Sheer khurma
In its own language: شير خرما
A sweet vermicelli pudding with milk, dates and nuts for Eid celebrations
Sheer khurma is a festive pudding made with vermicelli, milk, dates and dried fruits, enjoyed by Muslim families during Eid in India, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Served as a special breakfast and dessert, it combines fried vermicelli with rich milk, sugar, and a mix of nuts and spices.
- Eaten for breakfast and dessert on Eid by Muslim families
- Made with fried vermicelli, milk, dates, and a mix of nuts
- Indian versions add caramelised sugar and more dried fruits
- Can be served thick or thin, depending on local custom
What is Sheer khurma?
Sheer khurma is a dessert made by simmering thin vermicelli noodles in milk, sweetened with sugar and enriched with dates and a variety of dried fruits and nuts. Cardamom and sometimes saffron or rose water are added for aroma. The pudding is creamy and studded with nuts, with a soft texture from the cooked vermicelli and a gentle sweetness from the dates and sugar. It is usually served warm and has a rich, comforting taste.
Where does Sheer khurma come from?
Sheer khurma comes from the Muslim communities of India, Pakistan and Afghanistan, and is especially tied to Eid celebrations. The name means 'milk and dates' in Persian. Its roots are traced to Iran, where it began as a mixture of dates and milk, and to Afghanistan, where dry fruits and nuts were added. In India, the dish evolved further with the use of fried vermicelli and caramelised sugar, reflecting local tastes and ingredients.
How is Sheer khurma made?
To make sheer khurma, vermicelli is first fried in clarified butter until golden. Milk is poured in and the mixture is simmered until the noodles soften and the liquid thickens. Sugar and chopped dates are stirred in, along with a selection of dried fruits and nuts such as cashews, pistachios and almonds. Cardamom and sometimes cloves or saffron are added for fragrance. Some prefer a thinner, drink-like version with extra milk.
How and when is Sheer khurma eaten?
Sheer khurma is most often eaten on the morning of Eid, after the special prayer, as a celebratory breakfast shared with family. It is also served throughout the day to guests who visit during the festival. The dish can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, and is sometimes eaten as a dessert after meals during Eid. Sharing sheer khurma is a gesture of hospitality and festivity.
Kinds of Sheer khurma
Regional versions of sheer khurma differ in the choice and amount of dried fruits, nuts, and spices. In some areas, the pudding is made thinner, almost like a drink, while others prefer it thick and creamy. The Indian style often includes fried vermicelli and caramelised sugar, while the original Iranian version is simpler, focusing on milk and dates. Ingredients like rose water or saffron may be added for extra aroma.
What Sheer khurma means
Sheer khurma holds a special place in Eid traditions among Muslims in South Asia and Central Asia. Preparing and sharing this dish marks the end of Ramadan and the spirit of togetherness during Eid. It is a symbol of celebration, hospitality, and family gatherings. Guests are often welcomed with a bowl of sheer khurma, making it a central part of the festival's food customs.
When Sheer khurma is on the table
Questions people ask about Sheer khurma
What is sheer khurma made of?
Sheer khurma is made from vermicelli noodles, milk, sugar, dates, and a mix of dried fruits and nuts such as cashews, pistachios, and almonds. Cardamom and sometimes saffron or rose water are added for aroma.
Where does sheer khurma come from?
Sheer khurma is a traditional festival pudding from Muslim communities in India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, with origins linked to Iran and Afghanistan.
When is sheer khurma eaten?
Sheer khurma is served on the morning of Eid after the Eid prayer as a special breakfast, and throughout the day to guests during Eid celebrations.
Is sheer khurma always the same everywhere?
No, the recipe varies by region. Some versions are thick and creamy, while others are thinner. The types and amounts of dried fruits, nuts, and spices can also differ.
Is sheer khurma vegetarian?
Yes, sheer khurma is vegetarian. It contains milk and butter but no meat or eggs.
Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Sheer khurma", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Thali rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and it is not dietary or allergy advice: recipes differ from cook to cook. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
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