Sheer Khurma & Beyond: Iconic Desserts for a Meethi Eid

Eid-ul-Fitr is here again, with all the joy, prayers, and naturally, a mouthwatering spread of sweets. This March 30th, Muslim families around India will be coming together to celebrate the break of Ramadan with sumptuous feasts and affectionate hugs. The celebration, commonly referred to as "Meethi Eid," has an intimate association with the festival of exchanging desserts that hold legacy and significance. Sweet foods steal the show, representing the culmination of a month of fasting and worship.

For centuries, Eid's sweet offerings have been more than about indulgence—it's a celebration of tradition and sharing. Some of them stood the test of time, others became modernized. From everyone's favorite Sheer Khurma to lesser-known gems, there is so much to indulge in. Here are 9 classic desserts that make Meethi Eid special.

Sheer Khurma

No Eid is ever complete without a bowl of piping hot Sheer Khurma. The creamy vermicelli pudding is slow-cooked in milk and loaded to the brim with dates, nuts, and cardamom. Saffron gives it a golden color, and a pinch of rose water adds to the body. Whether hot or cold, its creamy richness makes it the first dish presented to guests and family members on Eid morning.

Phirni

Phirni is a traditional dessert that adorns Eid feasts with its silky, creamy texture. Prepared by cooking ground rice in milk, it is spiced with cardamom and saffron and topped with chopped pistachios. Served in earthenware bowls, this dessert not only tastes heavenly but also has the aroma of tradition.

Shahi Tukda

A royal treat hailing from Mughal culinary tradition, Shahi Tukda is a rich sweet composed of fried crisp bread soaked in saffron-flavored sugar syrup and smeared with a topping of rabri (thickened milk). A few strands of silver varq and nuts add a regal touch, making it one of the first picks during Eid celebrations.

Seviyan Kheer

A close cousin of Sheer Khurma, Seviyan Kheer is prepared with roasted vermicelli, milk, sugar, and nuts. Unlike Sheer Khurma, this recipe foregoes the richness of dates and is easier on the palate. It's a quick yet tasty means to end an Eid meal on a sweet note.

Gulab Jamun

Soft, syrupy, and melt-in-the-mouth, Gulab Jamun is a universal favorite at all Indian festivals. Prepared from khoya (evaporated milk solids), these golden brown dumplings are fried and immersed in rose-scented sugar syrup. Served either hot or cold, they never fail to impress.

Malpua

Malpua, the sugar-soaked deep-fried sweet pancake, is a revered Eid treat. Prepared with flour, milk, and mashed banana, these discs of golden delicacy are plunged into sugar syrup and served usually with rabri for a succulent, rewarding experience. Each bite is tempting with the contrast of crisp outer edges and tender center.

Ande Ka Halwa

This specialty halwa, prepared with eggs, sugar, and ghee, is a surprise to many with its rich and moist texture. Slow-cooked to the right consistency, Ande Ka Halwa receives a kick from cardamom and saffron, which makes it a warm and comforting Eid treat enjoyed by those who appreciate traditional sweets with a twist.

Baklava

For those wishing to add international flavors to their Eid table, Baklava is an excellent option. This honey syrup-soaked, flaky, nut-filled pastry provides a crunchy, sticky sweetness that complements the celebration. Its spiced nuts and layers of phyllo dough make it a treat to be savored.

Khubani Ka Meetha

A traditional dessert of Hyderabad, Khubani Ka Meetha is an elegant yet easy-to-make dish of stewed apricots. Soft and creamy when cooked, the apricots are sweetened to perfection and topped with fresh cream or custard. Its fruit richness provides a welcome respite from the traditional Eid sweets based on milk.