Clarified Butter

If you’re looking to add a touch of rich, nutty flavor to your dishes without the risk of burning, clarified butter is a staple ingredient to have in your kitchen. Also known as ghee, clarified butter is butter that has been melted to separate the milk solids, leaving behind pure golden butterfat. It has a higher smoke point than regular butter, making it ideal for sautéing, frying, or even drizzling over popcorn. Follow this simple recipe to make your own batch of delicious clarified butter right at home.

Clarified Butter

Ingredients:

– 1 pound unsalted butter

Instructions:

1. Begin by cutting the butter into smaller pieces to help it melt more evenly. Place the butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over low heat.

2. Allow the butter to melt completely without stirring. As it heats, you will notice three distinct layers forming: the foamy layer on top, the clear liquid in the middle, and the milk solids at the bottom.

3. Once the butter has completely melted, increase the heat slightly to bring it to a gentle simmer. The butter will begin to bubble and the foam on top will slowly start to disappear.

4. Continue simmering the butter until the foam has mostly subsided, and you begin to see the milk solids at the bottom of the saucepan turn a light golden color. This process usually takes around 15-20 minutes.

5. Carefully skim off any remaining foam from the surface of the butter using a spoon or a fine mesh strainer. Be gentle to avoid disturbing the separated layers.

6. Remove the saucepan from the heat once the butterfat appears clear and has a light golden hue. Allow it to cool slightly for a few minutes.

7. Place a fine-mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth over a clean glass jar or container. Slowly pour the melted butter through the strainer to remove the milk solids and any remaining impurities.

8. Discard the milk solids left in the strainer and store the clarified butter in a sealed container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for a longer shelf life.

Enjoy using your homemade clarified butter in cooking and baking to add a rich and delicious flavor to your favorite dishes!

Achieving clarified butter at home is a simple and rewarding process that enhances your culinary creations with its unique flavor profile and versatility. Whether you use it for sautéing vegetables, searing meats, or drizzling over freshly popped popcorn, homemade clarified butter elevates your cooking to a whole new level. So, why not give this recipe a try and experience the difference that a batch of homemade clarified butter can make in your kitchen!