Eid Rice Pudding vs. Sheer Khurma: Which One Is the Ultimate Dessert?

Sweets always mark happier beginnings, and Meethi Eid is a day to enjoy a variety of sweets. As the name suggests, ‘meethi’ means sweet, and the day is to enjoy sweets. While Sheer Khurma and Kheer, also known as rice pudding, are favorites and have their fan following, have you ever thought which is the ultimate dessert? Both Sheer Khurma and Kheer, also known as rice pudding, are festive and bring a delight to the day with their mellow sweetness that is not overpowering, keeping it light in every bite so that one would want more.

For many, rice pudding is their first choice due to its simplicity, whereas some love to have a more rich and indulgent dessert to make the celebrations look grand. To understand the nuances and which one is the ultimate Eid dessert, we thought of diving deep into each of their characteristics, ingredients, and much more.

Recipe for Rice Pudding

Ingredients:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 4 cups full-fat milk
• 1 cup sugar (adjust according to taste)
• ½ tsp cardamom powder
• 10-12 almonds (sliced)
• 10-12 pistachios (sliced)
• 1 tbsp raisins
• 1 tbsp ghee (optional, for richness)
• A pinch of saffron (soaked in warm milk)

Method:

1. Wash the rice well and soak it for 30 minutes. In a heavy-bottomed pan, boil the milk. Once boiled, add the drained rice and mix well to avoid sticking.
2. Simmer on low heat for 40-45 minutes, stirring from time to time, until the rice is softened, and the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency.
3. Add sugar, cardamom powder, saffron milk, and ghee. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
4. Add the almonds, pistachios, and raisins. Mix well. Serve warm or chilled, garnished with nuts if desired.
5. Rice pudding is loved for its soothing character. The combination of scented cardamom and milk sweetened to perfection with the soft texture of rice is a dessert that resembles confort. It is simple to make, and therefore an ideal option for families wanting to indulge in a hassle-free but fulfilling sweet course during Eid festivities.

Recipe for Sheer Khurma

Ingredients:

• 1 litre full-fat milk
• ½ cup broken vermicelli
• 2 tbsp ghee
• ½ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• 10-12 dates (chopped)
• 10-12 almonds (sliced)
• 10-12 pistachios (sliced)
• 2 tbsp raisins
• ½ tsp cardamom powder
• A pinch of saffron (soaked in warm milk)

Method:

1. Heat ghee in a pan and roast the vermicelli on low heat until golden brown. Add the milk and bring it to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally.
2. Add sugar, dates, cardamom powder, and saffron milk. Cook for 10-15 minutes. Add almonds, pistachios, and raisins. Simmer for a few more minutes. Serve warm or cold, topped with extra nuts and dates for richness.
3. Sheer Khurma is unique in its rich, indulgent quality. Derived from Persian and Mughal cultures, this dessert is a reflection of Eid's opulence. Roasted vermicelli provides richness, while dates' natural sweetness adds to the dish without making it overwhelming. Each spoonful combines creamy milk, crunchy nuts, and chewy dates to create a feast for the senses.

Which One Is the Ultimate Dessert?

Comparing Sheer Khurma and rice pudding, it finally comes down to taste. Rice pudding provides a comforting, known experience. Its smooth texture and even sweetness provide a comfort food feel for those looking for a familiar flavor. Sheer Khurma, however, provides a more opulent experience, with tiers of sweetness from dates and richness from ghee-roasted vermicelli and nuts.

For households entertaining a large crowd, rice pudding comes in handy due to its basic nature and quick preparation time. It's also versatile since the level of sweetness can be varied, fruit can be added, or it can be garnished to taste. In contrast, Sheer Khurma, widely regarded as the showstopper of Eid desserts, has the aura of grandeur. With its elaborate combination of ingredients, there's an air of luxury, ideal for those desiring to bring some royal charm to their celebration.

Both of these desserts hold strong cultural significance when it comes to Eid celebrations. Rice pudding invokes nostalgia and comfort, whereas Sheer Khurma invokes celebration and indulgence. In some homes, both the desserts are made with love and care so that there's something for everyone.