Unrefined shea butter is derived from the seed of the shea tree. Also known as galam butter or karite butter, it's used in cosmetic products, chocolate production and as a cooking oil. At room temperature shea butter should be a creamy solid that easily spreads like dairy butter on bread. Shea butter has a characteristic smoky, nutty smell and should be between cream, beige and yellow in appearance. Unrefined shea butter is an all-natural, vegan-friendly butter and lard substitute that can be used in baked goods -- or just spread on toast.
Spread shea butter on tea sandwiches, toast or pancakes instead of dairy butter or margarine for a healthy, vegan substitute.
Substitute shea butter for lard, margarine, dairy butter or cocoa butter in cookie and cake recipes in the quantities called for by the recipe. If you're unsure about liking the smoky taste of shea butter, substitute it a little at a time in recipes. For instance, use a half cup each of shea and dairy butter in a recipe that calls for a cup of dairy butter.
Liquify shea butter at medium heat in a skillet to pan-fry sweet and savory dishes or saute fresh vegetables and meat.
Use shea butter instead of dairy butter or olive oil as a basis for sauce to pour over pasta, rice, meat or vegetables. Shea butter, garlic and green onions make a simple but tasty sauce that dresses up many dishes.