How to Make Ghee

Although it's a staple in Indian cooking, ghee can lend its nutty, buttery flavor to everything from pies to crab cakes. Our guide, shows you how to make ghee, gives you the basics on clarifying butter to turn it into this versatile cooking oil and recipe ingredient.

1. Use unsalted, organic butter since it's less likely to burn than regular butter.
2. Cut the butter into small pieces if you want it to melt faster.
3. Heat the butter for about 30 minutes over medium heat.
4. Use a spoon to remove the layer of foam that forms on the surface.
5. Let the butter cool, then spoon the clear layer into an airtight container.
6. Leave the solids in the pan since they'll shorten the shelf life of the ghee.
7. Store the ghee in an airtight, moisture-free container for up to a month in the refrigerator or at room temperature.

Although it's a staple in Indian cooking, ghee can lend its nutty, buttery flavor to everything from pies to crab cakes. Our guide, how to make ghee, gives you the basics on clarifying butter to turn it into this versatile cooking oil and recipe ingredient.

1. Use unsalted, organic butter since it's less likely to burn than regular butter.
2. Cut the butter into small pieces if you want it to melt faster.
3. Heat the butter for about 30 minutes over medium heat.
4. Use a spoon to remove the layer of foam that forms on the surface.
5. Let the butter cool, then spoon the clear layer into an airtight container.
6. Leave the solids in the pan since they'll shorten the shelf life of the ghee.
7. Store the ghee in an airtight, moisture-free container for up to a month in the refrigerator or at room temperature.

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• by Denise Ryan

• Created by clarifying butter to remove its water and solids, ghee is often used as a cooking oil or as an ingredient for savory and sweet dishes. While its nutty flavor lends itself to Indian cuisine, the saturated fat is also touted for improving skin condition, digestion and mental acuity.Wisegeek: What is Ghee? The Cory Holly Institute: Benefits of Ghee Discover how easy it is to make your own ghee and experience its taste and health benefits.

• One basic ingredient and a few kitchen tools are all you'll need to create the delicious ghee.

• 1 pound unsalted organic butter

• Small or medium saucepan

• Stove

• Spoon

• Airtight container

• Follow this simple process to heat, skim and separate the butter to make about 9 ounces of ghee.Delectable Victuals: Flavored Ghee

1. Put the butter in the saucepan and place it over medium heat.About.com: Ghee
2. Leave the pan uncovered as the butter cooks.What's Cooking America: Ghee Tips and Hints
3. Let the butter simmer for about 30 minutes.Indian Food Forever: How to Make Ghee
4. Use a spoon to carefully skim and discard the froth from the top.Cooks Recipes: Ghee Recipe
5. Let the butter cool, and then spoon the clear layer into a container, leaving all of the solids in the bottom of the pan.Nandyala.org: Glorious Golden Ghee
   • YouTube Video: Cooking Ghee with Dr. Helen (Time: 2:41)

• Consider these tips to obtain the best results from the cooking process and increase the ghee's shelf life.

1. Use organic butter since "regular" butter is more likely to burn.What's Cooking America: Ghee Tips and Hints
2. Cook the butter in a clean and dry stainless steel pot with a heavy bottom for a consistent cooking temperature.What's Cooking America: Ghee Tips and Hints
3. Store the ghee in an airtight container at room temperature for up one month.Food Network: Ghee
4. Keep the ghee moisture-free by only using a dry spoon to remove it from the container.Food-India: Ghee Storage Tip

• Experiment with different cooking tools and ingredients to make ghee with a variety of flavor profiles.Poubelle.com: What is a Flavor Profile?

1. If you're having trouble separating the solids at the bottom of the pan from the clarified butter, strain it through multiple layers of cheesecloth until the ghee is perfectly clear.India Snacks: Ghee Recipe
2. Add ingredients like onion, garlic, ginger and turmeric to create seasoned ghee.Rebecca Wood: Homemade Seasoned Ghee Recipe
3. Consider adding cloves during the cooking process for a subtle flavor.Sanatan Society: Ghee Recipe
4. Infuse the butter with ingredients like mint leaves, green cardamom or annatto paste to generate flavored ghee.Delectable Victuals: Flavored Ghee

• Aayi's Recipes: How to Make Ghee

• CD Kitchen: Clarified Butter Recipe

• Yoga Holidays: How to Make Ghee

• Vegeyum.com: How to Make Ghee

• Mother Nature: How to Make Ghee

• Ayur Balance: How to Make Ghee

• RKG: Recipes Using Ghee

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• Introduction
• What You'll Need
• Making Ghee
• Tips and Tricks
• Variations
• References