Margarine and Shortening Recipe

American · Condiment · 10 min total

A simple recipe to make your own margarine and shortening at home using readily available ingredients. Perfect for baking and spreading.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (such as canola or soybean)
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon lecithin (optional, for emulsification)
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric (for color, optional)

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, vegetable oil, water, salt, lecithin (if using), and turmeric (if using).
2. Using an electric mixer or whisk, blend the ingredients on medium speed until smooth and emulsified, about 2-3 minutes.
3. For margarine: Transfer the mixture to a container with a lid and refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours. Use as a spread or for baking.
4. For shortening: Omit the water and salt. Increase vegetable oil to 3/4 cup. Mix butter and oil until well combined. Refrigerate until solid. Use in recipes that call for shortening.

Tips

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• For a vegan version, use vegan butter sticks instead of dairy butter.
• The lecithin helps prevent separation; if omitted, stir before each use.

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