Are you on board with the ghee yet? It's fatty butter, but people call it a superfood, which sounds odd.
Well, it's not quite like butter. It's butter that's been ''clarified',' which means it's been heated until the milk parts separate and just the fats remain. Nice right? It's been dubbed the new ''superfood'' and is seen as the healthier option to butter.
It has fats that are good for you, the same thing that lies behind avocados, nuts and fish. Also, it's high in Vitamin A, E and D. Nevertheless, it's a main ingredient in some quite delicious-looking foods.
Ghee is good for strong bones and improves digestion and inflammation. Kourtney Kardashian previously admitted to drinking a spoonful of heated ghee each morning to keep her figure trim, too.
Traditionally, to make ghee, butter that has been churned from milk is simmered. Any impurities are skimmed off the surface, and the clear liquid fat is poured in, keeping the solid residue that has settled to the bottom behind.
You can use spices to add flavour. The quality of the butter, the milk used in the recipe, and the amount of boiling time all affect the ghee's texture, colour, and flavour.
Now that you know about ghee, explore these seven easy dishes you can make, substituting your butter for something delicious.
7 Pure Ghee Indian Dishes To Try
1. Ghee Rice (Nei Choru)
Ghee rice is known as "Nei Choru" in South India. It is a fragrant and flavorful rice dish cooked with long-grain Basmati rice, aromatic whole spices, and generous amounts of clarified butter (ghee). The dish has herbs, including cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. Garnish the dish with fried onions, cashews, and raisins for extra taste. Freshly chopped cilantro and mint leaves are also recommended. Nei Choru can be paired with various Indian curries and gravies.
2. Ghee Roast Dosa
Ghee roast dosa is a quintessential South Indian delicacy. It has a crispy texture and nutty flavour from the ghee. The dosa batter is made from fermented rice and lentils. The batter is spread thinly on a hot grill and cooked until golden brown and crisp. Ghee is smeared over the dosa during cooking to make it satisfying and indulgent. To complement the flavours of the dosa, you can serve it with coconut chutney and sambar. Add gunpowder—a powdered blend of spicy lentils—to the dosa before serving.
3. Ghee Dal (Tadka Dal)
Ghee dal, or tadka dal, is a comforting and nourishing dish. It is made from lentils cooked and tempered with aromatic spices in ghee. Ghee adds a velvety texture to the dal. You can temper ghee with cumin seeds, garlic, and dried red chillies. Also, garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves. It is served with steamed rice or warm rotis; ghee dal is a soul-satisfying dish. Ghee dal also goes well with achar and other condiments like salad and raita.
4. Ghee Mutton Curry
Ghee mutton curry is one of the favourites. Tender pieces of mutton are cooked low and slow in gravy enriched with ghee. The ghee with the spices infuses the meat with layers of comfort. It can be garnished with fried onions, ginger juliennes, and chopped fresh cilantro. You can serve it with naan or steamed rice for a hearty and fulfilling meal. Try out the traditional recipe for more flavours.
5. Ghee Chapati
Ghee Chapati is a staple in Indian households. It is loved for its simplicity and versatility. Made from whole wheat flour and enriched with ghee, these soft and flaky flatbreads perfectly accompany any Indian meal. Just brush the cooked chapatis with ghee before serving. Add chopped fresh coriander leaves for a pop of colour. Enjoy it with a spicy curry or a simple dal.
6. Ghee Halwa
Ghee Halwa is a decadent Indian dessert loved for its rich flavour. It is made from roasted semolina, sugar, and generous ghee, this sweet treat melts in your mouth and leaves a lingering aroma of goodness. The key to a perfect Ghee Halwa is patiently roasting the semolina until it turns brown. You can top it off with slivered almonds, pistachios, and a sprinkle of edible silver foil. Ghee Halwa is as visually stunning as it is delicious. Also, add a pinch of saffron soaked in warm milk for a beautiful golden colour.
7. Ghee Pongal
Ghee Pongal is a traditional South Indian dish. It is a hearty and nutritious meal made with rice and lentils cooked with cumin, black pepper, and ginger. The generous addition of ghee adds a rich, buttery flavour and taste. Pair it with coconut chutney and sambar for a complete South Indian wholesome and delicious meal. Whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Ghee Pongal is a favourite in households across India.
Experiment with these recipes and feel free to adjust the flavours and garnishes according to your preferences. Add the best butter in your meals!