60gms Super Fine Vermicelli or Seviyan, preferable roasted(See Notes)
1litreMilk
1/3cupFinely Sliced Dates(8 Large Dates)
1CupSugar(~250 gms)
1/2tspCardamom Power
Dry Fruits
10Raisins
2tspAlmond Slivers
1tspPistachio Slivers
10Cashew Halves
Other Ingredients
1tbspGhee or Clarified Butter
1/4CupFresh Cream(Optional; See Notes)
Instructions
Crush the Dryfruits
Crush the 2 tsp almond slivers (4-5 whole almonds), 10 cashew halves, and 1 tsp pistachio slivers to a coarse powder.
If You Are Using Unroasted Seviyan (I used roasted seviyan that's easily available)
In a heavy bottomed vessel, over low heat, melt the ghee.
Break the vermicelli into 4" pieces.
Add to the ghee.
Roast the vermicelli till it starts to turn light brown. Be careful while roasting the vermicelli as it tends to burn quite quickly.
Making Sheer Khurma
To a heavy-bottomed vessel, add 1/2 litre milk and 1/3 cup finely sliced dates.
Over medium flame, bring the milk to a boil.
While stirring continuously, cook till the milk reduces to half the volume (1/4 litre).
Add 1/2 litre milk, the roasted vermicelli and raisins.
With a gentle hand, mix well.
Cook for 2 to 3 minutes till the seviyan softens.
Add 1/4 tsp cardamom powder and 1/2 cup sugar. Mx well.
While stirring gently, simmer the milk till the sugar has dissolved and the vermicelli is cooked. It should not take more than 2 or 3 minutes.
Turn off the heat and let the Sheer Khurma cool a bit.
If you are using cream, add it now and mix well. I did not add any cream because the reduced milk gives Sheer Khurma a lovely creaminess.
Add the crushed dry fruits to the Sheer Korma. Mix well.
Serve warm or chilled.
Notes
You get pre-roasted thin seviyan (thin vermicelli) in the market. If you use this, then you need not roast it separately. I used this kind of seviyan.
I reduce the milk to thicken it and that gives my Sheer Khurma a rich, creamy flavour. As a result, I do not need to use fresh cream to add richness to the Sheer Khurma.
You could cut the almonds and pistachios into fine slivers instead of crushing them and decorate the Sheer Khurma with it.
The Sheer Khurma will thicken as it rests. If it does, add some warm milk to it.