Recently, many ask me why clarified butter (ghee) is used in some recipes, especially in our chocolate chip cookies. And how can I make clarified butter at home?
It is not difficult to learn how to make clarified butter, Join me to show you it is possible with simple steps.
Table of Contents
What is clarified butter?
Butter is a product obtained by boiling butter, during which the milk solids in the butter are gradually removed and the water in it evaporates.
Do you know why butter quickly turns brown and burns? This is because of the milk solids contained in butter.
When we separate and remove these solids by heating and filtering, has a higher smoke point that means it can withstand higher temperatures (about 450°F | 230°C) without burning.
How to Make Clarified Butter?
Put the desired amount of butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan on low heat.
Gradually a layer of white foam forms on the liquid. No need to collect them, these are the same milk solids that slowly turn brown and settle.
Remove the saucepan from heat when the butter becomes clear, and water evaporates completely after about 10 minutes.
Gently pass the clear yellow liquid through a fine-mesh strainer (or a coffee filter) into a bowl. Congratulations your clarified butter is ready!
Is clarified butter healthy?
It would be interesting to tell you that clarified butter is not only not harmful to health but research has shown that using a balanced amount of this substance is also beneficial for lowering cholesterol and absorb some essential vitamins and minerals.
If you wonder what clarified butter is good for? This fatty substance is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and I heard that it does not contain lactose and good for some people who are allergic to lactose.
What can I use it for?
Once you fry the egg with butter and taste it, you will realize that you were wrong! It is great for making popcorn, cookies, steaks, and sauces.
Wherever you want, you can use clarified butter instead of oil, for example, for frying, cooking, and sautéing.
Just keep in mind that it tastes unique, and greasy, which may not be appropriate in some cases. I can not imagine using it in a sponge cake or a salad and feel good.
How store and how long it last?
You can safely store butter in the refrigerator for a couple of weeks or freeze it for months. Good to know It solidifies even at room temperature. 🙂
Conclusion
I always have a Jar of it in my hand and I use it almost every day. How about you? How do you use it?