Sheer Khurma- The Pakistani Eid Staple

Eid-ul-Fitr, which is the celebration of completion of the Islamic month of fasting ‘Ramadan’ for Muslims, is incomplete in Pakistan without ‘Sheer Khurma’. This is a very traditional Pakistani dessert, which we make with milk, sugar, siwayyan (vermicelli) and lots of variety of nuts. Typically, most people make it on Chaand Raat (the night when the moon for Eid is sighted) so that men can have a few bites of dessert before going for Eid Salah.

For me, my Mum’s Sheer Khurma is the most perfect one and I don’t trust any other recipe when it comes to this dessert. With her recipe, I always get Sheer Khurma, which has the perfect color, texture and the amount of nuts. For this reason, I have listed all the ingredients in grams so that you can get the exact same result every time you try this recipe.

Recipe at a Glance

Milk- Full fat, fresh or tetra pack

Nuts- Almonds, pistachios (blanched, peeled, sliced)

Sugar – granulated

Condensed Milk – not evaporated milk, this is sweetened thickened milk

Flavorings- saffron, green cardamom powder

Sivayyan– Crushed, the thin vermicelli

Ghee/ clarified butter

Step by Step Process

• Fry siwayyan and nuts one by one in ghee.
• Cook milk with cardamom and saffron for 15 minutes.
• Add condensed milk and simmer for 15 minutes.
• Add sugar and simmer for 15 minutes.
• Add nuts & siwayyan and cook for 15 minutes.

FAQs

Serving Suggestions

You can serve Sheer Khurma, hot or cold based on your preference. Either way, it tastes delicious!

My Mum always serves it in a punch set and our guests and us enjoy sipping it from the cups.

Substitutions & Variations

Although you can substitute certain ingredients for healthier versions (such as low fat milk, vegan milk, jaggery, etc.), however, this traditional dessert tastes best with the ingredients listed in the recipe. And I think its absolutely fine to indulge a bit on special occasions like Eid so don’t worry too much and try this recipe as it is and enjoy thoroughly!

You can also use different nuts but in my opinion pistachios and almonds tasted the best. You can also add sliced coconut or chopped dates after lightly toasting them.

Storage and Make Ahead

You can easily prepare this dessert in advance. I prepare milk and fried things a night before and assemble it at the time of serving (last 15 minutes).

You can cool the prepared milk and store it in fridge.

You can keep the fried ingredients covered at room temperature.

Refrigerate final prepared sheer khurma once its cooled.