Benefits of white butter and how to make it at home

A piping hot paratha drenched in a dollop of white butter is undeniably the most alluring amalgamation of taste and joy served in a platter. Whether you are a fitness enthusiast or a foodie, the experience of indulging in traditional foods made with white butter or makhan can simply revive the nostalgia of good old days!

But with an increase in the consciousness around health and fitness, there’s a preconceived notion that white butter, ghee or homemade makhan are loaded with unhealthy fats, which lead to obesity and an increase in cholesterol levels.

Interestingly, these myths must have confused you about adding a touch of tradition to your authentic Indian meals, but you would be surprised to know that desi makhan or homemade white butter can actually be a great substitute to your regular vegetable oils. Let’s find out...

In India, preparing makhan or white butter at home has been an age-old affair so much so that the traces of its history can be linked to Hindu mythology, wherein makhan was Lord Krishna’s favourite food.

No matter, how delicious and creamy yellow packaged butter seems, preparing homemade white butter without additives is always a great idea and the best part is that you can be sure of the quality of ingredients used.

What’s more, homemade white butter is packed with the goodness of milk proteins, saturated fats, vitamin D and A, which helps in boosting immunity and is good for bone health. In fact, adding a dash white butter can not only accentuate the taste of a dish, but at the same time it helps in giving your body the right dose of antioxidants and vitamin E, which improves digestion, metabolism and works miraculously for a healthy glowing skin.

If you are a weight watcher or a fitness enthusiast, you would be surprised to know that homemade butter or makhan has a component called lecithin, which helps in burning fats and is used extensively to make fat burning supplements. Moreover, consuming a moderate amount of homemade white butter helps in managing weight effectively and improves brain health due to the presence of lecithin. But consuming more than two teaspoons a day is not recommended. Here’s a simple recipe to make white butter at home. Read on...

To make homemade white butter, take a deep bottomed vessel, then add in full fat fresh cream and ice water. Using a beater, whisk it nicely till the butter starts separating from the liquid. Keep it aside for 30 minutes and allow the butter to turn thick.

Next, skim the butter and leave the liquid. You can also use a manual churner to extract this healthy homemade butter. You can also add in some salt or herbs if you want. What makes this white butter so healthy is that it has no added preservatives, salt or colouring and is made with just one natural ingredient.