Sheer Khurma - Vermicelli Pudding

DIRECTIONS

• Soak dates in warm water for 3-4 hours or until they become soft to cut. Remove seeds and cut the dates into small pieces.
• Boil the dates in 1 cup of milk, till the milk is reduced completely. The dates will absorb all the milk.
• Boil milk in a thick bottomed pan and keep on low flame for about 40 mins until it is thick enough. Keep stirring the milk in between else it will stick to the bottom of the pan.
• Mix in the condensed milk. Stir to combine well.
• In a separate pan, add 2 tbsps of ghee, cardamoms (slightly pounded) and vermicelli. Fry for some time until the vermicelli is light brown.
• Add the vermicelli to the boiling milk and cook for 10 minutes.
• Add sugar and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sugar dissolves. (Adjust sugar according to taste. The condensed milk is also sweet so you might want to taste the milk before adding sugar).
• Add saffron mixed in a tbsp of hot milk to the milk.
• Add about ¼ cup of dry fruits and half the dates. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
• Remove from fire.
• Garnish with remaining dry fruits and dates. Serve hot.