Ghee, also known as clarified butter, is commonly utilized in Ayurvedic medicine and Indian cuisine. It is prepared by boiling butter and separating the pure butterfat from the water and milk particles. The end result is a golden, fragrant liquid with a deep, nutty flavor. Ghee boasts a long historical legacy within the Indian cultural context. It is highly valued for its flavor, excellent shelf life, and numerous health advantages.

Qualities of Ghee

In Ayurveda, cow ghee is referred to as Amritam due to its exceptional properties and qualities.

1.    Organic ghee has a distinct, delectable flavor with a nutty, and caramel-like scent. It enhances the flavor of food and gives it a deep, savory element.

2.    Ghee has a very high smoke point, which allows it to be cooked to a higher temperature before it begins to burn. Due to its ability to resist high heat without degrading, it is perfect for frying, sautéing, and deep-frying.

3.    Ghee has a longer shelf life than butter since the milk solids and water have been removed. Ghee can survive for several months without refrigeration if it is carefully preserved in an airtight container.

4.    Ghee is lactose and casein-free. People who are lactose intolerant or sensitive to dairy proteins are found to handle ghee well. The clarification process removes the majority of the lactose and casein, making it a viable alternative for people who avoid normal butter.

5.    In Ayurveda, ghee is revered for its therapeutic qualities. It aids in digestion, supports mental performance, hydrate the body, and balance specific doshas (energies).

6.    Ghee has a variety of culinary applications in Indian cuisine, including curries, dals (lentil soups), rice dishes, desserts, and even as a spread for bread or toast. Additionally, it is used to add richness to sauces, temper spices, and improve the flavor of numerous dishes.

 

Why is ghee a great cooking fat?

Ghee is considered an exceptional cooking fat due to several attributes that render it especially suitable for various culinary methods. Ghee is preferred in culinary applications for the following reasons:

 

1)    High Smoke Point: Ghee typically exhibits a range of 400°F to 485°F (200°C to 252°C), contingent upon its quality and preparation. Its high smoke point enables it to withstand elevated temperatures without undergoing combustion or degradation, rendering it an ideal choice for culinary techniques that involve high-heat cooking, such as sautéing, stir-frying, deep-frying, and roasting.

2)    Enhancement of flavor: Ghee gives food a rich, nutty flavor that improves both taste and scent. Butter's flavor profile is enhanced throughout the process of generating ghee, making it a preferred option for enhancing the depth and richness of various recipes.

3)    Benefits for the digestive system: Ghee is believed to be soothing to the digestive system according to Ayurveda. It is believed to improve digestion and the absorption of nutrients from food. Some people who might be lactose or casein sensitive may find that ghee is easier for them to digest because milk solids are removed during the ghee-making process.

Ghee is believed to have originated from the Indus Valley approximately 8,000 years ago. It is considered a fundamental ingredient in the pantry of South Asian households. In recent times, the utilization of ghee has gained momentum in the Western world also.

Learn how to make ghee at home.

 

How to make ghee at home?

 

To make desi ghee at home, follow these instructions step-by-step.

 

1.    Take a slab of unsalted butter to get things started. You can also use salted butter. However, the flavor might be a little different.  

2.    Melt the butter by putting it in a big skillet or heavy-bottomed saucepan. Heat to a medium-low flame.

3.    Butter should be simmered, meaning it should be melted gently without being stirred. Clarified butter will appear in the middle, followed by milk solids on the bottom, and froth will appear on top as it melts.

4.    Skim off the foam: To remove the foam that forms on the surface, use a wooden spoon or spatula. The contaminants in the foam can be thrown away.

5.    Continue to simmer: Turn down the heat and let the butter melt slowly. The milk solids at the bottom will start to turn golden brown as it continues to separate. As it starts to develop, you'll smell something delicious. To avoid burning, the butter must be watched carefully as it simmers. If required, adjust the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.

6.    To strain the ghee, carefully pour the clarified butter through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth when the milk solids have gone a deep golden brown. This procedure assures that the ghee will be pure, smooth, and solid-free.

7.    Remove the milk solids: After filtering, you will be left with a golden liquid called ghee; discard the milk solids. The milk solids that the strainer captures can be thrown away or utilized in other dishes.

8.    Cool and store: Let the ghee cool completely before putting it in an airtight container or clean, dry glass jar. As ghee cools, it solidifies. To avoid spoiling, make sure the container is dry and moisture-free. Ghee should be kept at room temperature.

 

The process of making ghee at home takes a significant amount of time and meticulous attention to detail in order to prevent burning or scorching. The duration of the procedure typically ranges from 20 to 30 minutes, contingent upon the quantity of butter utilized and the level of heat employed. Always use caution when dealing with hot liquids and utensils.

You can use homemade desi ghee in a variety of recipes to give your food a rich experience.