Ghee or clarified butter has been used in cooking for centuries. It’s a staple ingredient in Indian cuisine and is rich in flavor and aroma.
Many people are afraid of using clarified butter because they believe it’s unhealthy and can lead to heart disease. However, recent studies suggest that it may be a better option than most vegetable oils.
What is clarified butter?
Clarified butter is a form of butter where the milk solids and water are separated from the fat through a heating process. The liquid butter is then poured out carefully, leaving the milk solids behind.
This process removes the impurities from the butter and results in a smooth, golden liquid.
Ghee, which is the Indian version of clarified butter, goes one step further and cooks the butter until the milk solids turn brown, giving it a nutty flavor and aroma.
Why use clarified butter?
The main reason to use clarified butter is that it has a higher smoke point than regular butter. This means that it won’t burn or produce smoke when heated to high temperatures. Clarified butter is also very stable and has a long shelf life.
Another benefit of using clarified butter is that it’s lactose-free and does not contain any milk solids. This makes it a great option for people who are lactose intolerant or have a milk allergy.
Cooking with clarified butter
Clarified butter can be used in a variety of ways, ranging from sautéing vegetables to frying chicken. It’s also a popular ingredient in baking, as it adds richness and depth of flavor to cakes and other desserts.
One important thing to keep in mind when cooking with clarified butter is that it has a lower water content than regular butter.
This means that recipes may need to be adjusted slightly, as the butter will not provide as much moisture as regular butter.
Health benefits of clarified butter
Clarified butter has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to treat a variety of ailments. Recent studies have suggested that it may have several health benefits.
One major benefit of clarified butter is that it’s high in butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that has been shown to improve gut health and decrease inflammation.
Butyrate is also an energy source for the cells that line the colon, which may help prevent colon cancer.
Another benefit of clarified butter is that it’s a rich source of fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A, D, E, and K2. These nutrients are essential for maintaining healthy skin, bones, and brain function.
Finally, clarified butter is also much lower in oxidized cholesterol, which is the type of cholesterol that can cause heart disease.
Conclusion
Clarified butter is a healthy and delicious ingredient that can be used in a variety of ways. It’s lactose-free, has a higher smoke point than regular butter, and is rich in nutrients like butyrate, vitamins A, D, E, and K2.
So next time you’re in the kitchen, consider using clarified butter to elevate your recipes to the next level.