Tyohara Utsav: Sheer Khurma

On the occasion of Bakra Eid and as part of our ongoing Tyohara Utsav, reader Hamida Parkar sends us the recipe of her mother?s Eid special dessert Sheer Khurma and the many memories she associates with it.

Sheer Kurma to us is synonymous with Eid. My earliest memories are of my mother waking up early morning and preparing Sheer Kurma with sewai (Vermicelli). I have had many other preparations of it, but of course, I prefer Ammee?s version the best. I associate the dish with Eid breakfast and celebrations and remember it being served in our home as well as other Muslim homes on the festive day. I remember it being made in a huge pot, we would have at least 5 litres, to serve guests throughout the day. And also have leftovers for the next few days.

Interestingly, Sheer (???) in Urdu/Persian and Kshir (?????) in Sanskrit both mean Milk. Khurma (????) is Persian for dates. Here?s the recipe for you:

Ingredients 

2 litre Milk

6 pieces dry Khajoor/ Dates

50 gms Badam/ Almonds

50 gms Pista/ Pistachio

25 gms Chiraunji/ Charoli

25 gms Kishmish/ Raisins

1/4 tsp Zaifal/ Nutmeg powder

1/4 tsp Elaichi/ Cardamom powder

2 tbsp Gulabjal/ Rose Water

Approximately 1/4 tsp/ big pinch Zaffran/ Saffron soaked in Rose Water

2 tbsp Sewai/ Semolina

1 cup Sugar, adjust as per taste

1 tbsp Ghee

Method

Soak almond/ pistachios overnight.

Peel and cut into little pieces.

Heat ghee, add dry sewai and fry until they turn golden brown in colour.

Then add dry dates, almonds, pistachios and chiraunji and fry some more.

Add previously boiled milk and bring to a boil.

Add sugar and simmer for half an hour.

Now add saffron, nutmeg powder, raisins and rose water.

Cook for at least 15 minutes more, or until the consistency is slightly thicker than normal milk.

Serve warm or cold, as preferred.

About the author

Hamida Parkar is a writer, editor, digital producer and project manager, based in India and Sydney. She has a passion for travel and cinema. Her mother Rafiqua Saeed, 69, is a wonderful cook who also loves to travel, connect with people and embroider.