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Shemai | Quick and Easy Vermicelli and Milk Dessert

Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes
Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine Bangladeshi
Servings 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp ghee
  • 1/2 pack roasted vermicelli (75g)
  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 7 cardamom pods
  • 3 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 4 1/2 tbsp sugar (or to taste)
  • Pinch of salt
  • Dash of cinnamon powder (optional)

Optional toppings/garnish:

  • Raisins
  • Sliced almonds
  • Sliced pistachios
  • Dried rose petals

Instructions
 

  • Heat your pan on medium heat, add in your ghee, cinnamon sticks, and cardamom pods.
  • Fry for a few minutes until nice and fragrant. Then at this point I like to put my whole spices in a mesh tea ball so it’s easier to take out later. You can also just pick the spices out at the end.
  • Crush your roasted vermicelli into small pieces and throw them in. Fry in the ghee for a couple of minutes until they darken just a little and get fragrant. Do not burn.
  • Then pour in your milk, and add back in the spices if you took them out.
  • Turn your heat up to medium high to bring it up to a boil, then turn it down to low heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Making sure to stir occasionally to keep the milk from sticking to the bottom.
  • Then add in salt, sugar, and cinnamon powder.
  • Mix and let simmer for a few more minutes until you get to your desired consistency.
  • Pour into your serving dish. You can eat this warm/room temp or chill in the fridge for a couple hours.
  • Top with raisins, sliced nuts, and rose petals to decorate (optional), and serve.
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