Homemade Ghee from Unsalted Butter Recipe
Homemade ghee is a clarified butter commonly used in Indian and Middle Eastern cooking, prized for its rich, nutty flavor and high smoke point. This simple recipe transforms unsalted butter into pure ghee by gently melting and simmering it to separate the milk solids, resulting in a golden, aromatic cooking fat perfect for sautéing, frying, and flavoring dishes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 1 cup (240 ml) of ghee
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 pound unsalted butter
Instructions
- Prepare Butter: Cut the unsalted butter into equal-sized chunks to ensure even melting.
- Heat Butter: Place the butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-low heat. Allow it to melt gently, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Simmer and Clarify: Once melted, reduce heat to low and let the butter simmer. You will notice foam forming on top; skim this off with a spoon. The milk solids will begin to separate and sink to the bottom.
- Cook Until Golden: Continue simmering until the milk solids at the bottom turn golden brown and the liquid is clear and amber in color, giving off a nutty aroma. This typically takes about 20-30 minutes.
- Strain Ghee: Remove the pan from heat and let it cool slightly. Carefully strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean, dry jar to remove all milk solids.
- Store: Allow the ghee to cool completely at room temperature before sealing the container. It can be stored at room temperature for several weeks or refrigerated for longer shelf life.
Notes
- Use unsalted butter for best results to control the salt level in your ghee.
- Carefully watch the simmering butter to prevent burning the milk solids, which can impart a bitter taste.
- Ghee has a long shelf life when stored properly in an airtight container away from moisture.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pan to ensure even heat distribution and prevent scorching.
- Ghee is lactose-free due to the removal of milk solids, making it suitable for lactose-sensitive diets.
