Afghan – Sheer Khurma

Afghan Sheer Khurma is a traditional Afghan dessert made with milk, sugar, and vermicelli (thin pasta-like noodles). It is a rich, creamy, and aromatic dish, often served during special occasions, such as Eid or weddings, and is a beloved treat in Afghan households. Sheer Khurma is known for its delicious combination of flavors and textures, with the sweetness of the milk and sugar paired with the soft, tender noodles, and the crunch of nuts and dried fruits.

Key Features of Afghan Sheer Khurma:

Main Ingredients:
- Milk: Full-fat milk is typically used as the base, providing a rich, creamy texture.
- Vermicelli: The dish uses vermicelli noodles, which are lightly roasted before being added to the milk. In some variations, you may find thin rice noodles or other types of noodles.
- Sugar: The dessert is sweetened with sugar, giving it a smooth sweetness that balances the creaminess of the milk.
- Ghee (clarified butter): Ghee is used to roast the vermicelli, adding a rich flavor to the dish.
- Nuts and Dried Fruits: Common additions include pistachios, almonds, raisins, and dates for crunch and sweetness.
- Cardamom and Saffron: These aromatic spices are often used to flavor Sheer Khurma, with cardamom adding a warm, spicy note and saffron giving it a rich golden color and fragrant taste.
Preparation:
- Roasting the vermicelli: The vermicelli noodles are first lightly roasted in ghee until golden brown.
- Simmering the milk: Milk is then simmered with sugar, cardamom, and saffron to create a fragrant, sweet base.
- Combining the ingredients: The roasted vermicelli is added to the milk mixture and cooked until the noodles become tender and absorb the flavors.
- Adding nuts and dried fruits: Finally, nuts and dried fruits are stirred in, and the dessert is often garnished with extra nuts before serving.
Serving:
- Sheer Khurma is typically served warm or at room temperature.
- It is often enjoyed during festive meals and is sometimes eaten as a breakfast dessert or sweet treat.
- The dessert is rich and filling often served in small portions due to its sweetness and creamy texture.

Cultural Significance:

Sheer Khurma is an important part of Afghan culture, particularly during religious and cultural celebrations. It is a dish that symbolizes generosity and hospitality, as it is often prepared in large quantities to serve guests during Eid, weddings, and family gatherings. The combination of rich ingredients, spices, and textures makes it a festive favorite in Afghan households.