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How to Make Ghee

Content Editor
As a food enthusiast, I often find myself lost in the kitchen, exploring textures and tastes. One of my favorite revelations has been ghee, a type of clarified butter often used in Indian cuisine.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Asian
Servings 32
Calories 190 kcal

Equipment

  • Glass jars, strainer

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound unsalted European-style butter
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prep Your Materials

  • Start by assembling all your ingredients. You’ll need a heavy-bottomed saucepan, a heat-proof spatula, a fine-mesh strainer, and a jar for storing the ghee. I usually choose a glass jar because it’s easy to clean and shows off that beautiful golden color.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

  • Place your unsalted butter in the saucepan over medium-low heat. As the butter begins to melt, you’ll hear soft crackling sounds. This is where the magic starts! It's like watching a performance unfold.

Step 3: Let It Simmer

  • Once the butter is fully melted, reduce the heat to low. Allow the butter to simmer gently. You’ll notice the milk solids start to separate and sink to the bottom. Keep stirring occasionally, gently scraping the bottom of the pan to ensure even cooking. This is where the aroma starts to fill the air. It’s captivating!

Step 4: Watch for Color Change

  • After about 10-15 minutes, the butter will begin to foam. This is normal; it’s just the water evaporating. As it continues to cook, the milk solids will turn golden brown. This phase is crucial— don’t walk away! Keep a close eye on it. You want to catch the moment right before the solids turn too dark, as that can introduce a bitter taste.

Step 5: Strain the Ghee

  • Once you see the milk solids at the bottom turning golden brown, remove the pan from the heat. Allow it to cool slightly for a minute, then carefully pour the melted ghee through the fine-mesh strainer into your jar. You can also use cheesecloth for an even finer filter if you prefer. Discard the solids. Congratulations, you’ve made ghee!

Step 6: Cool and Store

  • Let your ghee cool to room temperature before sealing the jar. It will solidify into a beautiful golden butterfats. When I first made ghee, I couldn’t believe I had created such a delightful ingredient.

Notes

  • Use good quality butter: The flavor of your ghee is only as good as the butter you use.
  • Keep the heat low: This prevents burning and ensures that the milk solids cook evenly.
  • Be patient: Ghee takes about 20-30 minutes to make; rushing it can lead to a burnt flavor.
  • Store properly: Ghee can be stored at room temperature in a cool, dry place for up to three months.
  • Experiment with flavors: Once you master basic ghee, feel free to try adding herbs or spices during the cooking process for a unique twist.

Nutrition

Calories: 190kcalProtein: 1gFat: 20.8gSaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 111mgVitamin A: 13IUCalcium: 2mgIron: 2mg
Keyword How to Make Ghee
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