Sheer Khurma

• Prep time: 10 mins

• Cook time: 25 mins

• Total time: 35 mins

• Servings: 6

• Country of origin: Afghanistan

• Description: A sweet festive dessert drink made by simmering fine vermicelli noodles in rich whole milk with dates, cardamom, and nuts.

• Presentation: Served warm or chilled in small dessert bowls or glasses, garnished with silver leaf and crushed pistachios.

• Ingredients:

  • 1 cup fine roasted vermicelli noodles, broken

  • 4 cups whole milk

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 1/2 cup dry dates (chhohara), soaked and sliced

  • 1/4 cup pistachios, slivered

  • 1/4 cup almonds, slivered

  • 1/2 cup sugar

  • 1/2 tsp ground cardamom

  • 2 tbsp ghee

• Step-by-step directions:

  • Heat ghee in a deep pan and sauté broken vermicelli noodles for 3 minutes until golden brown.

  • Pour whole milk and heavy cream into pot; bring to a boil.

  • Add soaked sliced dates and ground cardamom; simmer on low heat for 15 minutes until milk thickens slightly.

  • Stir in sugar, slivered pistachios, and almonds; cook for additional 5 minutes.

  • Remove from heat and serve warm or refrigerate to serve chilled.

• Optional variations: Add a pinch of saffron strands or rosewater for floral aroma.

• Cooking tips: Roasting vermicelli in ghee before boiling keeps noodles firm and prevents mushiness.

• Nutrition facts:

  • Calories: 320 kcal

  • Fat: 16g

  • Carbohydrates: 38g

  • Protein: 7g