Semiya payasam / Sheer Khurma / Vermicelli Kheer is a delicious Indian dessert - it's rich, delicate, creamy and extremely delicious! The best part of this pudding is that it can be served either hot or chilled depending on your liking. No more stirring and babysitting this traditional Indian dessert recipe !
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What is Semiya Payasam / Vermicelli Kheer?
This dish is a sweet Indian pudding that comes from southern parts of India. People often make it for celebrations and get parties.
This pudding is made using vermicelli noodles, milk sweetened with sugar. “Semiya” means vermicelli, which is a type of thin, round noodle. For flavoring, you add Cardamom powder that gives this pudding an incredible kick of flavor and nuts. Sometimes, it will be called sheer khurma or vermicelli kheer depending on whether its made in the north or south of India.
What is the difference between Semiya Payasam and Sheer Khurma
Sheer Khurma and Semiya Payasam are very similar Indian pudding dishes. They both use vermicelli noodles, milk, sugar and dried fruit.
The major difference is that Sheer Khurma uses dried dates instead of the raisins. Both are popular at celebrations such as festivals or family gatherings.
Ingredients in Semiya Payasam
It does not need a lot of ingredients. The main ingredient is milk. You will also need:
- roasted vermicelli noodles
- sugar
- saffron
- cardamom powder
- raisins
- mixed nuts
Why Make in the Instant Pot
The Instant Pot makes preparing this dessert recipe so easy! Thanks to the pressure cooker, this vermicelli kheer is a one pot recipe ready in 15 minutes. Plus, cooking this in the Instant Pot yields consistent, yummy results each and every time.
New to the Instant Pot and nervous about trying your hand at making an Instant Pot dessert? Don't be! We have a guide to the Instant Pot called Is the Instant Pot Worth It that breaks down everything you need to know about pressure cooking.
How to make Instant Pot Semiya Payasam
The Instant Pot makes preparing Semiya Payasam very easy. It is a one pot dessert and takes less than 15 minutes to prepare and serve.
When making Instant Pot Semiya Payasam, start by adding the roasted vermicelli noodles, milk, sugar, saffron and cardamom powder in thee inner pot of the instant pot and mix well.
Once the ingredients are well incorporated, Place the lid on the Instant Pot and make sure the vent is set to “Sealing.” Pressure cook on high for 2 minutes and allow a natural release for 10 minutes before releasing the remaining pressure.
Carefully take the lid off the Instant Pot and mix the ingredients another time. Add in the additional nuts(Optional ) and serve the pudding. If you prefer, you can chill the Semiya Payasam / Vermicelli Kheer and serve cold.
Tips and tricks
If you are making Semiya Payasam for the first time or for the first time in the Instant Pot, you can follow these tricks and tips to make the best pudding:
- Roast your own vermicelli noodles by adding a tablespoon of ghee or coconut oil to the Instant Pot and sauteing them for 3 to 4 minutes
- Use full fat whole milk for best results
- Substitute the nuts according to your tastes
- Store in airtight container for up to 3 days
- As the payasam cools down, it will become more thick. If it gets too thick, add some milk and boil.
Which Vermicelli is best to make this semiya payasam?
Thin Vermicelli made from all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour is the best to make Seviyan Kheer.
I used the brand Bambino to make this kheer. It’s a very popular brand of wheat vermicelli which is available in most Indian stores. You can even use Fideo pasta noodles . Make sure to roast them.
Can Semiya Payasam be made vegan?
Yes! You can make Semiya Payasam vegan. To do this, use coconut milk or another non-dairy milk instead of regular milk.
Also, if you need to roast your own vermicelli, don’t use ghee. Instead, use coconut oil to roast the vermicelli in the Instant Pot.
Can it be made nut free?
You can make Semiya Payasam nut free if needed. If you have a specific nut allergy, you could use only nuts that you are not allergic to instead of mixed nuts.
If you are not allergic to coconut, you could use sauteed chunks of coconut instead of mixed nuts. You could look for roasted coconut, or you could use saute mode and a little bit of oil to roast the coconut in the Instant Pot in about 3 to 4 minutes prior to making the Semiya Payasam.
Here are other desserts for your sweet tooth that you might enjoy
Semiya Payasam Video Recipe
Semiya Payasam Recipe
Semiya Payasam - Sheer kurma
Semiya payasam / Sheer Khurma / Vermicelli Kheer is a delicious Indian dessert - it's rich, delicate, creamy and extremely delicious! The best part of this pudding is that it can be served either hot or chilled depending on your liking. No more stirring and babysitting this traditional Indian dessert recipe !
Ingredients
- Roasted Vermicelli / Semiya/ Fideo pasta - 1/2 cup
- Full fat whole milk or and non dairy for vegan version - 3- cups
- Sugar ( add more as per your taste) - 1/2 cup
- Cardamom powder - 1 teaspoon
- Saffron - 4-5 strands
- Mixed nuts chopped (cashews ,raisins ,almonds, pistachios ) - 1/2 cup
Instructions
Add in the roasted vermicelli , milk, sugar, saffron and cardamom powder in the inner pot of the instant pot .Mix everything well.
Close the lid and make sure the pressure valve to sealing.
Pressure cook for 2 minutes.
Natural pressure Release after 10 minutes, open the lid and mix everything together.
Add in the some crushed dry-fruits (optional) .
Serve it hot or chilled. Enjoy!
Notes
- If using Fideo pasta or regular vermicelli make sure to roast them . Turn on Instant Pot sauté mode add 2 teaspoon ghee and roast them until golden brown .
- Use full fat whole milk for best results
- Substitute the nuts according to your tastes
- Store in airtight container for up to 3 days
- As the payasam cools down, it will become more thick. If it gets too thick, add some milk and boil.
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Pratima says
do you use Bambino vermicelli to make Upma?
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Pratima, yes we prefer Bambino or MTR roasted vermicelli for upma.
Beth says
This looks so delicious and tasty! It's interesting and I can't wait to give this a try!
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Beth, awesome, do share your feedback with us.
thisiswholesome says
I love Indian food and this is a must try. I love that it can be made vegan!
Nart at Cooking with Nart says
This looks delicious and it's such a unique dessert. I'm so going to try this!
Cindy says
My kiddos and I made this together! We have been spending a lot more time in the kitchen lately and its so fun. They really enjoyed making this recipe but they enjoyed eating it even more! Thanks for this delish creation, we are adding it to our “make again” list!!
Taylor Kiser says
Looks so creamy and delicious!! Can’t wait to make this!