Be it any grand feast or a simple meal at home that encompasses huge varieties of cuisine, one never fails to notice a remarkable likeness in the aroma that lingers in the house. Of course, those dishes have their own set of exotic odours but the one I'm talking about is the distinguishable whiff of Ghee or Clarified butter.
From my growing up days to this day, it has been a friend that has never once left my side, with my love for it only increasing with each passing day. So,why don't we just delve deeper into how ghee came into being and how it went on to become an essential part of our everyday life.
Backpedaling in Time!
Studies point towards India being the home of Ghee. In ancient times, it was also known as Sacred Fat or Liquid Gold. It is believed that since, India was a tropical land, butter used to get spoiled easily and thus, to avoid this problem, people began clarifying butter at their place.
Gradually, ghee started to be used in various dishes that were made at that time and was and is still considered an important element by Ayurveda. It also occupied a crucial position in many of the Hindu religious functions and ceremonies.
Today, it is an essential item in many of the cuisines prepared in different parts of the world. It is used especially in countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, certain parts of Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
Ghee And Different Dishes!
It would be unfair to talk about ghee, without mentioning the ever- so delicious cuisines that are made out of it. If you’re thinking what “yummy for tummy” things you can make, then you’ve come to the right place.
So, here are a few suggested dishes to relish:-
Ghee Roast Chicken
Chicken bathed in aromatic, dry roasted spices with a liberal amount of ghee spread across the gravy is something that is hard to resist. Well, if you are confused as to what all dishes you can make of clarified butter, then this is one of them.
Ghee Roast Dosa
A classic South Indian dish, Ghee Roast Dosa is yet another sumptuous dish that gives you a chance to showcase your culinary skills and it would surely spice up your event in no time.
Palak Dal With Ghee
Cumin spluttering in hot oil, simmered with ghee along with palak and dal is a great dish to prepare, if you wish to experience heaven on earth. A healthy item, it also works wonders with kids.
Ghee Ke Ladoo
This is one such item that must be made at different occasions and is surely gonna be a hitbe hit among people of all ages. These delicious sweet balls will definitely leave your palate craving for more with each morsel that you have.
Gajar Ka Halwa
Although a winter delicacy, this savoury item can be made at any time of the year. This sweet-pudding is endowed with numerous nutritional values and would surely ratchet up your event instantly.
So, what are you waiting for?
Let these tempting, and delicious cuisines made in ghee give you Bon Appetite in a quick wink!
The Health benefits!
Although, a general perception attached to ghee and ghee-laden dishes is that their over consumption can have long-term detrimental effects on the body. While it may be true, there still are two aspects of any coin and so does our humble ghee. Amazingly enough, Ghee too has numerous health benefits that are greatly beneficial for us all.
Well, here are a few:-
Ghee acts as an indispensable source of all the three vitamins, Vitamin A, E and K. These essential vitamins protect our cells and also reduce free radicals from the body.
Studies have shown that ghee keeps one’s body warm from within and hence, is a major ingredient in many of the cuisines such as gajar Ka halwa or Panjeeri made during winters.
When you feel tired and exhausted and find it hard to grab onto something that can make you feel energised, then you’re sorted because ghee- related items are a rich source of energy. This is also the reason why Ghee ke Ladoo is given to nursing mothers.
One of the greatest terrors of morning is not to get up early but the battle to have good and proper bowel movements, and this is perhaps true for many Indians because of our rich masala intake. Nevertheless, one is safe from this hard time, if they have a regular intake of ghee along with milk.
Ayurveda has always given high stature to ghee and its anti-inflammatory properties. It is thus, used extensively over burns and swellings. It has been found that ghee contains huge amounts of a good fatty acid that soothes inflammation. It also possesses Omega 3 Fatty acids (essential acids) that are required by our body.
Thus, to reap the real benefits of ghee, one must include this humble item in their day-today food habits!
The Closure!
Staple to the Indian kitchens, ghee has invariably been an essential item since the bygone days. Its slightly nutty and naughty taste has been etched in our hearts and are inseparable from our palettes.
With the numerous health benefits, it surely deserves the royalty that it enjoys and it may remain an unrivalled item for anotherother millenia or so!