Ingredient Guide•Ghee
All Ingredients
Oils & FatsIndian Subcontinent
GheeCalories, Nutrition Facts, Culinary Uses & Recipes
Scientific Name:Bos taurus fat product
Also known as:
Clarified ButterGhee Butter
Ghee is clarified butter commonly used in Indian cooking. It contains healthy fats, supports digestion, and enhances flavor while being lactose-free.
Calories (100g)902 kcal
Dietary ProfileVegetarian
Default UnitTablespoon
Calories in Ghee & Nutritional Facts
Standard food-composition values per 100g edible portion and realistic serving portions
How many calories are in Ghee?
100 grams of Ghee (raw/dry reference weight) provides approximately 902 kcal, 0.0g carbohydrates, 0.0g protein, 100.0g fat, and 0.0g dietary fiber. A realistic single-person portion of 50g contains roughly 451 kcal before cooking oils or garnishes.
902.0kcal
Calories
0.0g
Protein
0.0g
Carbs
100.0g
Fat
0.0g
Fiber
0.0g
Sugar
| Portion Size | Calories | Carbs | Protein | Fat | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per 30g (Small / 2–3 Tbsp) | 271 kcal | 0.0g | 0.0g | 30.0g | 0.0g |
| Per 50g (Standard Home Serving) | 451 kcal | 0.0g | 0.0g | 50.0g | 0.0g |
| Per 100g (Standard Reference) | 902 kcal | 0.0g | 0.0g | 100.0g | 0.0g |
Source & Disclaimer: Nutritional figures represent approximate values per 100g edible portion compiled from standard food-composition references (including ICMR-NIN Indian Food Composition Tables & USDA FoodData Central). Values vary by grain thickness, moisture, brand, and added cooking oils or garnishes. Provided for general culinary information only and not as medical or clinical dietary advice.
Storage Instructions
Keep Ghee fresh and long-lasting
Room Temperature: Ghee keeps well at room temperature for up to three months if stored in a clean, airtight glass jar away from direct sunlight. In the Fridge: You can store it in the refrigerator for up to a year, though it will become very solid and hard to scoop. Always use a completely dry spoon to avoid introducing moisture, which causes spoilage.
Kitchen Preparation & Cooking Uses
Best culinary practices & prep tips
Which Type to Buy: Look for grass-fed cow ghee for the best golden color and rich aroma. How to Prep: No prep is needed since it is ready to use straight from the jar for cooking or drizzling. Best Way to Cook: Heat it gently in a pan for tadka or use it to fry rotis and parathas because it has a high smoke point and will not burn easily like regular butter.
General Nutritional & Wellness Notes
Everyday dietary context for Ghee as part of balanced home cooking
Ghee is a good source of healthy saturated fats that provide steady energy for daily activities. It contains fat-soluble vitamins that support your immune system and overall eye health. While high in calories, it is generally easier to digest than regular butter because the milk solids are removed during making.
Culinary Uses, Origins & Cultural Heritage
How Ghee is used across regional kitchens and history
Common Culinary Uses
Historically, traders carried ghee along ancient trade routes, spreading its use across parts of the Middle East and Southeast Asia. It became a prized cooking medium in royal kitchens because of its nutty aroma and ability to draw out the flavors of spices.
Historical Roots
Ghee originated in the Indian subcontinent thousands of years ago as a practical way to preserve butter in warm climates without refrigeration. Ancient communities quickly realized that simmering butter to remove water content created a stable cooking fat that lasted much longer than fresh milk products.
Regional & Cultural Traditions
Ghee holds a sacred place in Indian culture and religious rituals, often used in lamps during prayers and offerings. In everyday life, it signifies hospitality and warmth, frequently dolloped over hot dal, rice, and flatbreads to welcome guests and nourish family members.
Did You Know?
Unlike regular butter, properly prepared ghee contains negligible amounts of lactose and casein, making it easier to tolerate for many people with dairy sensitivities.
Chef & Cooking Tips
If your ghee develops a grainy texture over time, do not worry as this is completely normal and happens when natural fats crystallize. To fix burnt spices during a tadka, remove the pan from the heat immediately and stir in a tiny splash of water or fresh ghee.
Recipes Using Ghee
Explore 8 recipes featuring Ghee
Frequently Asked Questions about Ghee
Common questions on calories, cooking methods, and kitchen storage
How many calories are in Ghee?
Per 100 grams (raw/dry reference weight), Ghee contains approximately 902 kcal, 0.0g carbohydrates, 0.0g protein, 100.0g fat, and 0.0g dietary fiber. A typical 50g culinary portion provides roughly 451 kcal before cooking oils, butter, or garnishes are added.
What is Ghee and how is it used in cooking?
Ghee is clarified butter commonly used in Indian cooking. It contains healthy fats, supports digestion, and enhances flavor while being lactose-free.
How do you prepare and cook with Ghee?
Which Type to Buy: Look for grass-fed cow ghee for the best golden color and rich aroma. How to Prep: No prep is needed since it is ready to use straight from the jar for cooking or drizzling. Best Way to Cook: Heat it gently in a pan for tadka or use it to fry rotis and parathas because it has a high smoke point and will not burn easily like regular butter.
How should Ghee be stored to keep it fresh?
Room Temperature: Ghee keeps well at room temperature for up to three months if stored in a clean, airtight glass jar away from direct sunlight. In the Fridge: You can store it in the refrigerator for up to a year, though it will become very solid and hard to scoop. Always use a completely dry spoon to avoid introducing moisture, which causes spoilage.
What are the nutritional qualities of Ghee?
Ghee is a good source of healthy saturated fats that provide steady energy for daily activities. It contains fat-soluble vitamins that support your immune system and overall eye health. While high in calories, it is generally easier to digest than regular butter because the milk solids are removed during making. (For general culinary reference only, not medical advice.)
Explore Related Ingredients & Nutrition Guides
View All Ingredients →Turn Ghee inspiration into your next meal
Explore recipes that use Ghee, save ideas to cook later, and organize meals for the week with the MealBourne recipe app and meal planner.
Get the MealBourne app