10 minutes
A flavorful herb and garlic butter perfect for adding a touch of garden-fresh flavor to your dishes.
Unsalted Butter, softened
0 stick
Flat Leaf Parsley, chopped
cups
Chervil, chopped
cups
Chives, chopped
cups
Garlic, finely chopped
cloves
teaspoons
to taste
Black Pepper, fresh-ground
to taste
pinches
1. Combine Butter and Herbs
First, ensure your butter is soft enough to mix easily. Take a small bowl and combine the softened butter with the chopped herbs and finely chopped garlic. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly is key to ensuring that every bite bursts with the fresh flavors of the herbs and garlic.
2. Add Lemon Juice and Seasonings
Next, add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the mixture. This step not only enhances the overall taste but also balances the richness of the butter. Season the mixture with salt, fresh-ground black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne. These seasonings bring out the flavors of the herbs and add a gentle kick.
3. Taste and Adjust
Now, taste the butter and adjust the seasoning if needed. You might find that an extra pinch of salt or a bit more lemon juice could perfect the balance.
4. Serve or Chill
Once you're satisfied with the flavor, you can either serve the herb butter immediately or chill it until it hardens, especially if you plan to roll it into a log. To create a log shape, place the butter on a piece of plastic wrap or waxed paper and roll it tightly. Chill it in the refrigerator until it hardens. Extra herb butter can be stored in the freezer for future use, ensuring you always have a touch of garden-fresh flavor on hand.
Instead of using raw garlic, roast a whole head of garlic and squeeze the soft, caramelized cloves into the butter mixture. This is perfect for spreading on artisan bread or topping a steak.
Incorporate orange or lime zest in place of lemon and select herbs like cilantro and dill for a brighter, more citrus-forward flavor. This pairs wonderfully with fish and seafood dishes.
Incorporate finely grated Parmesan cheese and a dash of soy sauce or anchovy paste into the mix. This umami-laden butter is perfect for melting over a hot steak or stirring into cooked pasta.
Add crushed red pepper flakes or finely chopped fresh chili to the base recipe for a spicy kick. This variant is excellent for grilling meats like steak or for tossing with roasted vegetables.
Adding the zest of a lemon, lime, or orange can bring a bright, citrusy note to the butter. This works particularly well if you're pairing the butter with seafood or using it to finish steamed vegetables.
The base of your compound butter should be the best quality butter you can find. Look for unsalted, cultured butter, which will have a creamier texture and a more nuanced flavor profile. Starting with unsalted butter allows you to control the salt content in your recipe precisely.
Use herbs that are bright, fragrant, and not wilting. Fresh herbs from a garden or a farmers' market can often provide the best flavors. Also, be sure to rinse and thoroughly dry them before chopping to avoid any excess moisture in your butter.
After combining all your ingredients, allow the butter to sit in the fridge for a few hours, or even overnight, to let the flavors meld together. This waiting period makes a significant difference in the depth of flavor.
Whether it's the garlic or the herbs, chop them as finely as possible to ensure even distribution throughout the butter. This will help every bite be as flavorful as the next.
Don't forget to season your butter with high-quality sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning to your preference. The salt will not only enhance the flavor of the herbs and garlic but also the butter itself.
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