Shemai (Semai)
Shemai (or Semai) is a traditional Bangladeshi dessert made from vermicelli (a type of thin noodles), milk, sugar, and ghee, often served during special occasions like Eid. It’s a quick and easy dessert with a creamy, sweet flavor, and it can be enjoyed warm or cold. There are variations of shemai, such as "dudh shemai" (milk-based) and "roasted shemai."
Key Ingredients:
- Vermicelli (thin, roasted noodles)
- Full cream milk
- Sugar
- Ghee (clarified butter)
- Cardamom pods (for flavor)
- Dried fruits (e.g., raisins, almonds, cashews, pistachios) for garnish
- Saffron (optional, for extra flavor and color)
- Khoa or condensed milk (optional, for extra richness)
Cooking Method:
For Roasted Shemai:
Roast the Vermicelli: Heat a little ghee in a pan and lightly roast the vermicelli until golden brown. Set aside.
Prepare the Milk: In a separate pot, bring the milk to a boil. Add cardamom pods for aroma, and saffron if using, to infuse the milk with flavor.
Cook the Shemai: Gradually add the roasted vermicelli to the boiling milk. Stir continuously to prevent lumps and cook until the vermicelli softens and absorbs the milk.
Add Sweetness: Stir in sugar and continue cooking until the milk thickens slightly. Adjust the sweetness to taste.
Final Touch: Finish by adding a little ghee for richness. Add dried fruits such as raisins, almonds, cashews, and pistachios to enhance the texture and taste. You can also sprinkle some additional cardamom powder on top for extra fragrance.
For Dudh Shemai (Milk-Based Version):
- In this version, the vermicelli is not roasted. Instead, it's directly added to the boiling milk and cooked until it softens. The rest of the process remains the same, and the result is a creamier and more delicate version.
Serving:
Shemai can be served warm or chilled, depending on preference. It's a comforting dessert, often enjoyed after a heavy meal or during special festivities.
This simple yet flavorful dessert is popular during Eid and family gatherings, as it’s easy to prepare in large quantities and loved by people of all ages. The creamy texture, sweet milk, and aromatic spices make it a timeless treat.
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