Traditional Sheer Khurma/ Seviyan Recipe

A very traditional South Asian sweet dish, gluttonously consumed on Eid. This decadent pudding made from fine vermicelli, milk, dates and nuts and dried fruits is rich and creamy, yet packed with flavor. In this post, you’ll find out how to make Sheer Khurma at home, why it is culturally important and tips to master this celebration dish.

Recipe Navigation

• Ingredients
• Step-by-Step Instructions
• Common Mistakes When Making Sheer Khurma & How to Fix Them
• Top Tip
• Storage and Freezing
• How to Serve
• Top Tips
• Easy Homemade Sheer Khurma Recipe
• Pairing

This dish was synonymous with Eid celebrations; during this time we would always receive Sheer Khurma from our neighbors. The fragrance of toasting vermicelli and cardamom would waft through the air — the harbinger that the festivities had taken flight. It's a dessert that's sentimental for me, as it's associated with gatherings with family and seeing the excitement when they eat this sweet dish. Both of my kids, however, have also taken a liking to Sheer Khurma, often asking when I will make it for special occasions. Making it together has become a beloved family tradition, a link to my origins, and produces a lifetime of memories.

Ingredients

To prepare Sheer Khurma, you'll need the following ingredients:

• Ghee (Clarified Butter): Adds a rich, buttery flavor and is used to roast the vermicelli and nuts.​
• Fine Vermicelli: The main component that gives the pudding its characteristic texture.​
• Whole Milk: Forms the creamy base of the dessert.
• Sugar: Sweetens the pudding to taste.​
• Dates (Chopped): Provide natural sweetness and a chewy texture.​
• Mixed Nuts (Almonds, Cashews, Pistachios): Add crunch and richness.​
• Golden Raisins: Offer bursts of sweetness.
• Cardamom Powder: Imparts a warm, aromatic flavor.​
• Kewra or Rose Water: Adds a subtle floral note.​
• Saffron Strands (Optional): Enhance color and flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Roast the Nuts and Dry Fruits:
   • Heat a tablespoon of ghee in a pan over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped nuts, raisins, and dates. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the nuts are golden and the raisins plump up. Remove and set aside.
2. Roast the Vermicelli (Seviyan):
   • In the same pan, add another tablespoon of ghee.​
   • Add the vermicelli and roast until it turns golden brown, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
   • Remove and set aside.

1. Prepare the Kheer:
   • In a large saucepan, boil the full cream milk over medium heat.
   • Add cardamom powder to the boiling milk for a rich aroma.
   • Once the milk starts boiling, add the roasted vermicelli.
   • Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
   • Continue to cook on low heat until the vermicelli is soft and the mixture thickens to your desired consistency.​
2. Add Sweeteners and Flavors:
   • Add the roasted dry fruits and sliced dates to the milk.
   • Stir in the condensed milk and mix well.
3. Finish with Aromatics:
   • Cook for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
   • Add a maximum of 2 drops of kewra or rose water for a fragrant touch. Anything more will overpower other flavors.
4. Garnish and Serve:
   • Sheer Khurma can be served warm or chilled, based on preference.​
   • Garnish with additional chopped nuts before serving.

Common Mistakes When Making Sheer Khurma & How to Fix Them

Mistake	Result	Solution
Over-roasting vermicelli	Bitter taste	Roast until golden brown; avoid overcooking.
Skipping continuous stirring	Milk sticking to pan	Stir regularly to avoid sticking and to cook evenly. Dont have to stir continously or baby sit the semiyan? Sheer Khurma in an Instant Pot
Using thick vermicelli	Different texture	Use fine vermicelli for authentic consistency.

Storage and Freezing

Storage Method	Duration	Instructions
Refrigeration	Up to 3 days	Store in an airtight container. Reheat gently before serving, adding milk if needed to adjust consistency.
Freezing	Not recommended	Freezing may alter the texture and is generally not advised.

Traditionally, Sheer Khurma is made during the festive celebrations of Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha. It’s a sign of hospitality — served to guests who drop by during the festive season. Dates and nuts feature in solves by adding richness in flavor and signifying the festive bounty of the occasions.

How to Serve

Sheer Khurma can be eaten alone or with other festive dishes. It goes really well with savory snacks such as samosas or pakoras, works with the flavors of a festive spread. Pairing it with a cup of chai raises the total, and it is a happy conclusion to a meal.

Top Tips

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh nuts and high quality dates means better flavor and texture. ​​
2. Sweeten: Taste and adjust sugar to taste. ​
3. Consistency Control: Use longer cooking time for a thick pudding and add more milk for a thinner texture.​

Have you ever prepared Sheer Khurma in your home? Share your experiences, and any personal twists you’ve added to this traditional recipe, in the comments below. We’d like to know how this festive dessert plays a role in your celebrations!

Sheer Khurma is not just dessert; it is a bowl of culture, love, and celebration. The creamy texture, the gentle warmth of cardamom, the richness of nuts and dates — each bite gives its own story. Whether you make it for Eid, a special family dinner, or just to reminisce about sweet memories of home, this recipe is sure to bring warmth and happiness to your dinner table. With the tips and step-by-step guide above, you’ll be able to whip an authentic Sheer Khurma, one which your family will rave about time and again.

Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with: