Eid Delight: Luxurious Sheer Khurma
Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of Sheer Khurma, a traditional vermicelli pudding made to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr. This delightful dessert combines the goodness of whole milk, the sweetness of condensed milk and dates, and the aromatic touch of cardamom. With perfectly cooked vermicelli and a sprinkle of saffron, this dessert is not only a feast for the eyes but also a warm hug for your taste buds. Enhancing the flavors are a medley of crushed dried fruits like almonds, pistachios, and cashews that add a delightful crunch. Perfectly served warm, this comforting pudding embodies the spirit of celebration and togetherness.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dry Dates
6 (Soaked for 3-4 hours, pitted and chopped)
Whole Milk
1 liter (Used for boiling and thickening)
Sweetened Condensed Milk
200 g (Combined with the thickened milk)
Green Cardamoms
4 (Slightly pounded)
Vermicelli (Sevaiyan)
1 cup (Fried in ghee)
Ghee or Clarified Butter
2 tablespoons (Used for frying vermicelli)
Sugar
1/2 cup (Adjusted to taste)
Saffron
1 pinch (Soaked in a tablespoon of hot milk)
Crushed Dried Fruits
1 cup (A mixture of almonds, pistachios, and cashews)
Instructions
1
Begin by soaking the dates in warm water for about 3-4 hours until they are soft. Once softened, remove the seeds and chop the dates into small pieces.
2
In a small pan, boil the chopped dates with 1 cup of milk until the milk has evaporated and the dates have absorbed its sweetness. Set aside.
3
Pour the remaining 1 liter of milk into a heavy-bottomed pan and bring it to a gentle boil over low flame. Allow it to simmer for about 40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until it thickens.
4
Once the milk is thickened, add in the sweetened condensed milk, stirring it well to combine all the flavors.
5
In a separate pan, heat 2 tablespoons of ghee over medium heat. Add the slightly crushed cardamoms and the vermicelli. Sauté until the vermicelli turns golden brown to enhance its flavor and aroma.
6
Carefully mix the fried vermicelli into the thickened milk, cooking for an additional 10 minutes until the vermicelli softens.
7
Stir in the sugar and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fully dissolved. Adjust the sugar to your taste, keeping in mind the sweetness from the condensed milk.
8
Add the saffron that has been soaking in hot milk to the pudding and mix well.
9
Incorporate about 1/4 cup of the crushed dried fruits and half of the cooked dates into the pudding. Allow to simmer for 2-3 more minutes.
10
Remove the pan from heat and let it cool slightly. Serve warm, garnished with the remaining crushed dried fruits and chopped dates.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sheer Khurma?
Sheer Khurma is a traditional festive vermicelli pudding made with milk, dates, and a variety of nuts, commonly served during Eid celebrations.
How many servings does this Sheer Khurma recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 6 servings.
How long should I soak the dry dates?
The dry dates should be soaked in warm water for about 3 to 4 hours until they are soft enough to pit and chop.
What type of milk is best for this recipe?
Whole milk is recommended for this recipe to achieve a rich and creamy consistency.
How long does the milk need to simmer to thicken?
The milk should simmer over a low flame for about 40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
Why is sweetened condensed milk used?
Sweetened condensed milk is added to enhance the creaminess and provide a rich depth of flavor and sweetness to the pudding.
What is the role of ghee in this recipe?
Ghee is used to sauté the cardamoms and vermicelli, which helps in developing a golden brown color and a wonderful aromatic flavor.
How should the vermicelli be prepared before adding to the milk?
The vermicelli should be sautéed in ghee over medium heat until it turns a beautiful golden brown color.
How long do I cook the vermicelli in the thickened milk?
Once added to the thickened milk, the vermicelli should be cooked for an additional 10 minutes until it becomes soft.
How much sugar should I add?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of sugar, but you should adjust this amount to your personal preference, keeping in mind the sweetness already provided by the condensed milk.
How do I prepare the saffron for the pudding?
Soak a pinch of saffron in a tablespoon of hot milk before adding it to the pudding to release its color and aroma.
Which dried fruits are included in the 'Crushed Dried Fruits' mix?
The mixture consists of 1 cup of crushed almonds, pistachios, and cashews.
Should Sheer Khurma be served warm or cold?
While it can be served at various temperatures, this specific recipe recommends serving the pudding warm for a comforting experience.
What are the primary aromatics used in this dessert?
The primary aromatics used are green cardamoms and saffron.
How do I prepare the dates after soaking?
After soaking, remove the seeds, chop them into small pieces, and boil them with a cup of milk until the milk evaporates.
What kind of vermicelli is used in Sheer Khurma?
Fine vermicelli, often referred to as Sevaiyan, is used for this traditional pudding.
Can I use fewer dates if I prefer?
Yes, you can adjust the quantity of dry dates according to your taste, although 6 dates provide a traditional level of sweetness and texture.
Is it necessary to boil the dates separately in milk?
Yes, boiling the chopped dates in 1 cup of milk first ensures they absorb sweetness and reach the right consistency before being added to the main pot.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
There are 9 main ingredients required to make this luxurious Sheer Khurma.
Can I substitute ghee with butter?
While ghee is traditional and provides a specific nutty aroma, you can use unsalted butter if ghee is unavailable.
What should the consistency of the final pudding be?
The final pudding should be rich, creamy, and thick, but still pourable enough to be enjoyed as a vermicelli soup-like dessert.
When should the crushed dried fruits be added?
About 1/4 cup of the crushed nuts is added during the final simmering stages, while the rest is used as a garnish before serving.
What category of food does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is classified as a Dessert.
How do I prevent the milk from burning while thickening?
Use a heavy-bottomed pan and stir the milk occasionally while it simmers on a low flame.
What is the significance of Sheer Khurma in Ramadan?
It is a staple dish for Eid-ul-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, and is shared with family and friends to celebrate togetherness.
How do I prepare the green cardamoms?
The cardamoms should be slightly pounded or crushed to help release their flavor into the ghee and vermicelli.
How much condensed milk is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 200 grams of sweetened condensed milk.
Is there any preparation needed for the saffron?
Yes, it should be soaked in a tablespoon of hot milk to infuse before being stirred into the pudding.
What are common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include Sheer Khurma, Eid dessert, vermicelli pudding, traditional recipe, and festive cooking.
Can I add other nuts like walnuts?
While almonds, pistachios, and cashews are traditional, you can customize the nut mixture to include your favorites, such as walnuts or pine nuts.