Uttar Pradesh Style Shir Sewain Recipe: A Luxurious Indian Dessert
Uttar Pradesh, a state known for its rich culinary traditions, offers a treasure trove of flavors, and one of its beloved desserts is Shir Sewain. This delicacy, typically enjoyed during festive occasions or special family gatherings, is a luxurious dessert made with thin vermicelli (semiya), milk, and a blend of aromatic spices and dried fruits. Its silky, creamy texture combined with the nutty flavors of cashews, almonds, and pistachios makes it an irresistible treat. Whether you’re preparing it for a festive occasion or a weekend treat, this dish will elevate any meal with its warm, comforting, and decadent flavors.
Letโs dive into this easy-to-follow recipe and discover how to make the Uttar Pradesh Style Shir Sewain!
Ingredients for Uttar Pradesh Style Shir Sewain
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Milk | 1 liter |
| Semiya (Vermicelli) | 200 grams (thin) |
| Khoya (Mawa) | 100 grams |
| Sugar | 300 grams |
| Raisins | 2 tablespoons |
| Cashew nuts (halved) | 1 tablespoon |
| Pistachios (thinly sliced) | 1 tablespoon |
| Badam (Almond) (thinly sliced) | 1 tablespoon |
| Saffron strands | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Ghee | 2 tablespoons |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (approx) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugars | 25 g |
Instructions for Making Uttar Pradesh Style Shir Sewain
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 5
Step 1: Soak the Saffron
Begin by taking a tablespoon of milk in a small bowl and adding the saffron strands to it. Let it soak for a few minutes to release its vibrant color and fragrance. Set it aside until we need it later in the recipe.
Step 2: Fry the Raisins and Cashews
In a large, wide pan, heat the ghee over medium heat. Once hot, add the raisins and cashew nuts. Fry them until the raisins puff up and the cashews turn a light golden brown. This should take around 2-3 minutes. Remove them from the pan and set them aside for later.
Step 3: Roast the Vermicelli
In the same pan, add the semiya (vermicelli). Sautรฉ the vermicelli in the remaining ghee for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and aromatic. This roasting process will enhance the nutty flavor of the vermicelli and add depth to the dish.
Step 4: Cook the Vermicelli
Once the vermicelli is golden, pour in the milk and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Allow the vermicelli to cook in the milk for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure that it cooks evenly and absorbs the milk. Youโll notice the milk starting to thicken slightly during this step.
Step 5: Add Sugar and Simmer
Once the vermicelli is cooked, add the sugar to the pan and stir well to ensure it dissolves completely into the milk. Let the mixture simmer for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The milk will reduce slightly and become more creamy.
Step 6: Incorporate Khoya
Now, crumble the khoya (mawa) into the pan. Stir it into the mixture, allowing it to melt and blend seamlessly into the kheer. Continue to simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the kheer thickens to a creamy, custard-like consistency.
Step 7: Add Saffron Milk
Once the kheer has thickened and achieved the desired consistency, add the saffron-infused milk to the pan. This will not only add a beautiful color to the dish but also infuse it with the luxurious aroma of saffron. Stir well to incorporate the saffron evenly.
Step 8: Final Touches
Turn off the heat and add the previously fried raisins and cashew nuts into the kheer, mixing them in gently. This will add a wonderful crunch and sweetness to every bite.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
To finish, garnish the Uttar Pradesh Style Shir Sewain with slivers of pistachios and almonds. These not only add a delightful texture but also enhance the visual appeal of the dish.
Serve the Shir Sewain warm or chilled, depending on your preference. This dish is best enjoyed as a dessert at the end of a lavish meal, especially during festivals, family gatherings, or celebrations.
Tips for a Perfect Uttar Pradesh Style Shir Sewain
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Khoya (Mawa): Make sure to crumble the khoya well so that it dissolves easily into the kheer. If you canโt find khoya, you can substitute it with evaporated milk or a similar thickened milk product, but the texture might differ slightly.
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Sweetness: The amount of sugar can be adjusted based on your sweetness preference. If you prefer a less sweet dessert, feel free to reduce the sugar by 50 grams or so.
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Nuts: Feel free to mix up the nuts based on what you have on hand. Walnuts, almonds, and pistachios are traditional, but cashews and hazelnuts can also be great alternatives.
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Milk: Whole milk is recommended for this recipe to ensure a rich, creamy texture. For a lighter version, you can substitute with skim milk, but the taste and texture will be less indulgent.
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Chill Time: While traditionally served warm, Shir Sewain can also be served chilled. It thickens as it cools, so if you prefer a firmer texture, refrigerate it for a few hours before serving.
Conclusion
Uttar Pradesh Style Shir Sewain is an indulgent and aromatic dessert that beautifully blends creamy textures with nutty, fruity, and floral flavors. Whether served at a special gathering or as a weekend treat, it will leave your guests craving more. Easy to make and yet packed with flavor, this dessert will surely become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Make sure to treat yourself and your loved ones to this unforgettable dessert, and serve it alongside a hearty meal for a truly royal dining experience!
