Elevate your bread, steaks, or vegetables with this Easy Italian Compound Butter. Infused with the rich flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic, this compound butter is a versatile addition to your culinary arsenal. Perfect for spreading on a warm baguette or French roll, or melting over grilled meats and roasted vegetables, this simple yet flavorful butter is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes, drained and finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Baguette or French roll, for serving
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
- Soften Butter: Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easy mixing. If needed, leave it out of the fridge for about 30 minutes.
- Chop Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Drain and finely chop the sun-dried tomatoes.
- Chop Basil: Finely chop the fresh basil.
- Mince Garlic: Mince the garlic cloves finely.
Step 2: Mix the Compound Butter
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, add the softened butter, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, chopped basil, minced garlic, and salt.
- Mix Well: Using a spatula or an electric mixer, mix all the ingredients together until well combined. Ensure that the sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and garlic are evenly distributed throughout the butter.
Step 3: Shape and Chill
- Shape Butter: Transfer the mixed compound butter onto a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Shape it into a log or any desired shape.
- Wrap and Chill: Wrap the butter tightly in the plastic wrap or parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the butter to firm up.
Step 4: Serve
- Slice and Serve: Once the butter is firm, slice it into rounds or pats. Serve with a warm baguette or French roll.
Cook’s Tips:
- Room Temperature Butter: Make sure the butter is properly softened for easy mixing and even distribution of the ingredients.
- Fine Chopping: Finely chop the sun-dried tomatoes and basil to ensure they mix well into the butter.
- Variations: Feel free to add other Italian herbs like oregano or rosemary for additional flavor.
Variations:
- Spicy Italian Butter: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Lemon Herb Butter: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest for a bright, citrusy twist.
- Cheesy Butter: Mix in a tablespoon of grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese for a savory, cheesy flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: How long can I store the compound butter? A: The compound butter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I use dried basil instead of fresh basil? A: Fresh basil is recommended for the best flavor, but you can use dried basil if fresh is not available. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried basil in place of the fresh basil.
Q: What can I use this compound butter for? A: This compound butter is versatile and can be used to enhance the flavor of bread, steaks, grilled vegetables, pasta, and seafood.
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? A: Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce the added salt to avoid making the compound butter too salty.
Q: How can I make this butter dairy-free? A: You can substitute the unsalted butter with a dairy-free butter alternative to make this recipe dairy-free.
This Easy Italian Compound Butter is a simple yet flavorful addition to any meal. With the rich, savory flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic, it can elevate everything from bread to grilled meats and vegetables. Quick to prepare and versatile in use, this compound butter is a must-have for enhancing your culinary creations. Enjoy the burst of Italian flavors in every bite!
Elevate your dishes with this Easy Italian Compound Butter, perfect for spreading on bread or enhancing your favorite meals!
