Ghee butter is considered a delicacy in certain parts of the world. A leftover byproduct of making ghee is milk solids. Which can be used to flavor many other foods.
I came up with 14 ideas on what to use the milk solids with. First here is a quick explanation of what these leftovers actually are.
Ghee is a butter that has been clarified. Clarified butter is when the fats and milk solids (lactose) is separated. This is done by melting the butter and then separating the two.
What’s leftover is pure liquefied butter fats and little lactose. Doing this creates a butter that is shelf stable and lasts a long time.
The greatest benefit and reason to make ghee, is that ghee butter has a higher smoke point than regular butter. Meaning it doesn’t burn as quickly.
These milk solids are also known as ghee residue or ghee leftover. They consist of lactose and whey proteins. Be prepared to use the residue fairly quickly, as it doesn’t keep for long.
Milk solids can be placed in a jar for storage. Then keep the jar in a refrigerator to help it last longer.
Most of the time it is best to use the milk solids right away.
The Best Way To Store and Keep Ghee Butter.
How To Use Milk Solids From Ghee
A lot of different foods can be topped or cooked with the milk solids. Many of the recipes are authentic Indian recipes, as ghee is much more popular there.
Ghee has been a staple food in India for hundreds of years. Due to its shelf life and stability.
Ghee is very easy to make at home, since it only involves heating and melting butter. Then separating off the milk solids that remain. These solids usually are browned in the heating process.
You do not want to over heat the butter and let the milk solids start to burn. As it will ruin the flavor of the butter.
Here is the list of 14 things to do with milk solids from ghee:
1. Make Laddu (Indian Sweet Balls)
Laddu also spelled laddoo is a Indian dish that is like a dessert. This sweet treat is easy to make and a great way to use milk solids. All you need to add is sugar and rice flour along with milk solids.
You can replace sugar with Jaggery powder. Jaggery is a natural sweetener used traditionally in India. In English jaggery is known as palm sugar.
2. Spread On Toast/Breads
Ghee residue is ready to be eaten with most breads. You can simply spread it onto any toast. Eat it on sourdoughs or naan flat breads.
3. Make bread Dough
Not only can you eat it on already baked breads. You can use ghee residue as apart of a dough mix. Any type of bread with work and it should give it a nutty flavor, also can soften the overall bread.
Here is two popular types of Indian breads that can be made with ghee residue. Both are considered flat breads.
- Roti
- Paratha
These breads if already made can be eaten with the milk solids. Traditionally the breads are coated with sugar and the ghee residue (milk solids) and eaten straight.
4. Make Milk Cake
You can use the milk residue to make a authentic Indian dessert. Named milk cake or also known as Kalakand.
This is a very simple recipe for a cake like dessert. You end up with a cake like food that is usually cut into squares.
The ingredients needed are milk, milk powder and cardamom powder (spice). Optional ingredients include chopped almonds, pistachios, cashews.
The cardamom powder is also optional but can be used for additional flavor.
Even though it is called milk cake, there is no baking involved. You simply refrigerate the ingredients. Here is the easiest way to make traditional milk cake.
Milk Cake Instructions:
- Take the milk solids (leftover ghee residue)
- Combine in a mixing bowl with sugar, milk powder and any additional spices.
- Add mixture onto a greased cooking sheet (use the ghee to grease the pan).
- Flatten the mix in the cooking sheet with a spatula.
- Place in refrigerator for up to 30 minutes.
- Remove from fridge and cut into squares.
- Garnish with dried fruits (almonds, pistachios, cashews).
5. Bake with Cookies
You can add in the milk solids with your next batch of cookies. Simply mix in with the butter you are using for the cookies. Adds a nutty and sweet flavor.
6. Sprinkle On Popcorn
Ghee butter alone can be added onto popcorn like regular butter. You can also use the milk solids (ghee residue) for popcorn.
Just sprinkle it on top of a bowl of popcorn for a added nutty flavor.
7. Sprinkle On Ice Cream
As well with popcorn the next time you have a bowl of ice cream. Sprinkle the milk solids on top. Will go along with other toppings, such as nuts or berries.
8. Stir Into Coffee
Ghee residue can be added into a cup a coffee. Best if you have one ready after you have made your ghee.
Just stir in the solids with your next cup of coffee and add a nutty flavor.
Ghee butter can be used a creamer in coffees as well.
9. Eat With Sugar
Simply add in some sugar and you can eat it with a spoon. Best if you have plenty of residue leftover. Powdered or granulated sugar will work.
10. Use With Vegetables
Steamed or grilled vegetables are prime for adding in some of those milk solids. Ghee residue should be dusted on top or added into a oil over top of vegetables.
Also mashed potatoes can be used as well, just toss a bit of the milk solids on top of the potatoes after cooking.
11. Use with Rice
The milk solids are like a brown butter, so you can put them into rice as well. Add in some salt and make sure the solids have been browned properly.
They should be done after making the ghee once the solids are light brown in color.
12. Add To A Salad
You can spread the solids on top of a salad for added flavor.
13. Use With Sauce
If you are making a homemade sauce or marinade. You can add these solids into the mix.
14. Season Meats
Grilled chicken or steak can be topped with the milk solids after cooking.
Why Are These Milk Solids Saved?
The reason these milk solids are delicious is because they are caramelized. The hard part is to tell how much milk solids you will get from making a batch of ghee.
The amount of ghee residue leftover varies from butter to butter. Restaurants making lots of ghee will have a greater amount leftover. They find unique ways to use these on different foods.
When making it at home you may not end up with very much. Still most of the recipes can be made with less than a cup of milk solid residue.
Hope you enjoyed this list of things to do with ghee residue. If you have any other ideas feel free to leave them in the comments below.