Why Everyone Is Suddenly Using Ghee Over Butter

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As Paleo, Whole30, and Keto diets continue to soar in popularity, so too has ghee, a butter-based ingredient traditionally used in Indian cooking. Pinterest even named ghee one of its top trends for 2018. The demand for it is high, but what is ghee exactly and how can you use it? Ghee is quite simply unsalted butter boiled over the stovetop for about 10 minutes until the water evaporates and protein separates from the fat. Any foam and charred protein bits are strained out, resulting in a shelf-stable, pure fat that can withstand high-heat cooking (i.e. it doesn’t burn like butter!). With a pleasant toasted flavor and aroma, ghee just so happens to be casein- and lactose-free; therefore those with dairy intolerances can usually digest grass-fed ghee without any issues.

We’re huge fans of ghee, not only for its incredible taste but also its versatility. Curious how to use it at home? Check out these ideas:

1. Make Bulletproof coffee. Ghee whirled together with coconut oil and coffee results in a high-fat drink that curbs hunger and acts as a satisfying meal replacement for breakfast.

2. Use it in place of butter when cooking eggs. Butter has a tendency to burn over the stovetop, but ghee can withstand high temperatures. Melt a dab of ghee in the pan and prepare to cook the best eggs of your life (that also won’t stick to the pan!).

3. Stir it in oatmeal, rice, or other grains. The roasted flavor of ghee is unparalleled. It enlivens any food it touches. Try topping all your cooked grains or psuedograins like quinoa with a teaspoon or two.

4. Stir-fry or roast with it. Ghee doesn’t taste rancid or burnt when it’s cooked in high-heat applications like stir-frying or roasting in the oven. Try it with veggies and/or protein (like chicken or even tofu).

5. Sub ghee for butter in many applications. Dress potatoes with ghee instead of butter, melt it over steamed veggies, or slather it on a warm roll. While butter’s protein and water content do make a difference in temperamental baking recipes like cookies or pie, others like cornbread and drop biscuits are a little more forgiving and are a perfect vessel for ghee.

If you’ve checked out the price of ghee at supermarkets, you know it can be exorbitant. Though convenient to buy, it’s easy enough to whip up at home. Alton Brown’s ghee recipe is foolproof.

Find more healthy recipes on our Pinterest page.

(Photo via Brittany Griffin / Brit + Co)