Sheer khurma – milk dessert with dates

Ingredients

• 1 l whole milk
• 75 g fine vermicelli (seviyan)
• 100 g pitted dates, in strips
• 30 g slivered almonds
• 25 g chopped pistachios
• 20 g raisins
• 2 tbsp ghee or butter
• 50 g sugar
• ½ tsp ground cardamom
• 1 tsp rosewater, optional

Method

1. 1Melt ghee and toast almonds, pistachios and raisins for 1–2 minutes. Remove half for garnish.
2. 2Break vermicelli into short pieces and toast with the remaining nuts for 2 minutes until golden.
3. 3Add milk, dates and cardamom. Simmer gently for 15–20 minutes, stirring, until noodles are tender.
4. 4Stir in sugar and optional rosewater. Cook for another 3 minutes and add a little milk if too thick.
5. 5Divide between bowls and top with the toasted nuts. Serve warm or chilled.