Sheer Khurma is the quintessential Eid-ul-Fitr dessert that marks the festival, also known as ‘meethi Eid’ (sweet Eid). In Persian, ‘sheer’ refers to milk and ‘khurma’ means dates, which are the two primary ingredients in this cherished vermicelli pudding. It is traditionally made with full-fat cow's milk and plenty of sugar, but this recipe offers a dairy-free version for those who might be lactose intolerant. There is also no added sugar in it. The richness comes from a combination of almond milk and soy milk, which not only eliminates lactose but also adds a natural nuttiness and subtle sweetness to the pudding.
Drain the soaked dates. Cut them into small pieces and carefully remove and discard the seeds. Keep the prepared dates aside.
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Cook dates in almond milk
In a small pot, combine the chopped dates and almond milk. Place over medium heat and let the mixture simmer gently. Stir occasionally. Continue cooking until the milk reduces and just coats the dates. Remove from heat and set aside.
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Prepare the soy milk
In another larger, thick-bottomed pot, add the soy milk and bring to a boil over medium heat. Keep stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon to prevent the milk from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer.
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Prepare the saffron milk
Take out about 2 tablespoons of the hot soy milk in a small bowl. Add the saffron strands to this milk and mix well until the saffron dissolves and releases its colour. Set aside.
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Roast the vermicelli
In a frying pan, heat the ghee (or plant-based butter) over medium heat. Add the vermicelli and roast for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Sprinkle ½ teaspoon cardamom powder while roasting. Even if using pre-roasted vermicelli, toast them briefly in ghee for better flavour.
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Combine and cook
Add the roasted vermicelli, raisins, and dates with almond milk to the simmering soy milk. Mix well and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vermicelli is soft and cooked through. Taste at this point – if you prefer more sweetness, you can add a little sugar.
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Finish and serve
Add the saffron milk, half the chopped dry fruits (almonds and pistachios), and the remaining cardamom powder. Mix well. Transfer into a serving bowl and garnish with the remaining dry fruits. Serve hot or refrigerate to serve chilled.