How
To Make Ghee
Ghee:
is clarified butter and is widely used in Indian preparations.
Ghee
can be made by heating unsalted butter on medium heat for 25 to
30 minutes until it is clear. It is then strained and stored for
future use.
It adds a lot of flavor to the recipe when used. Ghee is
mostly used in sautéing and less commonly for
deep-frying. It is very high in saturated fat, therefore should be
used sparingly. It is available in Indian grocery stores in a bottle.
Unlike butter,
ghee can be stored for extended periods without refrigeration,
provided it is kept in an airtight container to prevent oxidation and
that it remains moisture-free. Don’t ladle out the ghee with a wet
spoon or allow any water to get into the container, as this will
create conditions for bacteria to grow and spoil the ghee.
This extended
life is due to the destruction of microbes and enzymes during
simmering and the removal of water. Also unlike butter, ghee can be
heated to its smoke point without discoloring or developing a burnt
taste, making it superior for deep frying. In fact, until refined
vegetable oil came into popular use in India, ghee was the mainstay of
all fried dishes.
Properly made
ghee should be semi-liquid at room temperature. Better-quality ghee is
a rich golden color.
Ghee is used
widely in India, even though it is high in saturated fats. In
ayurvedic medicine it is highly regarded to create a balance.
Ayurvedic
texts, however, describe many diverse mind/body benefits. For example,
- Absorption:
Ghee is an integral part of the science of ayurvedic herbal
formulation. Since ghee is an oil, it can bond with lipid-soluble
nutrients and herbs to penetrate the lipid-based cell walls of the
body. It is stated to increase the potency of certain herbs by
carrying the active components to the interior of the cells where
they impart the most benefit.
- Digestion:
The ayurvedic texts say that Ghee helps balance excess stomach
acid, and helps maintain/repair the mucus lining of the stomach.
- Mild
Burns:
Like aloe, Ghee is said to prevent blisters and scarring if
applied quickly to affected skin.
- Mind:
Ghee is said to promote all three aspects of mental functioning --
learning, memory and recall.
- Ayurvedic
Balance:
Ghee balances both Vata (the dosha that controls movement in mind
and body) and Pitta (the dosha that controls heat and metabolism).
