Royal Sheermal: A Saffron-Kissed Sweet Bread Recipe
20 minutes
943 reads

About Royal Sheermal: A Saffron-Kissed Sweet Bread Recipe
Transport yourself to the royal kitchens of India with this fragrant Sheermal recipe. Imagine the delicate sweetness of saffron and cardamom mingling in a soft, luxurious flatbread, baking to golden perfection.Traditionally served during celebrations, this Awadhi delicacy pairs beautifully with rich curries or a simple, spicy pickle. Our easy-to-follow recipe guides you through each step, ensuring your Sheermal is fit for a king.Discover the secrets to this exquisite bread and impress your guests with its unforgettable aroma and taste. It's a true taste of Indian culinary heritage.
Recipe Time & More
Prep15 minutes
Cook5 minutes
Total20 minutes
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, ghee, butter, yeast, and milk.
- Mix the ingredients until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Knead the dough for a few minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Cover the bowl with cling film and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet.
- Punch down the risen dough to release the air. Divide the dough into 2 equal portions.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a small, round flatbread (chapati) about ⅛ inch thick.
- Transfer the sheermals to the prepared baking sheet. Prick the surface of each sheermal with a fork. This helps prevent them from puffing up too much during baking.
- In a small bowl, dissolve the saffron strands in 1 teaspoon of warm milk. Brush this saffron milk over the sheermals, giving them a beautiful golden hue.
- Sprinkle poppy seeds and fennel seeds evenly over the sheermals.
- Let the sheermals proof for another 10-12 minutes. This allows the yeast to activate again and creates a lighter texture.
- Bake the sheermals for 3-4 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
- Once baked, brush the warm sheermals with melted butter for added richness and flavor.
- Serve the Royal Sheermal warm and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Good To Know
- Roll the chapati small and slightly thick.
- Prick the chapati completely before cooking.
- For an extra aromatic touch, brush the finished Sheermal with a mixture of warm milk and a pinch of saffron immediately after baking, then cover with a clean cloth to keep it soft and fragrant.
- To achieve an authentic flaky texture, fold and roll the dough multiple times with ghee during the kneading process, similar to making laminated dough.
- If you prefer a slightly chewier Sheermal, swap out a small portion (about 10%) of the all-purpose flour for fine semolina (sooji).
Expert Tips
- Use warm milk when kneading the dough for a softer Sheermal. Warmer temperatures activate the yeast more effectively, resulting in a lighter, fluffier texture.
- Don't overwork the dough. Overkneading can develop the gluten too much, leading to a tougher Sheermal. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, but not overly firm.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon or two of melted butter or ghee to the dough while kneading. This will also contribute to a softer texture.
Storage Instructions
- Leftover Sheermal can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in the oven and brush with a little melted butter to revive its softness and flavor.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 728kcalCarbohydrates: 152gProtein: 10gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.8gMonounsaturated Fat: 3.6gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 1140mgFiber: 2gSugar: 106g
4 Comments
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.



This looks so appetizing! Thank you.
What a delicious recipe! Thanks for posting.
Looks so flavorful! Thanks for posting.
Absolutely wonderful! Can’t wait to make it.