Herbal Butter Variations

Herbal butter is a delightful and versatile condiment that can be easily made by infusing butter with various herbs and spices. It adds a burst of flavor to a wide range of dishes, from steamed vegetables to grilled meats. Here's a simple recipe to make your own herbal butter:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

• 2-3 tablespoons of mixed fresh herbs finely chopped: parsley, thyme, rosemary, chives, basil, sage

• 1-2 cloves of garlic, minced (optional)

• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Herbs:

   • Wash and finely chop the fresh herbs. You can use a single herb or a combination of herbs based on your preference.

2. Soften the Butter:

   • Allow the butter to soften at room temperature until it's easily mixable. Do not melt the butter completely; it should be soft but still solid.

3. Combine Ingredients:

   • In a bowl, mix the softened butter, chopped herbs, minced garlic (if using), and a pinch of salt. Blend well until the herbs are evenly distributed in the butter.

4. Form the Butter:

   • Transfer the herb-infused butter mixture onto a sheet of parchment paper or plastic wrap. Shape the butter into a log or a block by rolling it and twisting the ends of the parchment paper or plastic wrap. Alternatively, you can use silicone molds for decorative shapes.

5. Chill and Set:

   • Place the formed butter in the refrigerator to solidify and set for at least 1-2 hours.

6. Serve and Store:

   • Once the butter has solidified, unwrap and slice it into rounds or use as desired. Serve on top of warm bread, steamed vegetables, grilled meat, or other dishes to add a burst of flavor.

7. Storage:

   • Store any leftover herbal butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks. You can also freeze the butter for longer storage.

Tips:

• Customize the flavor by experimenting with different herb combinations like basil, tarragon, dill, oregano, or cilantro.

• Adjust the salt according to your taste preference.

• Use high-quality, unsalted butter for better control over the salt content.

Examples of herbal butters and their use:

1. Parsley and Chive Butter:

   • Best on baked potatoes, green beans, corn-on-the-cob, or red meats.

2. Basil Butter:

   • Best on vegetables, chicken, fish, or scrambled eggs.

3. Garlic Herb Butter:

   • The perfect topping for garlic bread. Let the butter soften after the flavors have blended for easier spreading.

4. Sage Butter:

   • Use on seafood, chicken, fresh green beans, or biscuits.

5. Sun-Dried Tomato Butter:

   • hot pasta, roasted vegetables, sandwiches, sizzling grilled steak, oven-warmed baguettes and dinner rolls, scrambled eggs,…

6. Mint Butter:

   • The perfect combination with lamb or peas.

7. Lemon Dill Butter:

   • grilled salmon, vegetables like asparagus

8. Tarragon Butter:

   • Rub the butter over lamb, chicken, or fish before you roast it.

9. Horseradish and Chive Butter:

   • Pat this butter on grilled steaks as soon as they come off the grill.
     

Storage and Shelf Life of Homemade Herbal Butter

1. Refrigerator
   Homemade herb butter can last in the refrigerator for approximately two to three weeks. The exact shelf life can vary depending on the freshness of the ingredients used.

2. Freezing
   Wrap the herb butter tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe container or sealable freezer bag. Properly stored, herb butter can last in the freezer for up to three months without losing its flavor.
   

Enjoy your homemade herbal butter to elevate the taste of your favorite dishes!