A popular and traditional dish for Eid al-Fitr is sheer khurma, a cardamom-scented vermicelli pudding. Rawaan Alkhatib, a cook, writer, and artist, shares her recipe for this beloved dish that she grew up enjoying as part of the special Eid breakfast. Alkhatib’s recipe, featured in her book “Hot Date!: Sweet & Savory Recipes Celebrating the Date, from Party Food to Everyday Feasts,” uses dates as a key ingredient. She suggests using drier varieties of dates like “chuara” or “kharak” from Indian grocery stores for an authentic taste.
For those looking to experiment, Alkhatib recommends using nut milk as a dairy alternative to enhance the nutty flavors of the dish. Additionally, topping the sheer khurma with dried coconut flakes, ground pistachios or almonds, crumbled dried rose petals, or saffron threads can elevate the dish’s presentation and taste.
Sheer khurma, which translates to “milk with dates,” holds a special place in Alkhatib’s family traditions, especially during Eid celebrations. The dish, originating along the Silk Road and found in various countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, is a sweet and soupy dessert made with vermicelli, warm spices, nuts, and dried fruit.
Each family may have its own unique recipe for sheer khurma, often passed down through generations. Alkhatib’s version includes cardamom, saffron, desiccated coconut, chironji, and rosewater for flavor. The dish holds nostalgic memories for her, as her grandmother would meticulously prepare it for Eid gatherings, creating a lasting impression on Alkhatib and her cousins.
To make Isphana’s Sheer Khurma, you will need ingredients such as whole milk, sugar, saffron, cardamom, vermicelli, almonds, pistachios, and dried dates. The preparation involves boiling the milk with sugar, saffron, and cardamom, then adding vermicelli, nuts, and dates until the mixture thickens. The dish can be served hot or cold and stored for up to five days.
Alkhatib’s recipe captures the essence of sheer khurma, a delightful and comforting dessert that brings families together during festive occasions like Eid al-Fitr.