Table of Contents
Introduction:
Semiya kheer, also known as vermicelli kheer, is a popular Indian dessert made with vermicelli, milk, sugar, and flavored with ghee, cardamom, saffron, and nuts. It’s a delicious and creamy dessert option. It also known as Semiya payasam, is a popular dessert originating from the Indian subcontinent, yummy dessert and favorite for every kid to elder people. Vermicelli kheer is specially served during Indian festivals with different flavors and styles.
It is a creamy and aromatic dish made primarily with milk, sugar, and semiya or vermicelli. In the culinary realm, taste a few spoons of divine dessert – Kheer. This is a beloved dessert across various regions of India and neighboring countries. It’s often served on special occasions, festivals, and celebrations, making it an integral part of many festive feasts. Its creamy, sweet, and aromatic profile makes it a delightful treat for dessert lovers. In every spoonful, lies an odyssey—a journey through centuries of tradition, a fusion of flavors that transcend time and place. Served in delicate bowls, each portion is a sacred offering.
Variations in kheer from all Places:
- Vegan Kheer: Made with non-dairy milk alternatives like almond milk, coconut milk, or soy milk.
- Fruit Kheer: Includes fruits like mango, apple, or banana for a fruity twist.
- Nut Kheer: Made with a variety of nuts like almonds, cashews, and pistachios.
- Sabudana Kheer: Utilizes white sabudana pearls for a different texture and taste.
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What are the Ingredients to make kheer?
- Vermicelli (Semiya): The star ingredient, vermicelli, made from wheat flour. They are roasted in ghee before being cooked in milk, giving them a rich, nutty flavor. Use can use readymade roasted vermicelli available in market.
- Milk: Full-fat milk forms the creamy base. It is simmered flame until it thickens and infuses with the flavor of the vermicelli.
- Sweetening Agent: Sugar is used to sweeten giving it its characteristic dessert-like taste. The amount of sugar can be modified according to our taste.
- Ghee and Nuts: Ghee is used to roast the vermicelli, enhancing its flavor. Additionally, a medley of roasted nuts like cashews and almonds are often added to provide a satisfying crunchy taste.
- Flavorings: Green cardamom pods are crushed and added to infuse a delightful aroma and flavor. Optionally, saffron strands can be used for an added layer of fragrance.
How to make kheer at home?
The process of making Semiya starts by roasting vermicelli in ghee until golden brown. Meanwhile, boil the water in a bowl, and then adding the Roasted vermicelli into boiled water and cooked upto 50%. Then add milk and boil until it absorbs much of the liquid. Almost milk is absorbed then lower the flame and sugar is added to sweeten the desert, and flavorings like cardamom and saffron are included for an aromatic touch. The dish is typically garnished with a variety of roasted nuts in ghee for added texture and flavor.
Serving and Variations: Semiya can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or chilled, making it a versatile dessert option. It is often served on special occasions, festivals, and gatherings, but it’s equally delightful as a comforting treat on any day.
Cultural Significance: Semiya Kheer holds cultural significance in India and neighboring countries, often being prepared during festivals like Eid, Diwali, and other special occasions. It is a dish that brings people together and is cherished for its comforting and indulgent qualities. Overall, Semiya is a beloved dessert that showcases the rich culinary heritage of South Asia, and its creamy, flavorful goodness has earned it a cherished place in the hearts of dessert lovers worldwide.
Semiya kheer Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup vermicelli semiya
- 4 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sugar adjust to taste
- 2 tbsp ghee clarified butter
- 10-12 cashews
- 10-12 almonds sliced
- 10-12 raisins optional
- 4-5 green cardamom pods crushed (or 1/2 tsp cardamom powder)
- A few saffron strands optional, for color and flavor
Instructions
Roasting the Vermicelli:
- Heat ghee in a pan or a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the vermicelli and roast it until it turns golden brown. Make sure not to burn it. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Set aside.
Boiling the Milk:
- In a separate large saucepan, bring the milk to a boil. Keep stirring to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Adding Vermicelli:
- Once the milk is boiling, add the roasted vermicelli. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer.
Cooking the Vermicelli:
- Allow the vermicelli to cook in the milk, stirring occasionally to prevent it from clumping together. Cook until the vermicelli is soft and has absorbed some of the milk. This should take about 8-10 minutes.
Sweetening the Kheer:
- Add sugar to the mixture and stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved. Continue to simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
Adding Flavorings:
- Crush the cardamom pods to release the seeds and add them to the kheer for flavor. If you prefer, you can use cardamom powder instead.
Optional Saffron Infusion:
- If using saffron, soak a few strands in a tablespoon of warm milk for a few minutes. Add this mixture to the kheer for a subtle saffron flavor and a beautiful color.
Toasting Nuts:
- In a separate small pan, toast the cashews and sliced almonds in a little ghee until they turn golden brown. Add these toasted nuts to the kheer.
Optional Raisins:
- If you like, you can also add raisins to the kheer for an extra burst of sweetness and texture.
Final Touch:
- Let the kheer simmer for another 2-3 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together. If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can simmer it a bit longer.
Serve:
- Serve Semiya Kheer warm, at room temperature, or chilled. It can be garnished with additional nuts before serving.
Notes
Nutrition:
Here is the Nutritional Information per serving (1cup):
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 90mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 39g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 6g
- Vitamin D: 1mcg
- Calcium: 190mg
- Iron: 1mg
- Potassium: 240mg
Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and their brands used in your recipe.