The name belies the simplicity of this flavor enhancer, readily made by blending herbs and other aromatics with softened butter. It is most classically affiliated with steaks and chops, but compound butter can be used almost any time in place of plain butter. Try some on poached, steamed, or grilled fish or vegetables; feel free to experiment with different herbs and other flavorings. Compound butters will keep for up to 1 week in the refrigerator or up to 2 months in the freezer (thaw in the refrigerator before using); slip the parchment-wrapped cylinders into resealable plastic bags before storing. Or, chill the logs until firm, then slice off rounds and freeze individual portions. If you plan to serve the butter soon after it’s made, simply scrape it into ramekins or other small serving dishes instead of forming it into a log (cover with plastic and refrigerate until needed).
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
In a medium bowl, stir together all ingredients with a flexible spatula until well combined. Place butter mixture on the center of a sheet of parchment paper, then loosely fold paper in half toward you and roll back and forth to form butter into a log. Then, while pulling parchment taut, push with a straightedge, such as the rim of a baking sheet, to mold into a neat cylinder, pressing hard to remove any air pockets. Wrap parchment around butter, then twist ends to seal and tie with twine. Refrigerate until firm, about an hour. (Alternatively, transfer butter to ramekins for individual servings.)
ROSEMARY-OLIVE BUTTER
Step 2
Substitute 2 tablespoons chopped rosemary and 1/4 cup chopped oil-cured olives for the herbs and salt.
DILL-LEMON BUTTER
Step 3
Substitute 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped dill and finely grated zest from 1 lemon for the herbs.
ORANGE-OREGANO BUTTER
Step 4
Substitute 2 teaspoons finely grated orange zest and 1 tablespoon finely chopped oregano for the thyme and parsley.
CAPER-LEMON BUTTER
Step 5
Reduce butter to 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) and mix with 2 tablespoons each coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley and salt-packed capers (rinsed well and drained), 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest, and 1 minced garlic clove (about 1 teaspoon).
FLAVORING COMPOUND BUTTER
Step 6
Practically any herb can be blended with butter; here are some common ones to use, along with other flavorful additions: grated lemon zest, dill, rosemary, olives, capers, garlic, flat-leaf parsley, and oregano.
