DISH NAME : SHEER QORMA (KHURMA)

Preparation Time : 20 minutes

Cooking Time : 45 minutes

Description

Sheer qorma is vermicelli pudding made in India, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Pakistan during Eid. In Urudu Sheer means 'milk' and qorma means 'dates'. The dates used in this dish are dried dates which is used to break fast during the month of Ramdan.
Chironji nuts do not have an English name. They are also known as charoli. Commonly found in Hyderabad.It is also available in stores selling dry fruits. They are small, round and a pale brown in color. They are the kernels of a fruit.

Note

1) Add sugar only after vermicelli is cooked. Or it will remain raw.
2) Since dried dates are used it will not become pasty as the normal dates. Dried dates are normally available during the fasting month.
3) Chironji or charoli nuts are traditionally added to the khurma, i did not add it as was not available. if using, follow the same procedure as pista.
4) Use the thinnest vermicelli available.
5) Milk with higher fat content will result in a creamier qorma.
6) The cream used is dairy cream. I used Amul cream.
7) Seedless raisins can be used instead of sultanas. Or both can be used.
8) If the qorma is too thick at the time of serving, Add some milk with required sugar added.

Method

1) Soak dried dates in just boiled hot water for about 30 minutes. Then deseed and cut into small pieces.
2) Soak pista and almond in just boiled hot water for about 15 minutes. Peel and cut them into slivers.
3) Heat ghee and fry almonds and pista. Keep aside. In the same ghee fry sultanas.Sultanas will swell up.Remove. Keep aside.
4) In the same ghee fry vermicelli till golden brown. Keep aside.
5) Boil milk with dates till it is reduced to three fourth. It took me about 15 minutes on medium flame to reduce milk.
6) Add vermicelli and boil and cook till vermicelli is done.
7) Now add sugar and continue boiling till sugar is dissolved.
8) Now add cream, if using and just simmer.
9) Add almonds, pista and cardamom powder and cook for about 10 minutes on low heat.
10) Just after removing from fire add sultanas and rose water.

Serving Suggestions

Usually served warm. Can also be served at room temperature or chilled.