Sheer Khurma (Festive Vermicelli Pudding with Nuts and Cardamom) Recipe
Sheer Khurma is a rich and aromatic traditional vermicelli pudding prepared with milk, nuts, dates, and fragrant spices. This creamy dessert, often enjoyed during festive occasions, combines the sweetness of dates and sugar with the nuttiness of roasted almonds, cashews, and pistachios, enhanced by the delicate flavors of rose water and cardamom. Served warm or chilled, Sheer Khurma is a comforting and indulgent treat perfect for celebrations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Ghee and Nuts
- 2 tablespoons ghee (30 ml)
- 10-15 cashews (broken)
- 10-12 almonds (chopped)
- 10-12 pistachios (chopped)
- 10-15 golden raisins
- 6-7 large dates (chopped or use 10 small dates)
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup broken vermicelli
- 1/2 cup grated mawa (optional)
- 1 liter whole milk
- 4 tablespoons sugar (or to taste)
Flavorings
- 1.5 teaspoon rose water
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
Instructions
- Heat ghee and sauté nuts, raisins, and dates: Heat ghee in a pan over medium heat until hot. Add chopped nuts, raisins, and dates and cook for 1-2 minutes until the nuts become fragrant and golden brown and the raisins plump up. Remove the nut mixture from the pan and set aside.
- Roast vermicelli: To the same pan, add broken vermicelli and mix well. Roast for approximately 3 minutes until the vermicelli turns a light golden brown color, ensuring you stir frequently to prevent burning.
- Optional mawa roasting: Add grated mawa (khoya) to the pan with the vermicelli and roast for an additional 1-2 minutes. This step enhances richness but can be skipped if desired.
- Add milk and bring to boil: Pour the whole milk into the pan with vermicelli and mawa, stirring well. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently to prevent the vermicelli from sticking to the bottom.
- Simmer to thicken: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for about 8 minutes. During this time, the milk will reduce slightly and thicken.
- Add sugar: Stir in the sugar according to your taste, ensuring it dissolves completely into the milk mixture.
- Combine nuts and flavorings: Return the sautéed nuts, raisins, and dates back into the pan. Add rose water and cardamom powder, mixing everything evenly into the pudding.
- Final cooking: Cook the Sheer Khurma on medium-low heat for another 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors and gently thicken the mixture.
- Serve: Turn off the heat and serve Sheer Khurma warm or chilled as a delightful festive dessert.
Notes
- Grated mawa is optional but adds richness and a creamy texture.
- Adjust sugar according to your sweetness preference.
- Stir frequently during simmering to avoid vermicelli sticking or burning.
- Rose water enhances aroma but can be omitted if unavailable.
- This dessert can be served warm or chilled depending on preference.
