Sheer Khurma

There are some dishes that go beyond the plate—they tell stories, evoke memories, and bring communities together. Sheer Khurma is one such beloved dessert, traditionally prepared during Eid and special occasions, especially in Muslim households across South Asia. The name itself translates to milk with dates, but that’s just the beginning of its indulgent tale.

With roots stretching across Persian cuisine, Sheer Khurma traveled through Central Asia and became a festive staple in Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and Afghan homes. Rich in both flavour and cultural symbolism, this dish beautifully showcases generosity, warmth, and celebration.

The Magic of Sheer Khurma

Sheer Khurma is essentially a luxurious vermicelli pudding, enriched with ghee, dried fruits, and nuts. What makes it stand apart from other Indian milk-based desserts like kheer is the abundance of dates, the aromatic hint of rose essence, and the generous addition of Chironji seeds, a uniquely Indian touch.

The preparation starts by slow-roasting vermicelli in ghee, which gives it a nutty aroma and golden hue. Meanwhile, chopped dates, cashews, almonds, pistachios, and raisins are also sautéed in ghee to unlock their richness. All of these come together in simmering full-fat milk, flavoured delicately with cardamom and finished with a hint of rose.

This is not just dessert—it’s comfort in a bowl, an offering of love, and a memory you’ll revisit every time you cook it again.

Why Sheer Khurma is the Ideal Iftaar Dessert

1. Naturally Energizing: Dates, milk, and dry fruits—three of the main ingredients—are rich in natural sugars, proteins, and minerals, making Sheer Khurma an ideal post-fasting dish. It replenishes energy levels and feels light despite being indulgent.
2. Warm and Comforting: After a day of fasting, the creamy texture and spiced warmth of Sheer Khurma feel like a gentle hug to your body and soul.
3. Made Ahead of Time: You can prepare it in advance and reheat as needed—perfect for large family Iftaars.
4. Festive and Nostalgic: It’s more than just food—it’s tradition. Every spoonful carries the love of family, childhood memories, and Eid mornings.

Ingredients – Each One Matters

Let’s break down the ingredient list—not just for what goes in, but why it matters.

For the Base:

• Full-Fat Milk (1 Liter) – The heart of Sheer Khurma. Use full-fat milk for creaminess and richness.
• Vermicelli (1/3 Cup) – The signature ingredient, giving body to the dish. Roasted in ghee, it adds nutty notes.

For Sweetness and Texture:

• Pitted Dates (10 Nos) – Natural sweetness and soft texture. Dates also carry religious significance in Islam, especially during Ramadan.
• Sugar (1/4 Cup) – Adjust to taste depending on how sweet your dates are.

For Nutty Indulgence:

• Chopped Cashews, Almonds, Pistachios – Adds crunch and richness.
• Chironji Seeds (1 Tbsp) – A traditional Indian touch. Mildly nutty and creamy once cooked.
• Raisins – Sweet bursts of flavour that plump up beautifully in ghee.

For Flavour & Aroma:

• Cardamom Powder (1/4 Tsp) – The key spice—warm, sweet, and aromatic.
• Rose Essence (2 Drops) – Adds floral elegance. A little goes a long way.
• Ghee – For roasting everything. Nothing beats the flavour ghee imparts.

How to Make Sheer Khurma – Step by Step

Step 1: Roast Vermicelli

In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat a spoonful of ghee. Add vermicelli and roast on low flame until golden brown. Transfer to a plate.

Step 2: Prep the Dates

In the same pan, add a little ghee and roast chopped dates for 2–3 mins on low heat. Set aside.

Step 3: Fry the Nuts and Raisins

Add more ghee as needed. First, roast chopped cashews, almonds, pistachios, and chironji seeds until golden. Remove and set aside. Then roast raisins until they puff up.

Step 4: Simmer the Milk

Boil milk in a large pot. Once it begins to reduce, add roasted vermicelli. Cook until vermicelli is soft and milk thickens slightly (about 10–12 mins).

Step 5: Sweeten and Flavour

Add sugar and stir until dissolved. Add cardamom powder and rose essence.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Now add the roasted dates, nuts, and raisins. Let it simmer for 2–3 mins more.

Step 7: Serve

Sheer Khurma is ready! Serve it warm, or chill it for a couple of hours and serve cold—it tastes divine either way.

How to Serve

Sheer Khurma can be served warm or chilled, depending on your mood and the weather. During Eid-ul-Fitr, it's often the first thing served after morning prayers, offering a sweet start to a day of celebration. Garnish with a few strands of saffron or a drizzle of extra ghee on top for that luxurious finish.

Serve it in small bowls or mini glass cups at a party or festive gathering for a sophisticated touch. A sprinkle of edible rose petals or slivered pistachios makes it look absolutely regal.

• Serve in small katoris or glasses for an elegant presentation.
• Garnish with a few slivers of pistachios, saffron strands, or dried rose petals.
• Accompany with dates, dry fruits, or even a crunchy snack like papdi for contrast.

Serving for Iftaar? Keep it ready in your fridge and warm slightly before sunset. It’s best enjoyed with a hot cup of chai or milk.

How to Store and Pack

If you're prepping Sheer Khurma in advance or want to gift it to friends and family during Eid, here are a few tips:

• Storage: It stays well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low flame or in the microwave, adding a little milk if it thickens.
• Packing: Use glass jars with secure lids for gifting. Let the Sheer Khurma cool completely before sealing to avoid condensation.
• Freezing Tip: It can be frozen, but it’s best enjoyed fresh due to the texture of vermicelli and nuts.

Crowd Pleaser Notes

Sheer Khurma is naturally crowd-friendly, making it a great dessert for iftar gatherings or festive dinner parties. The best part? You can make it in bulk without much effort. Just remember to keep stirring the milk occasionally to prevent sticking or burning at the bottom.

Whether it’s Eid, Ramadan, or simply a sweet craving on a winter evening, this dish fills your home with warmth, aroma, and a sense of celebration.

Packing and Gifting Tips

• For Gifting: Pour into sterilized glass jars, tie with a ribbon, and add a handwritten label. Perfect for Eid gifting.
• For Storage: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add a splash of milk while reheating if it thickens.
• Freezing Tip: Not recommended, as vermicelli and nuts may turn soggy on thawing.