Herb Butter

Name: Herb Butter
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 16 servings
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (softened at room temperature); 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped); 1 tablespoon fresh chives (chopped); 1 tablespoon fresh dill (chopped); 1 teaspoon lemon zest (finely grated); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)

10 min 16 servings Easy

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Herb Butter

This aromatic herb butter is perfect for enhancing dishes with a burst of fresh flavour. It’s simple to make and can be customized with your favourite herbs.

Prep

10 min

Total

10 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Herb butter, or 'beurre aux herbes', is a versatile and flavourful addition to many dishes. This simple yet elegant condiment can elevate the taste of meats, vegetables, and bread with its aromatic blend of herbs. Originating from French cuisine, herb butter is a testament to the power of fresh ingredients. By infusing butter with herbs, you create a compound that not only adds richness but also a burst of fresh, herbal notes to any dish.

Instructions

Prepare the herbs

Chop the parsley, chives, and dill finely. Grate the lemon zest finely.

Pro tip: Use a microplane for the lemon zest to achieve a fine texture.

Mix the ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped herbs, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Pro tip: Ensure the butter is fully softened to make mixing easier.

Shape the butter

Transfer the butter mixture to a piece of plastic wrap. Roll it into a log shape, twisting the ends to seal.

Pro tip: Use parchment paper instead of plastic wrap for an eco-friendly option.

Chill the butter

Refrigerate the butter log for at least 1 hour, or until firm.

Pro tip: For faster firming, place the butter in the freezer for 15-20 minutes.

Slice and serve

Once firm, slice the butter into rounds as needed. Serve immediately or store for later use.

Pro tip: Use a sharp knife to achieve clean slices.

💡

Tips & Tricks

Choose fresh, high-quality herbs for the best flavour.
Soften the butter at room temperature for easy mixing.
Use unsalted butter to control the salt level.
Shape the butter into a log and refrigerate for easy slicing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is herb butter used for?

Herb butter can be used to enhance the flavour of meats, vegetables, bread, and even pasta dishes.

How long does herb butter last?

Herb butter can last up to two weeks in the refrigerator or three months in the freezer.

Can I use dried herbs instead?

Yes, you can use dried herbs, but fresh herbs provide a more vibrant flavour.

Can I freeze herb butter?

Yes, herb butter freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer bag.

What herbs can I use in herb butter?

Common herbs include parsley, chives, dill, basil, tarragon, and thyme.

Serving Suggestions

Herb butter can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or frozen for up to three months. Simply slice what you need and return the rest to storage. Perfect for melting over grilled steaks, roasted vegetables, or freshly baked bread, herb butter is a fantastic way to add a gourmet touch to everyday meals. Pair it with a crisp white wine to complement its fresh herbal notes.

Nutrition per serving

Calories

Protein

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