Jhatpat Sevai Kheer/Sheer kurma/ Sheer Khorma ( Easy Vermicilli Pudding)

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the 30 days of fasting during the holy month of Ramadan for Muslims. The culmination of Ramadan is celebrated as Eid. Eid is celebrated with a lot of pomp worldwide. Families and friends come together, gifts are exchanged and there is lot of feasting! One of the main dishes that is cooked to mark the celebration is Sevai Kheer or Sheer Kurma/ Sheer Khorma. The word literally means "Sweetened Milk".

The difference between sevai kheer and sheer khurma is one key ingredient that is dates. When chopped dates is added to Sevai kheer, it becomes Sheer Khorma or Sheer kurma.

Every year, my Bangladeshi neighbor brings me a big bowl of Sheer Kurma on Eid Day. This year, she has gone to Canada to celebrate it with her newly married husband. My kids were missing the Sheer Kurma. I decided to quickly put together a Sevai kheer for them. This one was ready in less than 10 mins !! You have to make it to believe it!

Prep time: 2 minutes
Cook time: 5-7 mins

Total time: 7-9 minutes

Servings: 6-8 people

Ingredients:

Condensed milk: 1 can ( 14 oz)
Whole milk: 2 cups
Roasted Vermicelli : 2 cups
Cardamom powder: 1/8th spoon
Saffron strands: 2-3
Cashew nut bits: 1 tbsp
Slivered almonds: 1 tbsp
Raisins: 1 tbsp
Ghee ( clarified butter): 1 tsp
Salt: a pinch

Method:

Add 1 can condensed milk and 2 cups whole milk to a saucepan/ pot. Bring this mixture to a boil.

Add roasted vermicelli, cardamom powder and saffron strands to the above pot. Mix well.
Turn off the flame. Cover the pot. Keep it covered for 5 mins.

While the vermicelli is being cooked in the hot milk, get the garnishing ready.

Heat ghee ( clarified butter) in a small pan. Add the cashew bits and slivered almonds and sauté for a couple of mins until it just turns golden. Be careful not to burn it.
Now add the raisins to it. Sauté for 10 seconds. Turn off the flame.

Add this to the above pot.

Serve hot or cold!!

Enjoy!!

Cooking made easy:

If roasted vermicelli is not available in your area, you can roast it yourself in a little bit of clarified butter. You can roast a big batch and store it in an airtight container.

If you don't have vermicelli at all, you can use grated apples or cooked rice. It will then become apple pudding or rice pudding, respectively!:)

Tip for healthy living:

This Sevai kheer can be made healthier by using regular milk instead of condensed milk. Instead of additional sugar, add chopped dates or maple syrup/ coconut sugar or even honey.

If you want a vegan version, use almond milk instead of regular milk and cooking oil ( preferably coconut)to toast the nuts.