Uttar Pradesh Style Shir Sewain (Vermicelli Kheer)
Indulge in the rich, creamy goodness of Uttar Pradesh Style Shir Sewain, a delicious vermicelli kheer or pudding that’s a festive favorite across the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. This dish combines the subtle texture of thin vermicelli cooked in milk with the sweetness of sugar, further enriched by crumbled khoya (mawa) and a mix of aromatic dry fruits. The dish is an absolute delight to serve as a dessert, especially during celebrations or family gatherings.
Cuisine: Uttar Pradesh
Course: Dessert
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Milk | 1 liter |
| Semiya (Vermicelli), thin | 200 grams |
| Khoya (Mawa) | 100 grams |
| Sugar | 300 grams |
| Sultana Raisins | 2 tablespoons |
| Cashew Nuts (halved) | 1 tablespoon |
| Pistachios (thinly sliced) | 1 tablespoon |
| Whole Almonds (Badam, thinly sliced) | 1 tablespoon |
| Saffron Strands | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Ghee | 2 tablespoons |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 6-8
Instructions
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Prep the Saffron: Begin by adding a tablespoon of warm milk to the saffron strands, allowing them to soak and infuse their vibrant color and fragrance. Set this aside for later.
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Fry the Dry Fruits: Heat ghee in a wide, shallow pan over medium heat. Add the sultana raisins and cashew nuts, frying them gently until they are golden and aromatic. Remove them from the pan and set them aside.
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Toast the Vermicelli: In the same pan, add the semiya (vermicelli). Stir continuously for about 3 minutes until the vermicelli turns a light golden brown. This step ensures the vermicelli absorbs the flavors of the ghee and creates a slightly crispy texture that enhances the kheer.
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Cook with Milk: Pour in the milk and allow it to come to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let the vermicelli cook in the milk for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
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Add Sugar: Once the vermicelli has softened, add the sugar and stir until it is fully dissolved. Continue to simmer the mixture for another 10 minutes, allowing the milk to reduce slightly and thicken, which helps in creating a creamy consistency.
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Incorporate Khoya: Crumble the khoya (mawa) and add it to the simmering kheer mixture. Stir well to combine and let it cook for an additional 10 minutes, ensuring the khoya blends into the dish, making it rich and creamy.
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Add Saffron Infusion: Pour in the saffron milk and mix thoroughly, letting the color and fragrance of the saffron infuse into the pudding.
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Garnish and Serve: Once the kheer has reached your desired consistency, remove it from the heat. Stir in the fried raisins and cashew nuts. Garnish with slivered pistachios and almonds for added crunch and flavor.
Serve this Uttar Pradesh Style Shir Sewain as a luscious dessert after a hearty meal, especially during festive occasions or special family gatherings. Its creamy texture and rich flavors make it the perfect end to any celebration, offering a taste of Uttar Pradesh’s culinary heritage. Enjoy the warmth and sweetness in every spoonful!
