Semiyan Kheer

No traditional Indian meal is complete without a sweet dish. This sweet is usually served with the meal as against like a dessert , served after the meal. Certain sweets are eaten with the special Poories or fried bread that is customary to any festive or special Indian meal. Hence we have the combination of Halwa Poori, Kheer Poori, Aamras Poori , all part of  the main meal. Kheer is typically a sweet with milk as a base. It is a semi liquid sweet where the milk is reduced and allowed to thicken once the other main ingredient has been  added to it. These could be boiled rice, roasted semolina, sliced almonds, sago , boiled sweet potato etc. It is included in some form in every offering to deities on festivals and auspicious occasions such as marriage rituals etc. 

·         1 cup vermicelli ( plain non roasted)

·         2 tblsp butter

·         2 cups whole cream milk

·         ½ unsweetened condensed milk

·         ½ cup sugar

·         a few drops of vanilla essence

·         1 table spoons raisins

·         2 table spoons sliced almonds

In a heavy bottomed pan melt the butter. Roast the semolina on a low flame till golden brown.Heat the milk , slowly add it to the vermicelli. Stir the vermicelli till they cook and the  mixture starts thickening . Add in the sugar and condensed milk. cook the mixture till the sugar has melted. Add the raisins, Reserve some sliced almonds for garnishing. Add in the rest of the almonds. Turn out into a serving dish. Cover and refrigerate till ready to serve. Can be served cold or warm. Garnish with sliced nuts.