Sheermal Recipe

Sheermal (also spelled Shirmal) is a luxurious, lightly sweetened, saffron-flavored naan-like bread that originated in the royal Mughal kitchens and remains a delicacy in Awadhi, Persian, and Hyderabadi cuisines. This golden flatbread is soft, fragrant, and slightly sweet, traditionally baked in a tandoor or oven and brushed with ghee for a rich finish.

Perfect with kebabs, kormas, or even a cup of tea, homemade sheermal adds a festive and royal touch to any Indian meal.

🕐 Prep & Cooking Time

1. Serves: 4 (makes 4 small sheermals)

🛒 Ingredients

For the Dough:

1. 2 cups all-purpose flour (maida)
2. 1½ tsp active dry yeast
3. 1 tsp sugar (for yeast activation)
4. ¼ cup warm milk (not hot)
5. ¼ tsp salt
6. 1 tbsp sugar (for dough)
7. ¼ cup ghee or butter, melted
8. ½ cup lukewarm milk or cream (for kneading)

For Saffron Milk:

1. A pinch of saffron strands
2. 2 tbsp warm milk

For Topping:

1. 1 tbsp milk or egg wash
2. 1 tbsp ghee, for brushing after baking

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step: How to Make Sheermal

🔹 Step 1: Activate the Yeast

1. In a small bowl, dissolve 1 tsp sugar in ¼ cup warm milk.
2. Stir in the yeast and let sit for 10 minutes or until frothy.

🧠 Pro Tip: Milk should be warm to the touch — not hot — to activate yeast properly.

🔹 Step 2: Prepare Saffron Milk

1. Soak saffron strands in 2 tbsp warm milk and set aside.
2. This adds the signature color and aroma.

🔹 Step 3: Make the Dough

1. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Add the activated yeast mixture, saffron milk, and ghee.
3. Gradually knead in the remaining lukewarm milk or cream until you get a soft, pliable dough.
4. Cover and let it rise for 1 hour in a warm spot.

🔹 Step 4: Shape and Decorate

1. Once risen, divide the dough into 4 equal balls.
2. Roll out each into a round 5–6 inch disc (not too thin).
3. Prick the surface with a fork or score light decorative lines using a knife.
4. Brush with milk or egg wash.

🔹 Step 5: Bake or Pan-Cook

Oven Method (Best)

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Place sheermals on a lined baking tray.
3. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until lightly golden.

Stovetop Method

1. Cook on a hot tawa over medium-low heat.
2. Flip and press gently until golden on both sides.
3. Cover with a lid for 1–2 minutes to keep soft.

🔹 Step 6: Final Touch

1. Brush warm sheermal with ghee or butter.
2. Serve hot or warm.

🫓 What to Serve With Sheermal

1. Nihari or Mutton Korma
2. Chicken Rezala or Shahi Paneer
3. Seekh Kebabs or Galouti Kebabs
4. Even with masala chai or sweetened milk for breakfast!

🔄 Variations to Try

📌 Tags

#sheermal #mughlairecipes #flatbread #indianbreads #saffronbread #sweetnaan #festivalrecipes #biryaniaccompaniment #royalrecipes

🗂️ Recipe Metadata

1. Category: Bread, Side Dish
2. Cuisine: Mughlai, Indian-Persian
3. Difficulty: Medium
4. Cooking Method: Baking or Pan-Frying
5. Dietary Tags: Vegetarian (contains dairy)

💬 Final Thoughts

Sheermal is a bread that brings elegance to the table. With its golden glow from saffron, soft and pillowy texture, and rich buttery taste, it feels as royal as its roots. Whether served at festive feasts or paired with spicy gravies, this mildly sweet flatbread is sure to elevate your meal.

It’s the kind of recipe that brings nostalgia, culture, and indulgence — all in one bite.

📸 Show Off Your Sheermal!

Tried this recipe? Post your saffron-kissed creation using #RoyalSheermal or #BreadOfKings — we’d love to see your homemade touch!