Ghee, or clarified butter, is an ingredient that should be present in the pantry of all families in place of the classic butter. But if you do not have ghee in your kitchen, let’s check out what is a good substitute for ghee!
What is Ghee?
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Unlike the latter, ghee is devoid of the aqueous part, proteins, and lactose. Theoretically, it is pure fat. Here are the key points of ghee!
Ghee’s Benefits
Besides being suitable for those with lactose and casein intolerance, it has a high smoke point from 190 to 200 degrees Celsius compared to the classic butter. So, it can withstand high heat without releasing toxic substances.
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Butter Clarification Technique
Ghee is the clarified butter. The butter clarification technique eliminates its impurities by getting rid of some of its components such as water, lactose, and animal proteins. For this method, you need to cook classic butter for a long time at a low temperature. Then filter it to keep only the fat.
Nutrition Value
Ghee also contains precious fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, K, and E). Thanks to the short and medium-chain fatty acids, it has important intestinal antimicrobial properties. That’s why ghee is an excellent substitute for butter in the production of homemade desserts. It is also ideal for frying steaks or cooking stir-fried vegetables. Just replace it in recipes using 20% less than the doses of butter.
The crucial point in preparing ghee is that the casein separates after reacting with the sugars. It is the Maillard reaction that gives the final product a more intense aroma. You can keep ghee for a long time and out of the refrigerator since, being without water, they deteriorate slowly.
Is Ghee Vegan?
Ghee is vegan and easier to digest than regular butter. Besides, it also keeps the flavor longer and withstands heat. So, this ingredient does not darken during cooking. Ghee is famous to eliminate toxins, strengthen the immune system and provide youth and longevity.
List of Best Substitute for Ghee
Most of the food products listed below can be used as an alternative to butter in a ratio of 1:1. However, many of these have a higher water content than butter that can naturally increase the moisture level of baked foods.
1. Coconut Oil
Being popular in recent years, coconut oil is the hero in our cupboards. Cooking, skin-caring, and creating cosmetics, it is unanimous among consumers. For its health benefits, coconut oil can support the body’s internal balance. It brings energy to cells, the heart, brain, and muscles. Coconut oil is the best alternative to ghee for many cooking since it does not degrade at high temperatures.
2. Vegetable Butter
To replace ghee, vegetable butter is an ideal alternative. It is rich in minerals and essential fatty acids like a classic butter. This ingredient is ideal for your pastries, dishes that can spread your toast. Its cooking time takes only a few minutes.
For a macadamia butter, you will need 250g of plain macadamia nuts (preferably roasted), three teaspoons of maple syrup, maple butter, or raw honey, one teaspoon of vanilla, and one pinch of salt. Pour the macadamias, syrup, vanilla, and salt into the bowl of your blender or blender. Mix everything, accumulating the speed if possible, until you get a creamy liquid.
3. Applesauce
With applesauce, you can reduce the fat in your pastries without altering the taste thanks to fruit compotes. Being low in calories will bring a melting texture to your cakes. Since applesauce is naturally sweet, it will also significantly reduce the amount of sugar in your recipes.
When baking, all you have to do is replace the amount of butter with compote. You can buy one from the store or make it yourself. For the recipe, you will need a kilo of apple, cinnamon, 60g of caster sugar, and 1 liter of water.
4. Oilseed Puree
Almonds, cashews, sesame, or hazelnut puree are delicious on toast and good for your health. They are rich in fiber and unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E. They are real allies in the fight against cholesterol.
You can use your puree in your pastries, or enjoy it on a toast while boosting nutritional intake. Available in organic stores, they are also easy to cook. For a hazelnut puree, you only need one ingredient: shelled hazelnuts (approximately 250 g).
5. Avocado Pulp
Avocado pulp is rich in nutrients and healthy fats. It is ideal to use a ripe avocado. Furthermore, this choice is healthy to consume all the pulp immediately and avoid storing it for a long time. Otherwise, it can oxidize and blacken. The delicate flavor of avocado makes this fruit perfect for the preparation of both savory and sweet, especially for recipes that contain chocolate or cocoa.
6. Greek Yogurt
The use of Greek yogurt increases the protein profile in recipes since it does not alter the flavor of sweets or savory foods. It is perfect to use the fat-containing version of Greek yogurt to get a good creaminess.
7. Mashed Banana
Using mashed bananas as a substitute for ghee helps to decrease the intake of calories and fats and to increase that of vitamins and minerals. Also, it is excellent to reduce the amount of sugar provided in the original recipe. You can add mashed banana gradually to the mixture until it reaches the desired consistency.
8. Cream Cheese
For dairy products, there are many alternatives to spreadable butter. From the soft ricotta, with its neutral and delicate flavor, to the more decisive cream cheese. And we cannot forget the soft cheeses, such as soft robiola, stracchino, and gorgonzola.
Conclusion
Ghee is famous for its rebalancing, cleansing, and nutritious virtues. It is beneficial for our intestines as real digestive support. The ingredient is also an ideal alternative for your pastries that promotes the vitality of our organism and supports our immune system. There are many alternatives for ghee as above. You can get them already prepared in an organic store or make it yourself! Beefsteak vegan
