What To Know
- Clarified butter also has a longer shelf life than regular butter, making it a great option for stocking your pantry.
- Be sure to watch the butter closely as it cooks and remove it from the heat as soon as it turns golden brown.
- However, ghee is typically made from unsalted butter and is simmered for a longer period of time, resulting in a slightly different flavor.
Clarified butter, also known as ghee, is simply butter that has had all the milk solids and water removed. It has a higher smoke point than regular butter, making it ideal for high-heat cooking. Clarified butter also has a longer shelf life than regular butter, making it a great option for stocking your pantry.
How Much Butter to Make Clarified Butter?
General Rule of Thumb:
For every 2 cups (1 pound) of unsalted butter, you will get approximately 1 cup of clarified butter.
Step-by-Step Guide
Ingredients:
- 2 cups (1 pound) unsalted butter
Equipment:
- Medium saucepan
- Cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve
- Glass jar or container
Instructions:
1. Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Simmer and Skim: As the butter melts, a white foamy layer will form on the surface. Use a spoon to skim off this foam and discard it. Continue simmering until the butter turns golden brown and the foaming stops.
3. Strain the Butter: Line a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth with a double layer of cheesecloth. Pour the hot butter through the sieve into a glass jar or container.
4. Cool and Store: Let the clarified butter cool to room temperature before storing it in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 months.
How to Use Clarified Butter
Clarified butter can be used in a variety of ways, including:
- Sautéing: Use clarified butter to sauté vegetables, meats, and seafood.
- Baking: Replace regular butter with clarified butter in your favorite baking recipes.
- Frying: Clarified butter is perfect for frying foods because of its high smoke point.
- Spreading: Spread clarified butter on bread, toast, or crackers.
- Finishing Dishes: Add a touch of flavor to soups, stews, and sauces by finishing them with clarified butter.
Benefits of Clarified Butter
In addition to being a versatile cooking ingredient, clarified butter also offers several health benefits:
- Rich in Vitamins: Clarified butter is a good source of vitamins A, D, and E.
- High in Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA): CLA is a fatty acid that has been linked to several health benefits, including reduced inflammation and improved heart health.
- Lactose-Free: Clarified butter is lactose-free, making it a good option for people with lactose intolerance.
How to Store Clarified Butter
Clarified butter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 months. It can also be frozen for up to 6 months.
Troubleshooting
- My clarified butter is brown: If your clarified butter is brown, it means that it has been cooked too long. Be sure to watch the butter closely as it cooks and remove it from the heat as soon as it turns golden brown.
- My clarified butter is cloudy: If your clarified butter is cloudy, it means that there are still some milk solids present. You can strain the butter again through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any remaining solids.
- My clarified butter is too hard: If your clarified butter is too hard, it means that it has been refrigerated for too long. Bring the butter to room temperature before using it.
Final Note: Clarifying Butter Made Easy
Making clarified butter is a simple and rewarding process. By following these steps, you can easily create your own delicious and versatile cooking oil. Enjoy the many benefits of clarified butter, from its high smoke point to its health benefits.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Can I use salted butter to make clarified butter?
A: Yes, you can use salted butter to make clarified butter. However, you may want to reduce the amount of salt you add to your recipes when using clarified butter made from salted butter.
Q: How long does clarified butter last?
A: Clarified butter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 months. It can also be frozen for up to 6 months.
Q: What is the difference between clarified butter and ghee?
A: Clarified butter and ghee are essentially the same thing. However, ghee is typically made from unsalted butter and is simmered for a longer period of time, resulting in a slightly different flavor.
