How To Make Ghee From Malai, The Traditional Indian Way

By Shreya Sarpal

June 6, 2025

Learn how to make ghee from malai, a traditional method of making clarified butter in Indian households. Homemade ghee is prized for its rich, nutty flavour, aroma and numerous health benefits.

Ingredients

Malai (cream) – 2 cups (collected from boiled milk) Water or curd – 2 tbsp (optional, for churning)

Step 1

Boil milk, let it cool, then skim off 2 cups of malai that forms on top and store it in the refrigerator.

Step 2

Bring the malai to room temperature, add water or curd and blend it using a blender until the butter separates.

Step 3

Strain the mixture, wash the butter with cold water to remove buttermilk residues.

Step 4

Heat the butter on a low flame, simmer until the milk solids settle at the bottom and golden ghee floats on top.

Step 5

Strain the ghee into a clean container using a sieve, and let it cool.