Varan Bhat, Ghee and Nimbu Pani

Ingredients

• 1 lb Unsalted Butter (High-quality, grass-fed butter will yield the most flavorful and nutritious ghee.)

Instructions

1. 1

   Melt the Butter

   • Cut the unsalted butter into 1-inch cubes to ensure even melting.
   • Place the butter cubes in a heavy-bottomed, medium-sized saucepan or pot.
   • Heat the pot over medium-low heat. Allow the butter to melt completely without stirring, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
2. 2

   Simmer and Clarify

   • Once melted, increase the heat slightly to a medium-low simmer. The butter will go through several stages.
   • First, it will come to a boil and a layer of white foam (milk solids) will form on top. Let it simmer gently.
   • After 10-15 minutes, the foam will start to thin, the bubbling will become finer, and the liquid will turn more transparent.
   • Continue simmering. The milk solids will begin to sink to the bottom and turn a golden-brown color. The bubbling will become very quiet, and the liquid will be clear and golden. This process takes about 10 more minutes.
   • The key indicator that the ghee is ready is a distinct nutty, popcorn-like aroma. Be very watchful at this stage to prevent the solids from burning.
3. 3

   Strain the Ghee

   • Immediately remove the pot from the heat once the milk solids are golden brown and the aroma is nutty.
   • Let the ghee cool in the pot for about 5-10 minutes to reduce the risk of burns.
   • Line a fine-mesh sieve with 2-3 layers of cheesecloth and place it over a clean, completely dry, heatproof glass jar.
   • Carefully and slowly pour the hot ghee through the cheesecloth-lined sieve, leaving the browned milk solids behind in the pot.
4. 4

   Cool and Store

   • Allow the strained ghee to cool completely to room temperature in the jar, uncovered. As it cools, it will solidify and become opaque.
   • Once fully cooled and solidified, seal the jar with an airtight lid.
   • Store the ghee in a cool, dark pantry for up to 3 months, or in the refrigerator for up to a year.

Ingredients

• 0.5 cup Lime Juice (from about 4-5 medium limes)
• 4 tbsp Sugar (adjust to taste)
• 4 cup Chilled Water
• 0.5 tsp Kala Namak (also known as black salt)
• 0.25 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Roasted Cumin Powder (optional, for a savory depth)
• 8 sprig Mint Leaves (for garnish)
• 2 cup Ice Cubes (for serving)

Instructions

1. 1

   In a large pitcher, combine the fresh lime juice, sugar, kala namak (black salt), regular salt, and roasted cumin powder (if using).

2. 2

   Pour in about 1 cup of the chilled water and stir vigorously for 1-2 minutes, or until the sugar and salts have completely dissolved. This creates a flavorful concentrate.

3. 3

   Add the remaining 3 cups of chilled water to the pitcher and stir well to combine everything.

4. 4

   Taste the nimbu pani and adjust the seasonings if necessary. You may add more sugar for sweetness, lime juice for tartness, or a pinch more salt to balance the flavors.

5. 5

   Fill serving glasses with ice cubes. Pour the prepared nimbu pani over the ice, garnish with fresh mint sprigs and a thin lime slice, and serve immediately for the most refreshing experience.