Shemai
Shemai (Bengali: সেমাই) is a traditional desert item in Bangladesh and West Bengal, India. It is a popular item during Eid.[1][2] While popular in Eid it is consumed throughout the year.[3] Shemai is sweet dessert form of Vermicelli.[4]
Shemai | |
Alternative names | সেমাই |
---|---|
Place of origin | Bangladesh, India |
Region or state | Bengal, South Asia |
Main ingredients | Vermicelli, milk, cashew nuts, cardamom, Ghee |
Variations | Milk Shemai, Dry Shemai |
Ingredients
The staple ingredients of shemai are milk, ghee, sugar, roasted vermicelli, and various assortments of nuts and spices.[5][6] Shemai variations include a kheer version, dry fruits, and jodda shemai.[7]
History
Shemai originated from Bangladesh.[8] Ice Today described shemai as a distant cousin of Sheer khurma, an Afghani dessert.[9] Some recipes used powdered milk and/or condense milk.[10][11]
There has been some questions over the hygiene of factories producing shemai.[12][13] In June 2016, substandard shemai, produced in unauthorized factories, flooded the market in Saidpur, Bangladesh.[14] Next year there was widespread adultered shemai in Chittagong.[15] Sales of packaged shemai fell during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh. The prices also rose as many of the factories stopped production due to the pandemic.[16]
References
- "Sweets: A must have on Eid". archive.thedailystar.net. The Daily Star. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
- "Selina Hossain's fond memories of Eid". The Daily Star. 9 September 2010. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
- "Shemai all year round". Dhaka Tribune. 8 June 2019. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
- "Variations on Vermicelli". The Daily Star. 5 July 2016. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
- "Snackilicious Eid". The Daily Star. 22 July 2014. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
- "Best Of Bengali- Shemai (Sweet Vermicelli Pudding)". golden tiffin. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
- "সেমাইয়ের ৩ পদ". Bangla Tribune (in Bengali). banglatribune.com. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
- Majid, Hurmat. "Traditional sweetmeats from around the world". Pakistan Tribune. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
- Aziz, Irfan (3 June 2019). "Desserts of the World". ICE Today. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
- "Colorful Dudh Shemai/ Vermicelli and Steamed Vermicelli/ Shemai Pudding". Khadiza's Kitchen. 1 October 2014. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
- "Vermicelli in Sweet Custard". Global Table Adventure. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
- "সেমাই খাবেন?". Kalerkantho (in Bengali). কালের কণ্ঠ. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
- Asad, Kazi Akib Bin (5 July 2016). "Variations on Vermicelli". The Daily Star. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
- "Adulterated lassa flooded Syedpur". Daily Sun. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
- Shyamol, Nazimuddin. "Chittagong markets flooded by adulterated foods". The Asian Age. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
- "Covid-19: Demand for vermicelli falls ahead of Eid". Dhaka Tribune. 18 May 2020. Retrieved 24 May 2020.