These are the Seviyan of your childhood made in 20 minutes! They go viral on social every year and when you make them you will know just why!
Eid smells like Seviyan. It is the background aroma to the hunt for the naras for mens shalwars, the smooth hiss of the iron, the tinkle and jingle of jewelery. While I would be okay to have this year round, Eid is incomplete without it.
This recipe is my mothers and it is nani (grandmother) approved because of the surprising depth of flavour you acheive by using two ingredients. One's a little unusual, but trust me ok?
Instant Pot Kheer fans know that while I am always looking to save time in the kitchen I am also entirely in love with traditional Pakistani flavours and consider it an honor to help keep them alive.
What are Seviyan?
Seviyan or Semiya or Sumya is a milk based dessert made with fine vermicelli noodles. It is purportedly Mughal in it's origin, drawing inspiration on the Mughal empires origins and travels.
Central to it's unique texture are the ever so slim eggless and wheatless Seviyan noodles (Vermicelli). They are used almost exclusively in desserts in Pakistani food, but you can use them for savory dishes as well.
What is the difference between Seviyan and Sheer Khurma?
Growing up we always used the word Seviyan to describe this Vermicelli Pudding. It was what everyone in my family made so I never knew there were other varieties. However, there are.
The correct terminology for this version with a milky base is Doodh Seviyan or Sheer Khurma. Seviyan in itself as a dish refers to a drier version where the noodles are star.
How can it be good if it is so QUICK?
Simple answer: we be smart.
There is a two pronged strategy at play here. One: the use of Cardamom and Cloves (yes, cloves!) as aromatics. Two: Using sweetened condensed milk. When previous generations were cooking down the milk they were simply... yes... you guessed it: condensing it. Also, that little bit of salt adds something you didn't even know the dish was missing, but once you start adding it there is no going back!
Make it Your Own: Tips
The version of this classic Eid Dessert Recipe that I share here is a base version, made like my practical mama of 5 mama made it. For me it is perfect as is, she puts one piece of qalaqand or barfi in hers, but I find myself skipping it all the time now.
Feel free make it your own, to add chopped dried dates, raisins, different nuts, whatever it is that gives you that warm fuzzy home Eid feeling.
If you want a less milky version then increase your crushed Seviyan. If you want the milk to be thicker tasting simply cook it more. If you have any questions about how to tweak it then leave a comment below or message me on Instagram @flourandspiceblog.
Hope you try the recipe and rate it below! Happy cooking!
Quick Homemade Seviyan / Sheer Khurma (Pakistani Style)
Equipment
- pot for cooking
Ingredients
- ¾-1 cup seviyan dried vermicelli
- 1.5 tbsp oil or ghee
- 2-4 cardamom pods
- 2 cloves
- 1 litre whole milk
- 1 can condensed milk
- Pinch of saffron
- 2 tablespoons blanched slivered almonds
- 2 tablespoons sliced pistachios
- ⅛ tsp salt
- optional a 2 inch piece of qalaqand
Instructions
- Warm the oil in a heavy bottomed pan (please avoid non stick) - a big pot (10 inch base), makes for quicker cooking!
- Add the cloves and cardamom, fry for a minute
- Then add the sivaiyan, fry for 2 minutes until darker in color.
- Add milk, bring to a boil (watch carefully) and then add the salt, nuts and saffron if using.
- Simmer for 10-15 minutes until thickened and the vermicelli has softened.
- Add most of your can of condensed milk, and qalaqand (if using) and stir well before tasting. Sheer Khurma becomes sweeter tasting as it cools, but if you feel it is under sweet then add more condensed milk.
Video
Notes
Pin to make!
Noreen says
Thank you for this recipe Sarah. How many people do you think this would this serve?
Sarah Mir says
Roughly 6! It varies of course by appetites!
Hasna Fuller says
I had to tweak this recipe a lot because of health issues and it still came out so good!
I used to have Pakistani friends who made this dessert for me many times. I remember the original taste and texture of this sinfully delicious dessert.
So, in my healthier version of it, I used 1 % fat milk and evaporated low fat milk and monk fruit sweetener. I kept little bit of the milk aside till the last 5 minutes of cooking and I added 1 teaspoon of corn starch to it and add it to the pudding to make it thicker.
I will make this one again and again.
Sarah Mir says
Hi Hasna! I am LOVING your tweaks, thank you so very much for taking the time to share them so that other people can benefit from them too. Hope you have the best week!
Rabel Misbah says
Thank you so much for this recipe. Made these for Eid, so easy and loved by everyone! Made some slight alterations: used half and half instead of milk, added fresh ground cardamon, rose water and kewra towards the end. It was *chefs kiss*, dare I say better than the ones I grew up eating (which are delicious). Thanks again!
Sarah Mir says
First of all what AWESOME additions! Learning about peoples tweaks is one of my favorite things ever! Second of all I am so glad you enjoyed it!
Miss munir says
I loved your recipes..
Sarah Mir says
Thank you so very much!
Sana says
Thank you Sarah for sharing this delicious treat, Wonderful recipe!!!
Sarah Mir says
thank YOU sana!
Marium says
Super easy and delicious
Sarah Mir says
Thank you Marium!
Melissa says
My oldest son and I made this for Eid today and it was the best thing ever. Easy zero fuss and will be a family staple now.
This immediately transported me to the Eids of my childhood.
Sarah Mir says
I teared up a little when I read this Melissa - thank you so so much
Iman says
So good!
Sarah Mir says
Thank you Iman!!!
Chris says
This recipe is the bomb. Quick, easy and so, so delicious. I can't get over how few a ingredients and time is required.
Sarah Mir says
I am SO SO glad you liked it!
Benish Khan says
I r passed on this recipe to sooooo many friends and family! Super easy to follow and turns out incredible each time! 🤍🤍
Sarah Mir says
Thank you Benish! You're the BEST
Tanzeela Hasan says
Just made this. Sooooo good!! Ami yaad aa gain. For me, half a can of condensed milk did it. Thanks Sarah!!
Sarah Mir says
Thank YOU Tanzeela! Appreciate this so much!
Jasmin says
So easy and quick to make and yet so tasty, definitely 5 stars for my new go to Eid recipe!
Sarah Mir says
thank you so much Jasmin!
Anam Khan says
Cannot wait to make this for Eid! Such a pretty serving bowl:)
Sarah Mir says
aww thank you Anam!
Rabia says
Hi Sarah,
Can we use evaporated milk instead of condensed milk?
Thanks
Rabia
sarahjmir@gmail.com says
Hi Rabia! You can add it for sure but the condensed milk adds sweetness so then you'd need sugar too!
MARIA says
Auch a perfect recipe for eid!
sarahjmir@gmail.com says
Thank you Maria!