What Is Ghee Butter?

Ghee, the Hindi word for “fat,” has been a staple in Indian diets and Ayurveda practices for centuries. And it seems to top every foodie hit list. So what exactly is it?

How to Make Ghee

Ghee is basically clarified butter that’s been cooked a little longer for added flavor. In the classic French style, clarified butter is pure milk fat, made by heating regular butter up to separate out the water and milk solids. Unlike in the French technique, Ghee has a slightly nutty and caramelized flavor with deeper color that comes through as it's made.

Cook that butter a bit longer, until its milk solids begin to brown and develop a nutty flavor. After you drain out the solids, they leave behind a rich, toasty taste. Voila: ghee! And during the clarifying process, casein and lactose is removed, making Ghee suitable for the lactose-intolerant.

How to Store Ghee

And you can save this good stuff for later too! Ghee can be kept in a jar or bottle at room temperature for extended periods.

What Is Ghee Used For?

A pure, saturated fat, ghee has a high smoke point, making it ideal for cooking at high temps and perfect for frying or sautéing. The rich flavor also means it’s great for drizzling or spreading on your favorite treats – or in the place of cooking oils to add flavor to any recipe.