Sheer Khurma — Afghan Vermicelli Milk Pudding

About This Recipe

Sheer khurma ('milk with dates' in Persian/Dari) is the dessert of Eid al-Fitr, eaten to break the Ramadan fast on the most joyful day of the Islamic calendar across Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and Central Asia. Thin vermicelli noodles are toasted in ghee until golden, then simmered in whole milk with dates, dried fruits and nuts until the pudding thickens to a silky, fragrant consistency. Saffron, cardamom and rose water perfume the dish, and the combination of the slightly chewy vermicelli, the tender dates and the fragrant, creamy milk is extraordinarily comforting. Every family makes their own version, adding more or fewer dried fruits, more or less sugar. On Eid morning, families visit each other and sheer khurma is offered to every guest.

Ingredients

Serves 6

• 100 gthin vermicelli noodles(broken into pieces)
• 50 gghee or butter
• 1 litrewhole milk
• 50 gpitted dates(roughly chopped)
• 50 graisins
• 30 gblanched almonds(slivered)
• 30 gpistachios(roughly chopped)
• 4 tablespoonssugar
• 0.5 teaspoonground cardamom
• 1 pinchsaffron(soaked in 2 tbsp warm milk)
• 1 tablespoonrose water

Instructions

1. 1

   Toast the vermicelli

   Melt ghee in a large pot over medium heat. Add broken vermicelli and fry, stirring constantly, for 3–4 minutes until golden brown. Watch carefully — they colour quickly.

   Toasted vermicelli adds a nutty depth that untoasted cannot provide.

2. 2

   Add dates and dried fruit

   Add chopped dates, raisins and half the almonds to the toasted vermicelli. Stir for 1 minute.

3. 3

   Add milk and simmer

   Pour in milk and bring to a gentle simmer. Add sugar, cardamom and saffron milk. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring often, until the vermicelli is completely soft and the pudding has thickened slightly.

4. 4

   Finish and serve

   Stir in rose water. Taste and adjust sweetness. Serve warm or at room temperature, topped with remaining almonds and pistachios.

Variations

• •

  Add dried apricots and shredded coconut for a more elaborate version.

• •

  Some families add a small piece of cinnamon stick while simmering.

• •

  Vegetarian: swap the protein for roasted king oyster mushrooms, smoked tofu or cooked chickpeas — adjust seasoning slightly upward to compensate.

• •

  Spicier: add a finely chopped fresh chile or a teaspoon of crushed Aleppo/Urfa pepper to the aromatics for warm, layered heat instead of a single sharp hit.

Storage

Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk — it thickens significantly when cold.

Frequently Asked Questions