Seviyan Sweet Vermicelli Dessert (Shemai)

5 from 2 votes

Seviyan is a sweet vermicelli dessert also known as "shemai" or "sheer khurma". This custard-like dish makes a great breakfast or dessert!

Prep Time5

Cook Time20

Total Time25

Course: Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine: Asian, Indian, Iraqi, Middle Eastern, Persian

Servings: servings

Calories: 634kcal

Melt butter in a large nonstick pot, then add cardamom pods and cloves and fry for one minute until fragrant. Add ground cinnamon and stir to combine.
Add vermicelli noodles and saute over low-medium heat for 2-5 minutes or until noodles are toasted and darker in color.
Add milk along with sweetened condensed milk and stir until thoroughly combined. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer (uncovered) for 10-15 minutes, stirring continuously until thick.
Remove and discard cloves and cardamom pods. Let seviyan cool and transfer to a serving bowl, then top with craisins and chopped pistachios.

Most grocery stores will sell vermicelli, but if you can't find it you can check at a local Asian market or get it on Amazon (currently for 50 cents).
When it's hot the texture is similar to porridge, whereas when it cools it thickens and has more of a pudding-like texture.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, though it will taste best the first few days.
You can reheat shemai in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until reaching the desired temperature. You can also reheat over the stove over low heat, stirring continuously.