khurma slowly cook until the vermicelli is fully cooked and the flavors are mixed in.
7. Garnish: For a holiday touch, top the Sheer Khurma with a lot of chopped dates, almonds, pistachios, and edible leaves that have been slivered.

 

 

Pairing Guide

 

Sheer Khurma goes well with spicy foods like Biryani or Kebabs because its creamy sweetness cuts through the fat of the food. Plus, it is a tasty dessert all by itself, whether you serve it warm or cold with a hot cup of tea or coffee. Serve Sheer Khurma with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra sweet treat.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions about Sheer Khurma:

 

1. Q: Can I use regular milk instead of full-fat milk for Sheer Khurma?
   • A: Full-fat milk provides a richer and creamier texture to Sheer Khurma, but you can use regular milk as well, adjusting the consistency with cream if needed.
2. Q: How long does Sheer Khurma last?
   • A: Sheer Khurma can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat it gently before serving, adding a splash of milk to adjust the consistency if necessary.
3. Q: Can I make Sheer Khurma without nuts and dried fruits?
   • A: While nuts and dried fruits add flavor and texture to Sheer Khurma, you can omit them or adjust the quantity according to your preference.
4. Q: Can I use jaggery instead of sugar for Sheer Khurma?
   • A: Traditional Sheer Khurma is made with sugar, but you can experiment with jaggery for a unique flavor profile. Adjust the quantity according to taste.
5. Q: Can I use rose syrup instead of rose water in Sheer Khurma?
   • A: Rose water adds a subtle floral aroma to Sheer Khurma, but you can use rose syrup as a substitute, reducing the quantity to avoid overpowering the dish.
6. Q: Can I make Sheer Khurma vegan?
   • A: Yes, you can make a vegan version of Sheer Khurma using plant-based milk alternatives like almond milk or coconut milk and replacing ghee with vegan butter or oil.
7. Q: Can I use different types of vermicelli for Sheer Khurma?
   • A: Yes, you can experiment with different varieties of vermicelli, such as rice vermicelli or whole wheat vermicelli, for unique textures and flavors.
8. Q: Why is Sheer Khurma served warm or chilled?
   • A: Sheer Khurma can be enjoyed warm or chilled, depending on personal preference. Serving it warm enhances the aroma of spices, while chilling it adds a refreshing touch.
9. Q: Can I make Sheer Khurma ahead of time for a party?
   • A: Yes, you can prepare Sheer Khurma ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently before serving and garnish with fresh nuts and dried fruits for a festive presentation.
10. Q: Can I add additional flavorings like cinnamon or nutmeg to Sheer Khurma?
    • A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different spices and flavorings to customize Sheer Khurma according to your taste preferences. Just remember to balance the flavors for a harmonious blend.

 

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