diff --git a/food_related/ghee.md b/food_related/ghee.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..3b9d68e --- /dev/null +++ b/food_related/ghee.md @@ -0,0 +1,88 @@ +Here's a **science-backed guide to making perfect ghee** — a clarified butter with a nutty aroma, long shelf life, and high smoke point — by leveraging food science principles: + +--- + +## 🧈 Perfect Ghee: A Scientific, Step-by-Step Guide + +### 🔬 What Is Ghee? + +Ghee is **butterfat** with all water and milk solids (proteins & sugars like lactose) removed. This makes it: + +* Shelf-stable +* Lactose- and casein-free +* Suitable for high-heat cooking (smoke point \~480°F / 250°C) + +--- + +### 🧪 Science Principles + +* **Butter = \~80% fat + \~18% water + \~2% milk solids** +* Heating evaporates water and causes the **Maillard reaction** in milk solids (nutty flavor). +* **Low & slow heating** avoids burning and ensures even clarification. +* Browning of milk solids = richer flavor; burning = bitterness. + +--- + +### 🛒 Ingredients + +* **High-quality unsalted butter**, preferably: + + * **Grass-fed (e.g., Kerrygold)** for better CLA and vitamin K2 content. + * **Cultured butter** adds extra complexity via fermentation notes. + +--- + +### 🍳 Equipment + +* Heavy-bottomed saucepan (prevents hot spots). +* Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. +* Heat-safe glass jar with tight lid. + +--- + +### 🔥 Cooking Process (Slow Clarification Method) + +1. **Cut butter into chunks** – faster, even melting. +2. **Melt gently** over **low heat** in the pan. Don't stir. +3. **Simmer gently** – tiny bubbles should form. Water is evaporating now. +4. **Skim off foam** (first layer of denatured whey proteins). +5. **Let milk solids sink** – you'll see golden liquid on top, milk solids at the bottom. +6. **Watch color** – when solids at the bottom are light brown and liquid is clear and golden, it's ready. + + * Optional: let it go slightly longer for nuttier flavor (careful not to burn). +7. **Remove from heat immediately.** +8. **Strain through cheesecloth** into a clean, dry jar. + +--- + +### 🌡️ Temperature Tips + +Use a thermometer for precision: + +* Water evaporates: **212°F (100°C)** +* Milk solids brown: **250°F–285°F (120–140°C)** +* Burn risk: **>300°F (150°C)** + +Stay between **260–280°F** for best flavor development without scorching. + +--- + +### 🧊 Storage + +* Let cool, seal jar. +* **Room temp:** 3+ months +* **Fridge:** 1 year+ +* Always use clean utensils to avoid contamination. + +--- + +### 🧠 Pro Tips + +* **Brown butter = almost ghee**, but not strained. +* **Add curry leaves or bay leaf during cooking** for infused ghee (strain them out later). +* **Don't stir** once melted — it can remix the milk solids. +* For ultra-pure ghee: **double strain** through cheesecloth or nut milk bag. + +--- + +Want to get nerdier or try a cultured/browned variation? Just say the word — I can guide you through advanced tweaks like fermenting cream before churning your own butter first.