When unsalted butter is heated, it clarifies, or separates into these components:
Lactose or sugar, milk protein, and fat
The heat makes the moisture evaporate, the sugar and protein separate into the white curds that float or sink to the bottom. The leftover is pure, sweet, nutty, and yummy ghee.
Use ghee for frying, sautéing or drizzling over veggies or grains.
Benefits: Lactose free, easy to digest, heating and therefore a digestive aid.
Increases Ojas which is the sparkling divine essence that flows through you and nourishes you.
To make Ghee:
- 1 pound of unsalted organic butter
Place the butter in a heavy, medium-sized pan. Turn the heat to medium until the butter melts.
Turn down the heat until the butter just boils and continue to cook at this heat. Do not cover the pot. The butter will foam and sputter while it cooks. Whitish curds will begin to form on the bottom and top of the pot.
The butter will begin to smell like popcorn and turn a lovely golden color. Keep a close watch on the ghee, as it can easily burn. It will become a clear, golden color. You will have to take a clean, dry spoon to move away some of the foam on top in order to see if the ghee is clear all the way through to the bottom.
When it is clear and has stopped sputtering and making noise, remove from heat. Let it cool until just warm. Pour it through a fine sieve or layers of cheesecloth into a clean, dry glass container with a tight lid. Discard the curds at the bottom of the saucepan.
The ghee is burned if it has a nutty smell and is slightly brown.
One pound of butter takes about 15 minutes of cooking time. The more butter you are using, the more time it will take.
The medicinal properties are said to improve with age. 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. Make sure the ghee is completely cooled before you put the lid on.
Two pounds of butter will fill a quart jar with ghee. Store ghee away from light and moisture, and it will keep for up to 12 months without refrigeration.
*The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the tradition of ayurveda, yoga, and meditation. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any disease. If you have any serious acute or chronic health concern, please consult a trained health professional who can fully assess your needs and address them effectively. Check with your doctor before taking herbs or using essential oils when pregnant or nursing.