Semiya kheer Recipe
Semiya Kheer, also known as Vermicelli Kheer or Seviyan Kheer, is a beloved Indian dessert made from roasted vermicelli noodles cooked in sweetened milk. It's a popular dish that is often prepared during festivals, special occasions, or as a comforting dessert on any day
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
Semiya Kheer is a comforting and delicious dessert that captures the essence of traditional Indian sweets. Its creamy texture, aromatic flavor, and nutty crunch make it a beloved treat for people of all ages.