How to Make Ghee – Step by Step Guide

Nothing quite compares to the magic of homemade, golden ghee. Ghee is considered to be one of Ayurveda’s top superfoods for its rejuvenating, nourishing and anti-inflammatory qualities. Keep reading to find out how to make homemade ghee in as little as 30 minutes! 

The benefits of ghee are endless – it’s well known and loved for its uses both in and out of the kitchen.  No longer is it only a staple in the traditional Ayurvedic diet, it’s becoming more widely enjoyed around the world. You can now easily find it in health food stores, but nothing can beat your very own homemade batch of organic ghee!

In Ayurveda, ghee is know to promote ojas (your immunity & vitality) and is particularly beneficial for Vata & Pitta dosha – Kapha types can enjoy in moderation too.

Keep it Simple

Making ghee is very easy, but it can feel a little intimidating on your first attempt. I added extra detail to the instructions below to help troubleshoot any issues you might come across. But really, it comes down to just these 3 very (very) simple steps:

1. Take organic, unsalted butter and heat it until it bubbles
2. Simmer for about 20-30 minutes on a low heat until the milk solids evaporate
3. Strain through layers of muslin/cheese cloth and store in a clean, airtight jar

Here’s What You Need

• Organic/grass-fed unsalted butter
• That’s it – only one ingredient!

Equipment to Have Ready

• Large pot
• Spoon
• Muslin cloth/cheese cloth (or any clean, fine mesh cloth to strain)
• Glass jar

Before Starting

The only ingredient you need to make homemade ghee is organic, unsalted butter. You can make any quantity you like. If you want to start with a small batch, I recommend just 1-2 sticks of butter. Or if you want to save time or make some for friends and family, you can use between 6-10 (but you may need to cook for slightly longer). I generally use 2-3 sticks of butter at a time.

Have all your equipment (pot, spoon, muslin cloth, jar) clean, dry and ready to go before starting. Make sure the glass jar you will be using for storage is clean and dry. If the jar is damp, the ghee may spoil more quickly. If you don’t have a muslin cloth, any fine mesh cloth or very fine sieve will work too. Once you have everything ready, put some relaxing music on if you want and enjoy!

How to Tell When It’s Done

It’s possible to overcook or undercook ghee so I recommend staying near the pot. I know for me with a little baby in the house it’s easy to get distracted and leave it simmer too long so I stay close by. As the butter cooks, it will make some spattering noises and a white foam will appear. This is normal as the water evaporates and milk solids begin to separate and sink to the bottom of the pot. 

The best way to test that it’s done is to heat a small pan to a high heat, then drop a spoon of the ghee in. If it sizzles, the ghee is not ready. If it’s silent, most likely all the milk solids have been removed and your ghee is ready! Many people describe the smell of perfectly cooked ghee resembling popcorn, so when your kitchen starts smelling like the cinema you are on the right track.

Storing Your Homemade Ghee

Make sure to store your ghee in a clean, dry, airtight container. Try use a clean spoon when using your ghee as water or other food particles may cause your it to spoil quicker. As the milk solids have been removed, ghee typically does not need to be refrigerated in the same way as butter.

It can be stored in a cool, dark cupboard for up to 3 months before refrigerating, provided it’s kept clean. Refrigerating, however, will extend its shelf life. It will be clear, liquid gold at room temperature and a creamy, thick yellow when refrigerated.

A Note on Safety

While your ghee will only take about 30 minutes to prepare, it may take a while to cool down completely. I definitely recommend allowing it to cool for as long as needed before transferring to your jar. Depending on how much you make, the pot can be quite heavy and hot ghee can cause serious burns.

Recipes That Use Ghee

• Golden Milk
• Ayurvedic Banana Bread
• Kitchari

Are You Going to Make Ghee?

If you make this recipe, I would love to know how it turns out! Make sure to leave a review in the comments section below. It means so much to me and helps others find these recipes too!

Also, make sure to follow @ayurvedawithrebecca on Instagram & Pinterest for more healthy, Ayurveda inspired recipes! You can also save this recipe for later by adding it to your recipe board on Pinterest!