Is homemade white butter healthy?

Homemade white butter is a pure, natural fat source free from preservatives and trans fats found in some commercial products. It contains fat-soluble vitamins like A, E, and D. However, it is high in saturated fat and calories, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

What is Malai and can I use store-bought cream?

Malai is the thick layer of cream that forms on top of full-fat milk after it has been boiled and cooled. Yes, you can absolutely use store-bought heavy cream or whipping cream with at least 35% fat content. Do not use low-fat or half-and-half cream.

Why is my cream not turning into butter?

The most common reason is that the cream is not cold enough. Ensure the cream, bowl, and attachments are well-chilled. Another reason could be insufficient churning time. It can take up to 15-20 minutes, so be patient and continue churning.

How long does homemade white butter last?

If washed properly to remove all buttermilk, it will last for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For longer storage, it can be frozen for up to 3 months.

What's the difference between white butter and yellow butter?

The color difference is mainly due to the cow's diet. Cows that eat grass rich in beta-carotene produce yellower cream and butter. Indian white butter is often made from buffalo milk or from the cream of cows with different diets, resulting in a whiter color. It is also typically unsalted.

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White Butter

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TASTE SCORE

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Creamy, fresh homemade butter made the traditional Indian way. This unsalted white butter, or 'safed makkhan', is rich, pure, and perfect on parathas or rotis. Made by churning full-fat cream, it separates into glorious butter and nutritious buttermilk.

PREP

COOK

20m

SERVES

1 TBSP

168 cal

SERVINGS

INGREDIENTS

For 32 servings

4 cupMalai · Chilled, full-fat heavy cream3 cupCold Water · Ice cold, divided1 cupIce Cubes · For washing the butter

NUTRITION · PER SERVING

168

CALORIES · 1 TBSP

Protein0g · 0%

Carbs1g · 2%

Fat18g · 96%

Fiber0g

Sodium5mg

Potassium13mg

Phosphorus10mg

How we calculate →

INSTRUCTIONS

6 steps. 20 minutes total.

6 STEPS

1
Step 1
- a.Prepare for Churning
- b.Ensure the malai (heavy cream) is well-chilled. For best results, also chill the large bowl and the whisk attachment of your stand mixer (or beaters for a hand mixer) for 15-20 minutes in the refrigerator.
- c.Place the chilled malai into the cold bowl.
2
Step 2
- a.Begin Churning
- b.Start churning the malai on a low speed for 2 minutes to prevent splashing. Gradually increase the speed to medium-high.
- c.Continue churning for 5-7 minutes. The cream will first thicken into a whipped cream consistency with soft peaks, then progress to stiff peaks.
3
Step 3
- a.Watch for Separation
- b.Keep churning for another 5-8 minutes. The mixture will start to look grainy and curdled. This is the sign that the butterfat is separating from the liquid.
- c.Suddenly, you will see a clear separation: yellowish, lumpy solids (butter) and a thin, milky liquid (buttermilk).
4
Step 4
- a.Consolidate the Butter
- b.Once separated, reduce the mixer speed to low and pour in 1 cup of ice-cold water. This helps the butter firm up and separate completely.
- c.Mix on low for another 30-60 seconds. The butter will clump together into one large mass.
5
Step 5
- a.Wash the Butter
- b.Turn off the mixer. Pour the liquid buttermilk into a separate container to save for other uses. Use a spatula to press the butter against the side of the bowl to squeeze out more buttermilk.
- c.Gather the butter into a ball. Add the remaining 2 cups of ice-cold water and the ice cubes to the bowl.
- d.Using your clean hands or a spatula, gently knead and press the butter ball under the ice water. The water will become cloudy. Discard the water and repeat this washing process 2-3 times until the water runs clear. This step is crucial for removing all buttermilk, which extends the butter's shelf life.
6
Step 6
- a.Shape and Store
- b.Once washed, press the butter firmly to squeeze out any remaining water.
- c.Shape the butter into a block, log, or small balls as desired.
- d.Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.

PRO TIPS

What to keep in mind.

5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.

1
Use cream that is at least 35% fat for the best yield and easiest churning.
2
The leftover liquid is fresh, tangy buttermilk. Do not discard it! Use it to make soft rotis, pancakes, marinades, or drink it as is.
3
If you don't have a stand mixer, a hand mixer or a food processor with the churning blade works well. You can also do it traditionally by shaking it in a sealed jar, but this requires significant physical effort.
4
For a slightly tangy, cultured butter flavor, let the cream sit at room temperature for 8-12 hours before chilling and churning.
5
To keep the butter fresh for longer in the fridge, store it in a container submerged in cold water, changing the water every 2 days.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

Adapt it for your goals.

Salted Butter

After the final wash, knead in 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt (or to taste) before shaping.

Herbed Butter

Mix in finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill, along with a pinch of garlic powder, after washing the butter.

Cultured White Butter

Add 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt or buttermilk to the cream and let it sit in a warm place for 12-24 hours to culture before chilling and churning. This gives it a deeper, tangier flavor.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Why this is on our healthy list.

leaf

Natural and Preservative-Free

Homemade white butter contains only one ingredient: cream. It is free from the emulsifiers, preservatives, and artificial colorings often found in commercially produced butters.

vitamins

Source of Fat-Soluble Vitamins

Butter is a natural source of vitamins A, E, D, and K2. Vitamin A is crucial for vision and immune function, while Vitamin K2 plays a key role in calcium metabolism and bone health.

stomach

Rich in Butyrate

Butter contains butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that is beneficial for gut health. It can help reduce inflammation in the colon and support the integrity of the intestinal wall.

QUESTIONS?

Frequently asked questions

One serving of 1 tablespoon (approx. 14g) of homemade white butter contains about 103 calories, primarily from fat.

PAIRS WELL WITH

Complete meals featuring this recipe

general_healthy·30 min·276 cal

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White Butter

For 32 servings

6 steps. 20 minutes total.

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6