Sheer Khurma: A Rich and Creamy Traditional Indian Dessert Recipe

Ingredients

1 litre Milk
50 grams Vermicelli
100 grams Sugar
2 tablespoons Ghee (Clarified butter)
10-12 pieces Almonds (blanched and thinly sliced)
10-12 pieces Pistachios (blanched and thinly sliced)
10-12 pieces Cashews (blanched and thinly sliced)
2 tablespoons Raisins
10-12 pieces Dates (deseeded and chopped)
1/2 teaspoon Cardamom powder
1/4 teaspoon Saffron strands
1 teaspoon Rose water

Steps and instructions

Soak the almonds, pistachios, and cashews in hot water for an hour. After that, peel and thinly slice them. Also, deseed the dates and chop them into small pieces.
Heat the ghee (clarified butter) in a deep bottom pan. Add the vermicelli to it and roast on medium heat until it turns golden brown.
Now, add the sliced nuts and raisins and roast for another 2-3 minutes.
Pour the milk into the pan and let it come to a boil. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until the milk thickens a bit.
Add the sugar and mix well until it dissolves completely.
Add the chopped dates, cardamom powder, and saffron strands. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Finally, add the rose water and mix. Turn off the heat.
Sheer Khurma is ready to serve. You can serve it hot or chilled, as per your preference. Garnish with some more sliced nuts before serving.

Tools for making

Deep bottom pan - A pan with a thick bottom that helps prevent burning and ensures even heat distribution.
Stove or Cooktop - A heat source for cooking the recipe.
Spatula or Wooden Spoon - Used for stirring and mixing the ingredients.
Knife - Used for slicing the blanched nuts and deseeding the dates.
Measuring Cups - Used for accurately measuring the quantity of ingredients, such as sugar and ghee.
Blender or Grinder - Optional, used for grinding saffron strands into a fine powder.
Bowls - Used for soaking the nuts and dates in hot water.
Strainer - Used to strain the soaked nuts and remove excess water before slicing.

Recipe variations

Add a pinch of cardamom powder and a few strands of saffron to the milk while boiling, for enhanced flavor.
Replace regular milk with almond milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
Instead of vermicelli, you can use thin rice noodles or seviyan (thin wheat noodles) for a different texture.
For a richer taste, you can add condensed milk in addition to regular milk.
Add a tablespoon of rose syrup or rose essence to give a distinct floral flavor.
Include a handful of dry fruits like figs, apricots, or walnuts for added crunch and sweetness.
For a unique twist, you can add a tablespoon of grated coconut or coconut flakes.
Garnish with silvered or crushed edible rose petals for an elegant presentation.
Serve with a scoop of vanilla or saffron ice cream to create a delightful dessert.
For a healthier version, replace sugar with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.

Recipe overview

Sheer Khurma, a delicious and rich dessert originating from the Mughal era, is often made during the festive period of Eid in Muslim households. This creamy and luscious sweet, made with vermicelli, milk, sugar, and a generous amount of dried fruits and nuts, has an aromatic hint of cardamom and rose water that enhances its rich flavor profile. The name "Sheer Khurma" literally translates to "milk with dates" in Persian, and indeed dates form a key part of this dessert. This dessert is typically served hot, but can also be enjoyed chilled. This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to making this traditional sweet, ensuring a perfect result every time. Whether you're familiar with this festive specialty or are trying it for the first time, this Sheer Khurma recipe will not disappoint.

Common questions

Can I use any type of milk for Sheer Khurma?
Yes, you can use any type of milk – whole milk, low-fat milk, or even plant-based milk like almond milk or soy milk. However, using whole milk will give a creamier texture to the Sheer Khurma.
Can I substitute the vermicelli with something else?
Vermicelli is a key ingredient in Sheer Khurma and provides a unique texture to the dish. It is recommended to use vermicelli for an authentic taste. However, if you cannot find vermicelli, you can try using thin rice noodles as a substitute.
Can I adjust the sweetness of Sheer Khurma?
Yes, you can adjust the sweetness of Sheer Khurma according to your preference. If you like it less sweet, you can reduce the amount of sugar used. Conversely, if you prefer it sweeter, you can increase the amount of sugar.
Can I add other dry fruits to Sheer Khurma?
Certainly! Sheer Khurma is a versatile dessert, and you can add other dry fruits like raisins, apricots, or even shredded coconut to enhance the flavor and texture.
How long can I store Sheer Khurma?
Sheer Khurma can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.

Serving dishes and utensils

Deep Bottom Pan - A deep pan is necessary to cook the milk and other ingredients without any spills.
Stirring Spoon - A long-handled spoon for stirring the milk and other ingredients while cooking.
Knife - To slice the blanched almonds, pistachios, and cashews.
Measuring Spoons - To measure the required amount of sugar, ghee, cardamom powder, saffron strands, and rose water accurately.
Blender or Mortar and Pestle - To crush the saffron strands into a fine powder before adding to the recipe.
Serving Bowls or Glasses - To serve the Sheer Khurma. Use bowls or glasses of your choice.
Garnish Spoon or Tongs - To garnish the Sheer Khurma with sliced nuts before serving.
Refrigerator - If you prefer serving the Sheer Khurma chilled, you will need a refrigerator to cool it before serving.

Origin stories

Sheer Khurma, which literally translates to "Milk with Dates" in Persian, is a traditional festive breakfast dish in the Muslim community. It is a special delicacy prepared during Eid ul-Fitr, a celebration that marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. The dish is said to have originated in the Mughal Empire, and its popularity spread across the Indian subcontinent and the Middle East. It is rich in nutrients, providing an instant energy boost after a month of fasting. The recipe has been passed down from generation to generation, each adding their own local touch to it. Despite the slight variations in the recipe, the essential ingredients remain the same, making Sheer Khurma a universal symbol of celebration and togetherness.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.