Vegetable Ghee in Global Cuisines: How Different Cultures Use It

The Global Love for Vegetable Ghee

Vegetable ghee is a staple ingredient in many cuisines around the world. While some people associate ghee mainly with South Asian cooking, it’s actually widely used across cultures—from Middle Eastern sweets to modern vegan dishes in Western countries.

But how exactly do different regions use vegetable ghee? Let’s take a delicious journey through global cuisines and explore how chefs and home cooks around the world use vegetable ghee in their cooking.

Middle Eastern Cuisine: Rich, Flavorful, and Aromatic

Middle Eastern dishes are known for their rich flavors and delicate spices, and vegetable ghee plays an essential role in many recipes.

Popular Middle Eastern Dishes with Vegetable Ghee:

✔ Baklava – This popular dessert is made with layers of filo pastry, chopped nuts, and honey syrup. Traditionally, ghee is brushed between the pastry layers, making them flaky and flavorful. Vegetable ghee is a perfect alternative for a plant-based version! Learn more about its nutritional value in our guide: The Health Benefits of Vegetable Ghee.

✔ Kabsa & Mandi – These Arabian rice dishes use vegetable ghee to sauté onions, spices, and meats, giving them a signature aroma and richness.

✔ Harees & Majboos – These wheat- and rice-based comfort foods rely on vegetable ghee for their distinct buttery texture and taste.

Why Middle Eastern Cuisine Loves Vegetable Ghee:
✔ Enhances the richness of traditional dishes
✔ Long shelf life, ideal for hot climates
✔ Used in both savory and sweet cooking

South Asian Cuisine: A Traditional Essential

Ghee has deep roots in Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and Sri Lankan cuisines. Vegetable ghee is often used as a plant-based alternative in these recipes while keeping the same authentic flavors.

Popular South Asian Dishes with Vegetable Ghee:

✔ Biryani & Pulao – A few spoons of vegetable ghee are used to fry whole spices, onions, and basmati rice, creating an aromatic base.

✔ Parathas & Rotis – Many Indian flatbreads are cooked with ghee for a crispy, flaky texture. Vegetable ghee works perfectly for vegan or lactose-free versions.

✔ Dal Tadka & Curries – Indian and Pakistani lentil dishes are finished with a “tadka” of vegetable ghee, infused with cumin, garlic, and chili for a deep, comforting flavor.

Why South Asian Cuisine Loves Vegetable Ghee:
✔ Authentic taste, just like traditional ghee
✔ High smoke point, perfect for frying and sautéing
✔ Vegan-friendly alternative to dairy ghee

African & Caribbean Cuisine: Hidden Culinary Gem

In North African and Caribbean cuisines, vegetable ghee is often used in stews, curries, and breads, similar to its use in Middle Eastern and South Asian dishes.

Popular African & Caribbean Dishes with Vegetable Ghee:

✔ Moroccan Tagines – Slow-cooked meat and vegetable stews often start with a base of ghee, spices, and preserved lemons.

✔ Jamaican Patties & Roti – Flaky, buttery pastry dough used in Caribbean patties and rotis can be made with vegetable ghee for a dairy-free option.

✔ West African Jollof Rice – Some recipes use vegetable ghee instead of palm oil for a richer, smoother texture.

Why African & Caribbean Cuisine Loves Vegetable Ghee:
✔ Works well in slow-cooked dishes
✔ Gives pastry dough a perfect crispiness
✔ Great alternative to palm oil in some recipes

Western Cuisine: The Rise of Vegetable Ghee in Modern Cooking

In Western countries, vegetable ghee is gaining popularity due to its plant-based nature, high smoke point, and versatility in vegan and health-conscious cooking.

How Western Chefs Use Vegetable Ghee:

✔ Vegan Butter Substitute – Many plant-based bakers use vegetable ghee instead of dairy butter in cakes, cookies, and pastries.

✔ Roasting & Sautéing – Chefs love using vegetable ghee for roasting vegetables, frying tofu, and searing plant-based meats.

✔ Pasta & Risottos – Instead of olive oil, some chefs finish risottos and pasta dishes with vegetable ghee for extra richness.

✔ Popcorn & Snacks – Home cooks use melted vegetable ghee for making buttery popcorn, homemade granola, and energy bars.

Why Western Cuisine Loves Vegetable Ghee:
✔ Healthier than butter (no cholesterol, lactose-free)
✔ Perfect for plant-based & vegan diets
✔ Versatile in both savory and sweet cooking

Final Thoughts: Why Vegetable Ghee is a True Global Ingredient

From India to Morocco to the U.S., vegetable ghee is a versatile kitchen staple that works across cuisines. Whether you’re making savory stews, crispy flatbreads, or sweet desserts, Abeer Vegetable Ghee is the perfect choice for adding rich flavor and texture to your cooking.

Ready to Try It?

💡 Try using Abeer Vegetable Ghee in a recipe from a different culture this week!