admin1 Sheer Khurma (Very Detailed Traditional Recipe)
Sheer Khurma is a rich and luxurious South Asian dessert traditionally prepared on Eid. It is made with milk, vermicelli, dates, nuts, and aromatic ingredients, creating a creamy and flavorful sweet dish that can be served warm or chilled.
Ingredients
3 liters full-fat milk
200 grams fine vermicelli (seviyan)
150 grams sugar (adjust according to taste)
20 seedless dates, finely chopped
100 grams almonds
100 grams pistachios
100 grams cashew nuts
50 grams raisins
50 grams chironji (optional)
4 tablespoons desiccated coconut
6 tablespoons ghee
1 teaspoon cardamom powder
1 teaspoon rose water
1 teaspoon kewra water
A pinch of saffron strands
4 tablespoons warm milk for soaking saffron
Method
Wash the almonds and pistachios if desired and soak them in warm water for 20 minutes. Peel the almonds and slice all nuts thinly.
Soak the saffron strands in 4 tablespoons of warm milk and set aside.
Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat and pour in the milk. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat and allow the milk to cook slowly, stirring occasionally. This helps develop a richer flavor.
In a separate pan, heat the ghee. Add almonds, pistachios, cashews, chironji, raisins, and coconut. Fry gently until the nuts become lightly golden and fragrant. Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, add the vermicelli to the remaining ghee. Roast on low heat until it turns light golden brown. Stir continuously to avoid burning.
Add the chopped dates to the roasted vermicelli and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. The dates will soften and release their sweetness.
Transfer the vermicelli and dates mixture into the simmering milk. Stir well to combine.
Allow the mixture to cook over low heat for about 15 to 20 minutes. The vermicelli will soften and the milk will gradually thicken.
Add the sugar and stir until completely dissolved.
Add the fried nuts, raisins, and coconut. Mix thoroughly.
Pour in the saffron milk, cardamom powder, rose water, and kewra water. Stir gently so that all flavors are evenly distributed.
Continue cooking on low heat for another 10 to 15 minutes until the Sheer Khurma becomes creamy and slightly thick. Remember that it will thicken further as it cools.
Taste and adjust sweetness if required.
Remove from heat and allow it to rest for a few minutes.
Transfer to a large serving bowl.
Garnish with additional sliced almonds, pistachios, saffron strands, and chopped dates.
Serve warm for a comforting dessert or chill for several hours and serve cold.
Tips
Use full-fat milk for the richest taste and texture.
Do not overcook the vermicelli or it may become mushy.
Dates add natural sweetness and are one of the signature ingredients of authentic Sheer Khurma.
A mixture of different nuts creates better flavor and texture.
For a more luxurious version, add 200 milliliters fresh cream near the end of cooking.
If the dessert becomes too thick after refrigeration, simply stir in a little cold milk before serving.
This traditional Sheer Khurma is creamy, fragrant, rich with nuts and dates, and perfect for Eid breakfasts, family gatherings, and festive celebrations.
