Sheer Khurma Recipe for Ramadan: A Traditional Delight

Sheer Khurma is a rich and creamy dessert that holds a special place in Ramadan celebrations. This delightful sweet dish, made with milk, vermicelli, and dry fruits, is traditionally enjoyed during Eid-ul-Fitr and Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) in many South Asian and Middle Eastern households. The name Sheer Khurma literally translates to "milk with dates" in Persian, highlighting the dish’s key ingredients.

If you’re looking for an authentic sheer khurma recipe, or an easy sheer khurma recipe that doesn’t compromise on taste, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the sheer khurma ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and expert tips to make the perfect bowl of this festive dessert.

What is Sheer Khurma?

Sheer Khurma is a traditional vermicelli pudding that is popular in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. It is often served on the morning of Eid after a month of fasting during Ramadan. Made with fine vermicelli, full-fat milk, dates, nuts, and sugar, this dessert has a rich, creamy texture with a delightful crunch from the dry fruits.

There are many variations of sheer khurma, but the authentic sheer khurma recipe follows a traditional method where the vermicelli is roasted in ghee and then slow-cooked with milk and dates for a deeply flavourful dessert.

Sheer Khurma Ingredients: 

Before we begin, let's take a look at the ingredients you'll need for this easy sheer khurma recipe:

Main Ingredients:

• Full-fat milk – 1 liter (for a rich and creamy texture)
• Fine vermicelli (Seviyan) – 100 grams (lightly roasted)
• Sugar – ½ cup (adjust to taste)
• Ghee (Clarified Butter) – 2 tablespoons

Dry Fruits & Nuts:

• Chopped almonds – 10-12
• Chopped cashews – 10-12
• Chopped pistachios – 10-12
• Chopped dates (Khajoor) – 5-6
• Raisins – 2 tablespoons

Flavouring Agents:

• Cardamom powder – ½ teaspoon
• Rose water – 1 teaspoon (optional but adds a lovely fragrance)
• Saffron strands – A pinch (optional for a luxurious touch)

Garnish (Optional):

• Silver leaf (Chandi ka varq) – for decoration
• Crushed dried rose petals – for added aroma

How to Make Sheer Khurma (Step-by-Step Recipe)

Follow these simple steps to prepare an authentic sheer khurma recipe at home. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can recreate this festive dessert in your own kitchen.

Be sure to use fresh and high-quality dry fruits to enhance the flavour and texture of your sheer khurma.

Step 1: Roast the Dry Fruits and Nuts

• Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee in a pan over medium heat.
• Add chopped almonds, cashews, pistachios, and raisins and sauté them until they turn golden brown. Remove them and set aside.
• In the same pan, add chopped dates and lightly sauté them for a minute to enhance their sweetness.

Step 2: Roast the Vermicelli

• In the same pan, add fine vermicelli and roast it in the remaining ghee until it turns golden brown.
• Keep stirring to avoid burning. Once done, set aside.

Step 3: Boil the Milk

• In a heavy-bottomed pan, bring 1 liter of full-fat milk to a boil.
• Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Add saffron strands and cardamom powder to enhance the flavour.

Step 4: Add the Roasted Vermicelli and Nuts

• Add the roasted vermicelli to the simmering milk. Stir well to avoid lumps.
• Let it cook for 5-7 minutes until the vermicelli softens.
• Add the roasted dry fruits, including dates, cashews, and almonds.

Step 5: Sweeten the Sheer Khurma

• Add ½ cup of sugar and stir well until fully dissolved. Adjust sweetness to your preference.
• Simmer for another 5 minutes so all the flavours blend together.
• If the mixture becomes too thick, you can add more milk to adjust the consistency.

Step 6: Final Touch & Garnishing

• Turn off the heat and add rose water for a delightful fragrance.
• Garnish with silver leaf and dried rose petals for an elegant presentation.

Serving Suggestions:

Sheer Khurma is best enjoyed warm, but it can also be served chilled. Here are a few serving tips.

• Traditional Serving: Pour sheer khurma into a bowl and garnish with extra chopped nuts.
• Chilled Version: Let it cool down and refrigerate for a few hours before serving for a pudding-like texture.
• With Bread or Roti: Some people enjoy it with naan or sheermal for a richer experience.

Tips for the Perfect Sheer Khurma:

To make the best sheer khurma recipe, keep these tips in mind:

• Use full-fat milk for a creamy texture.
• Roast the vermicelli properly to enhance its nutty flavour.
• Don’t rush the cooking process – slow cooking helps infuse all the flavours.
• Adjust sweetness according to taste – some prefer using condensed milk instead of sugar.
• Add khoya or evaporated milk for an even richer version.
• Serve fresh – sheer khurma tastes best when made fresh, but you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Variations of Sheer Khurma:

Sheer Khurma can be made in many different ways depending on regional preferences. Here are a few variations:

• Hyderabadi Sheer Khurma: This version is known for its rich and creamy texture, made with khoya (reduced milk) and an abundance of dry fruits. The addition of saffron and cardamom enhances its royal flavour. It is usually served warm, making it a comforting and indulgent treat.

• Pakistani Sheer Khurma: A slightly sweeter version that uses more dates for natural sweetness. It is often prepared with a mix of full-fat milk and evaporated milk to achieve a velvety texture. Garnished with slivered almonds and pistachios, this variation offers a delightful crunch in every bite.

• Afghani Sheer Khurma:This version has a thicker consistency and includes coconut for a mildly sweet and nutty flavour. Some recipes also add rose water or orange blossom water for a fragrant touch. Additionally, chopped dried apricots and figs are often mixed in to enhance the depth of flavour.

• Instant Sheer Khurma: A quick and easy version that uses condensed milk and pre-roasted vermicelli, allowing it to be prepared in under 20 minutes. This variation is perfect for last-minute guests or busy festive mornings. It is often served chilled, giving it a pudding-like consistency that’s both refreshing and delicious.

Health Benefits of Sheer Khurma:

Sheer Khurma is not just delicious but also nutritious:

• Milk is rich in calcium and protein.
• Dry fruits provide healthy fats and vitamins.
• Dates are a natural energy booster, packed with iron and fibre.
• Ghee supports digestion and enhances the dish’s richness.

While sheer khurma is an indulgent treat, consuming it in moderation can provide essential nutrients, making it a great Suhoor or Eid dessert.

Sheer Khurma is more than just a dessert, it’s a tradition, a celebration, and a symbol of togetherness during Ramadan and Eid. Whether you follow the authentic sheer khurma recipe or an easy sheer khurma recipe, the result is always a bowl full of warmth and festivity. Try this sheer khurma recipe at home and share it with your loved ones. It’s a dish that brings joy to every Eid table!