Question: What is the name of the clarified butter used in Indian cooking?
Show answer
Ghee.
The clarified butter commonly used in Indian cooking is called “ghee.” Ghee holds a significant position in Indian culinary traditions, medicinal practices, and cultural rituals.
Originating in the Indian subcontinent, ghee is made by simmering butter and removing the liquid residue. The remaining golden, flavorful fat is ghee. Unlike regular butter, ghee can be stored for extended periods without refrigeration due to the removal of milk solids and moisture. Its rich, nutty flavor and high smoke point make it an excellent medium for sautéing and frying, setting it apart from many other cooking fats.
Beyond its culinary uses, ghee holds a revered spot in Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine. It’s believed to have healing properties, aiding digestion, promoting a healthy complexion, and serving as a medium for herbal ointments used to treat burns and rashes. Ghee is often used in Ayurvedic therapies and remedies due to its purported therapeutic qualities.
In the cultural and spiritual context, ghee is considered pure and sacred. It’s regularly used in Hindu religious ceremonies, rituals, and festivals. In traditional lamp-lighting ceremonies, ghee serves as the fuel for the sacred flame. This is symbolic, as the flame represents the removal of ignorance and the spread of knowledge.
Furthermore, ghee’s significance is not limited to India. With the global spread of Indian cuisine and a growing interest in alternative medicine and nutrition, ghee has gained popularity in many parts of the world. Health enthusiasts often tout its benefits over regular butter due to its lack of lactose and casein, making it suitable for those with dairy sensitivities.
In modern cooking, both within and outside of India, ghee is celebrated for its rich depth of flavor, versatility, and, when sourced from grass-fed cows, its nutritional benefits. Rich in vitamins A, E, and K2, as well as fatty acids like conjugated linoleic acid and butyrate, ghee is increasingly recognized as a healthful addition to a balanced diet.
In summary, ghee is much more than just a cooking ingredient in Indian culture; it’s a blend of culinary, medicinal, and spiritual significance, deeply embedded in the fabric of Indian traditions.
