Let’s Make Herbal Butter
Making herbal butter is a simple process that involves infusing regular butter with the flavors and aromas of herbs. It can be used in cooking or as a spread to add a unique twist to your dishes. Here’s a basic recipe for making herbal butter:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup of fresh herbs or 2-3 tablespoons of dried herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, basil, oregano, or sweeter herbs like peppermint, lemon balm, and cinnamon).
- Salt (optional)
- Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
- Airtight container for storage
Instructions:
Part One
- Prepare the Herbs: Wash the fresh herbs thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels. If you’re using dried herbs, you can skip this step. In addition, you may want to let the fresh herbs wilt and dry for about an hour after washing.
- Infusion: Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Add the herbs to the melted butter. You can use a single type of herb or create your herb blend. The amount of herbs you use will depend on your taste preference and the strength of the herbs. Start with a smaller amount and add more if needed.
- Simmer: Let the butter and herbs simmer over low heat for 15 to 20 minutes. This will allow the flavors of the herbs to infuse into the butter. Be careful not to let the butter burn or boil; keep the heat low. To enhance the flavors of your dish, consider simmering a mixture of butter and herbs on low heat for 15-20 minutes. It is crucial to keep the heat low to avoid burning or boiling the mixture, which can negatively impact the taste and aroma. By allowing the herbs to infuse into the butter, you’ll create a delicious and aromatic ingredient that will elevate any meal.
- Strain: After simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool slightly. Place a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer over a bowl or jar. Pour the butter through the strainer to remove the herb solids. Gently press on the herbs to extract as much infused butter as possible. Discard the leftover herbs.
- Optional Seasoning: If you’d like, add a pinch of salt to the infused butter to enhance the flavor. Taste and adjust as needed.
Part Two
- Cool and Solidify: Allow the infused butter to cool to room temperature. Then, you can either use it immediately or place it in the refrigerator to solidify.
- Storage: Transfer the butter to an airtight container once the butter has solidified. You can store it in the refrigerator for a few weeks, or you can freeze it for longer storage. Make sure to label the container with the type of herbs used and the date of preparation.
- Usage: Use your herbal butter as you would regular butter. Spread it on bread, melt it over vegetables, or use it for cooking to add a delightful herbal flavor to your dishes.
Have fun!
Remember that the intensity of the herbal flavor will depend on the type and amount of herbs you use and the infusion time. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and proportions to create perfect herbal butter. In addition to herbs and spices, you can also add sweeteners and different salts to the finished product.
Disclaimer
Disclaimer Blog
The information presented on the Heart of Herbs Herbal School/Demetria Clark websites is for educational purposes only. Heart of Herbs Herbal School/Demetria Clark Education LLC makes neither medical claims nor intends to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Links to external sites are for informational purposes only. Heart of Herbs Herbal School/Demetria Clark neither endorses them nor is in any way responsible for their content. Readers must do their own research regarding the safety and usage of any herbs, recipes, or supplements.
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