Ghee is a clarified butter that originated thousands of years ago in South Asia. Ghee has a bold, nutty profile that adds robust flavor to any dish. In Ayurveda, it's known as a, "yogavahi—a catalytic agent that carries the medicinal properties of herbs into the seven dhatus or tissues of the body." Ghee serves as a perfect vehicle to deliver the medicinal benefits of cannabis. It's made by melting unsalted butter and simmering it under low heat until the milk solids float to the top. The milk solids are strained out and the butter is left on the stove an extra minute to brown slightly.
Unsalted butter is key when making your ghee because salted butter can separate from the butter and burn during the cooking process. Store bought ghee is also a great option, but does not have the same depth of flavor as homemade ghee. Ghee is safe to store at room temperature.
Activating your weed: Remember to decarboxylate your weed first. "Decarboxylation" is a fancy word used to describe baking your weed to activate the THC in it. Decarboxylating is important or else your edibles won't "work." (You won't get high.)
This is done by heating cannabis in the oven at a low temperature for a minimum of 30 minutes. Once your flower is activated, then it's ready to add to the ghee for infusion. Bhang (cannabis) infused ghee is perfect for medicating all your favorite South Asian dishes such as dal, saag, and even rotis!
To make your ghee (clarified butter) you’ll need:
8 ounces unsalted butter
Under low heat, melt your butter.
After your butter melts, it will begin to simmer and white foam will float to the top. These are called milk solids. Skim these out with a spoon.
Optional: Once the solids are removed, a little will remain at the bottom of the pot. Simmering your ghee for an extra minute until the solids at the bottom are golden brown adds a nice pop of flavor.
Turn off the heat and allow your ghee to cool. Transfer into a jar and store at room temperature.
To decarboxylate your flower:
½ - 1 ounce of flower (depending on desired strength)
Preheat your oven to 220°F.
Grind your cannabis flower and place it in a small, oven safe dish. Bake for 20-30 minutes to activate the THC in your ghee, stirring every 10 minutes.
To make your bhang infused ghee:
Melt water and ghee under low heat.
Add your decarboxylated, THC activated flower.
Let the ghee simmer for 4-6 hours under very low heat, adding water if needed to prevent the THC from burning. A thermometer is recommended to make sure the mixture stays below 200°F.
Strain out the flower and save to make bhang paste! Store your ghee at room temperature or in the refrigerator.