The wellness world has been praising ghee as a super-fat that’s healthier to cook with than coconut oil, butter, and even olive oil. You can find ghee for sale at grocery stores, health food stores, and even in to-go beverages like Bullet Proof coffee. Why exactly is everyone cooking with ghee and even stirring a spoonful of this better-than-butter fat into their morning coffee?

Ghee is often called liquid gold. It’s been used for centuries in Indian cuisine and Ayurvedic cooking and has recently become one of the latest health trends. It’s boasted as better than butter for cooking and used in place of creamer for coffee because it’s full of nutrients and healthy fats. It also just tastes better.

What exactly is the difference between ghee and regular butter?

Ghee is clarified butter with its milk solids intact, that’s toasted and then skimmed so only the fat remains. It’s essential simmered buttered, and it’s easy to make yourself at home. As the butter simmers, the milk solids separate from the oil and the water gets evaporated out. After simmering the butter for about 15 minutes, remove the milk solids with a spoon and what remains is ghee. It has a nuttier, sweeter taste than regular butter that adds great flavor to a wide variety of recipes.

Because ghee is clarified lactose intolerant people can enjoy it too. It’s casein and lactose-free.

When ghee is made with organic, grass-fed butter, it’s also rich in fat-soluble vitamins like vitamins K, E, and A. It’s high in fatty acids that are known to be good for weight loss and even preventing cancer. Some studies have shown that ghee can help boost your metabolism and promote good gut bacteria.

Ghee is more expensive than butter, but it’s worth it. The flavor is better and the health benefits are superior. It also has a long shelf and doesn’t have to be refrigerated. Because all of the water is evaporated out, bacteria can’t grow, making it safe to leave out on your kitchen counters.

Cooking with Ghee is easy.

Because it has a higher smoking point than butter, it’s ideal for use in stir-fries and sautés. You can smoother ghee on baked potatoes, lobster, and bread. The nutty flavor is delicious.

Ghee also adds flavor and creaminess to hot turmeric lattes and coffee. You can use it to fry your eggs, make a grilled cheese without smoking up your kitchen, and for searing meat. Ghee is extremely versatile and can be used for most recipes that call for other kinds of butter or oil.

You can even bake with ghee. But be prepared to have your baked goods turn out a little crispier than usual. If you’re looking for a soft, flaky pie crust or bread, I’d stick with regular butter.

Try using ghee to make this immune boosting, adaptogenic, roasted cauliflower soup by Wu Haus:

Cauliflower Soup with Ghee RecipeWu Haus

Or use it to make these overnight oats with cashews, seeds, and turmeric by Bon Appetit:

Overnight Oat Ghee RecipeBon Appetit

Looking for dairy free butter alternatives? Here are the best butter substitutes.