A compound butter — a stick of butter seasoned with herbs, lemon and garlic or shallots — is one of the most versatile things to keep on hand. You can store it in the freezer, then slice it whenever you want to add herby richness to a dish. Use it on steak, fish, chicken or even mashed or roasted sweet potatoes and other vegetables. And feel free to vary the herbs to suit your taste. For a kick, a pinch or two of chili powder or drizzle of hot sauce would do the trick.
Herb Butter (for chicken, fish or meat dishes)
Ingredients:
1/4 pound unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon fresh chopped chives
1/2 tablespoon fresh chopped flat leaf parsley
1 teaspoon chopped fresh tarragon
1/2 teaspoon whole grain mustard
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt, more to taste
Directions:
In a bowl, mash together all ingredients.
Spoon the butter mixture onto a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap and roll into a log shape.
Twist ends of and wrap well.
Chill in refrigerator for at least 3 hours before using. You may freeze for later date.
Serve on fish, chicken or meat dishes.
Herb Butter (for chicken, fish or vegetables)
Ingredients:
1/4 pound unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon chopped fresh basil
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt, more to taste
Directions
Blend all ingredients in bowl.
Put mixture in crock and cover with plastic wrap or tightly fitted cover.
Yield: 4 servings
Total Time: 10 minutes
Tips
Mix herbs just until nicely disbursed. you do not want butter to look green!
Feel free to experiment by adding garlic powder, dried minced garlic or finely chopped fresh garlic or using other herb combinations.
While fresh herbs are preferred for this recipe, you can use dried herbs. Since dried herbs are more potent, you will need to use less of it. The ratio conversion is for every tablespoon of fresh herbs in a recipe substitute 1 teaspoon of dried herbs.
Recipes from Lee Merritt
Photo credit: The Country Cook https://www.thecountrycook.net/garlic-herb-butter/