20-Minute Seviyan (Sheer Khurma)

Ingredients

• 4 cups whole milk
• 1 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream (increase up to 1 1/2 cup for richer sheer khurma)
• 2 tsp butter, ghee, or oil
• 10 green cardamom pods (some slightly cracked open)
• 50 g Pakistani or Indian vermicelli (seviyan) (roughly broken up into small pieces (See Note 1))
• optional add-ins like toasted dried dates (chuware), toasted chopped nuts, etc. ((See Note 2))
• 1/4 cup + 3 tbsp cane sugar or sweetener of choice (plus more to taste (See Note 3))
• 1 tbsp blanched, slivered almonds (or more to taste)
• 1 - 1 1/2 tsp rose water or kewra water (depending on strength)

Instructions

1. 1

   (Optional) Prepare dried dates.: (Optional) If using dried dates or other optional add-ins, prepare them first. (See Note 2)

2. 2

   Simmer milk and cream.: In a medium nonstick Dutch oven or large nonstick saucepan, bring milk and heavy whipping cream to a boil. (Cover to encourage faster boiling.) Reduce to a simmer (medium heat on my stove) and stir occasionally so the milk doesn’t stick to the bottom. Proceed to next step, being careful not to let the milk boil over.

3. 3

   Toast vermicelli.: Meanwhile, heat a medium to large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Melt butter/ghee or heat oil and add the cardamom and vermicelli. Toast, stirring often, for 5-6 minutes, until the vermicelli deepens in color and becomes aromatic. Turn off the heat.

4. 4

   Add toasted vermicelli to milk.: Add the toasted vermicelli, optional add-ins, and sugar to the simmering milk.

5. 5

   Cook sheer khurma.: Raise the heat to high to bring to a boil. Cook, stirring constantly, for 5-6 minutes. As soon as it starts to thicken, remove from heat. (It should be runnier than you prefer since it thickens greatly as it cools.) Once it settles down, the surface should still be largely milky with some vermicelli resting on top.

6. 6

   Add garnish.: Add the slivered almonds and rose/kewra water and stir. Serve hot or chilled (my preferred way). Garnish with additional nuts, if desired.