Ghee vs. cooking oil is a typical diet concern. Once upon a time, ghee was considered a taboo in the diet, but now gone are those days! Ghee has earned huge popularity worldwide. Over the common cooking oils, ghee is a better cooking option.
If you search a cookbook, you may find many recipes where ghee is optional, and you are asked to substitute the ingredient with any other cooking oil. But if we compare ghee vs oil, is cooking oil a substitute for grass-fed cow ghee? Let’s look at the difference between ghee and other cooking oil.
- Ghee vs. Cooking oil: Production
Grass-fed Ghee is produced from 100% grass-fed cow milk, whereas cooking oil is mostly produced from different oil seeds. While ghee is a dairy product, cooking oils are plant-based food products. Grass-fed ghee is produced from animal products, whereas oils mainly originate from herbal resources.
- Ghee vs. Cooking oil: Source of saturated fats
Having good quality saturated fats is good for heart health: in that way, consuming ghee in moderation has many benefits. Some of them are better digestion, natural laxatives, help in weight loss, etc. On the other hand, cooking oil is free from cholesterol, but other than this feature, cooking oils have no therapeutic benefits for consumers.
- Ghee vs. cooking oil: High smoking point
Grass-fed Ghee has a higher smoking point than any cooking oil. The higher smoking point ensures that grass-fed ghee does not break fatty acid chains while cooking oil gets broken in harmful free radicals, which may induce cancerous diseases while used for frying or baking.
Although cooking oils are cholesterol-free, indiscriminate cooking oil consumption may induce increased blood cholesterol.
- Ghee vs. oil: Ghee contains nutrients
Grass-fed cow ghee contains natural antioxidants and vitamins like A, D, E, and K2. It is the highest natural source of CLA: ghee has many nutritional benefits if taken in moderation. On the other hand, after comparing ghee vs oil, cooking oils do not have these nutrients, and these oils do not have any therapeutic effect on the body, even if consumed in the prescribed quantity.
Ghee suits dairy intolerants.
Dairy-intolerant people can take ghee to enjoy milk benefits to a large extent. But there are no such food benefits of cooking oils.
- Ghee can be used as a spread.
Pure Cow-Ghee can be used as a spread, but cooking oil cannot be consumed as a spread.
Grass-fed Cow ghee is a natural laxative because of its butyric oil content, a short-chain fatty acid. However, cooking oils do not have this property.
Ghee vs. cooking oil: How to substitute oil with ghee in cooking?
Substituting oil with ghee in cooking can add a deliciously rich and nutty flavor to your dishes. Here are seven ways to make the switch:
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- Sautéing and Stir-Frying: Use ghee instead of oil when sautéing vegetables, meats, or tofu. Ghee’s high smoke point makes it ideal for high-heat cooking, and its flavor will enhance the overall taste of your dish.
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- Roasting and Baking: Replace oil with ghee when roasting vegetables or baking goods like cookies, cakes, and muffins. The unique taste of ghee can add depth to your baked creations.
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- Pan-Frying and Deep-Frying: Substitute oil with ghee when pan-frying or deep-frying foods. Ghee’s high smoke point and rich flavor make it an excellent choice for creating a crispy exterior and enhancing the overall taste.
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- Greasing Pans and Griddles: Before cooking, use melted ghee to grease baking pans, griddles, and skillets. This can prevent sticking while also adding a buttery touch.
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- Stirring into Soups and Stews: Add a spoonful of ghee to finish soups and stews just before serving. The ghee will melt into the hot liquid, enriching the flavor and adding a silky texture.
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- Dressing Salads and Vegetables: Create flavorful dressings by using melted ghee as a base. Combine it with vinegar, lemon juice, herbs, and spices for a unique salad dressing that complements your greens and vegetables.
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- Drizzling over Grains and Pasta: Instead of plain oil, drizzle melted ghee over cooked grains like rice, quinoa, or pasta. The ghee will add a luxurious touch and enhance the dish’s overall taste.
Ghee vs. cooking oil: Why is grass-fed ghee better than common cooking oils?
Grass-fed ghee offers several potential advantages over common cooking oils, making it a preferred choice for many individuals. Here are some reasons why grass-fed ghee can be considered a better option:
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- Nutrient Profile: Grass-fed ghee contains essential fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K, as well as antioxidants like beta-carotene. These nutrients are often lacking in many common cooking oils.
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- Healthy Fats: Grass-fed ghee is a trusted source of healthy fats, including CLA, omega-3 & omega-9 fatty acids. These fats can have positive effects on heart health, inflammation reduction, and overall well-being.
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- High Smoke Point: Grass-fed ghee has a high smoke point, which means it can be heated to higher temperatures without breaking down and producing harmful compounds. This makes it apt for high-heat cooking recipes like sautéing, frying, and roasting.
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- Rich Flavor: Grass-fed ghee has a distinct and rich flavor profile with a nutty buttery taste. It adds a delightful depth of flavor to dishes that might not be achievable with other cooking oils.
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- Lactose and Casein-Free: During the clarification process, milk solids are removed from ghee, making it suitable for people who are lactose intolerant or casein-sensitive.
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- Digestibility: Removing milk solids and water content during ghee-making can make it more digestible for some people than whole butter. Ghee is also often used in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda for its digestive benefits.
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- Long Shelf Life: Ghee has a longer shelf life than many common cooking oils due to its lower moisture content and absence of milk solids. This can reduce the risk of spoilage and waste.
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- Culinary Versatility: Grass-fed ghee can be used for various cooking methods, including sautéing, baking, roasting, frying, and even drizzling over finished dishes for added flavor.
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- Traditional Wisdom: Ghee has been used for centuries in conventional cuisines and medicine systems, such as Ayurveda. This historical use speaks to its recognized health benefits.
It’s important to note that while grass-fed ghee has its advantages, it is calorie-dense, so portion control is vital. As with any dietary choice, individual preferences and needs play a role.
If you consult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian can help you determine if grass-fed ghee aligns with your health goals and dietary requirements.
Remember that ghee has an intensely natural nutty flavor than many oils, so start with a smaller amount when substituting to avoid overpowering the dish. As you become familiar with the taste, you can adjust the quantity according to your preferences. Ghee is calorie-dense, so use it mindfully and consider its impact on the overall calorie content of your recipes.
If we count on the difference in ghee vs. cooking oil, These are the differences if we count on Cow ghee vs. cooking oil. However, both ingredients are sensitive and should be used in moderation. You have to use pure grass-fed cow ghee to enjoy all the benefits compared to cooking oil used in a regular diet.
About Milkio grass-fed ghee
Use Milkio Traditional grass-fed cow ghee to enjoy all the ghee benefits described here. Milkio Grass-fed ghee is an all-purpose, all-natural dairy you can use for all types of cooking.
Milkio grass-fed ghee is made in New Zealand from the finest ingredients, and that is why you can safely add Milkio’s ghee to your diet. Lactose, casein, gluten, sugar, and carb-free dairy are safe for lactose intolerants. If you want to buy Milkio ghee, you can order at Milkio Website.
Ref Links:
1. Organic ghee
2. Organic clarified butter