6 things you need to know about cooking with ghee

The writer suggests that ghee is, by far, a healthier option for cooking. Wikimedia Commons

The writer suggests that ghee is, by far, a healthier option for cooking. Wikimedia Commons

Published Jul 19, 2024

Share

You’re likely familiar with butter but do you know what ghee is?

Ghee, known as clarified butter, has a rich, nutty flavour. It has been a staple in Indian and Middle East cuisine for centuries.

It is known not only for its delectable taste but also for its health benefits. If you are eager to explore the wonders of ghee in your kitchen, below are some of the things that you need to know about cooking it.

Ghee has a high smoke point

Because there’s no water in ghee, it has a higher smoke point than butter. It cooks without sputtering, smoking or burning, making it friendly for grilled cheese, breakfast potatoes and more.

Boasts bioavailable vitamins

The dairy products of cows, sheep, and goats grazing on grass are an excellent source of fat-soluble vitamins.

Studies show that cooking with this clarified butter can help the organism absorb essential vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients more easily. But remember the dose makes the poison, so always consume fat-dense foods in moderation.

Ghee has been a staple in Indian and Middle East cuisine for centuries. Picture: File image

Use less

If you have never cooked with ghee before, just go easy to start. I have found that I typically need less throughout the process compared with, say, olive oil.

Store it at room temperature to keep it soft

Before you start cooking with ghee, you will want to make sure you are storing it the right way. Ghee is almost 100% fat, which means it can be safely stored at room temperature.

Once opened, a jar can be kept on your countertop for three months.

You can use ghee as a butter substitute

You can follow keto recipes if you want to know how to cook with ghee as a butter substitute. In keto recipes, ghee is a source of good-quality fat. You can use ghee on your morning toast as a butter substitute besides cooking with it.

Furthermore, you can use grass-fed ghee in your morning coffee to make it a cup of fattening keto coffee, which offers energy and works as a filler food in your diet plan.

Besides being a butter substitute, ghee is incredibly versatile

Along with its buttery taste, ghee has a distinct roasted, nutty, fragrance as mentioned. You can try ghee for frying eggs and bread, tart rye crepes or zucchini fritters.

And because it is pure oil that melts easily, it is perfect for spiced and flavoured butter, whether you are dipping lobster, smothering fruity pancakes or spooning on oatmeal.