Luscious Basil Butter Delights
Elevate your culinary experience with this luscious basil butter! Perfectly creamy and herbaceous, this flavorful spread not only enhances your favorite dishes but also makes a stunning presentation when shaped into elegant butter balls. Best made when basil is fresh and abundant, this versatile butter can be stored in the freezer, allowing you to savor the goodness of summer all year round. Use it to transform chicken, fish, or vegetables, or simply spread it over warm bread for an added touch of brilliance. Discover endless ways to enjoy this delightful herb-infused butter!
N/A
Servings
60
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh basil leaves
1 1/2 cups (loosely packed)
salted butter
3/4 lb (softened (NO SUBSTITUTES!))
unsalted butter
3/4 lb (softened (NO SUBSTITUTES!))
lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons
white pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons
Instructions
1
Begin by thoroughly washing the fresh basil leaves and patting them dry.
2
In a food processor, add the basil leaves and pulse until finely chopped.
3
Add the softened salted or unsalted butter, lemon juice, and white pepper to the food processor.
4
Blend the mixture until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency, scraping down the sides as necessary.
5
Using a tablespoon measure, scoop the butter mixture and drop it onto a lined cookie sheet, forming evenly sized mounds or shapes.
6
Place the cookie sheet in the freezer and allow the butter to freeze completely, typically for about 2 hours.
7
Once frozen, carefully remove the butter balls from the cookie sheet and transfer them to airtight freezer bags for storage.
8
Use the basil butter to enhance the flavor of your favorite dishes or impress guests with a gourmet spread.
Nutrition Information
6.75g
Fat
0.15g
Carbs
0.075g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Luscious Basil Butter Delights?
They are a creamy, herbaceous butter spread infused with fresh basil and lemon, often shaped into elegant balls for serving.
What ingredients are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires fresh basil leaves, salted butter, unsalted butter, lemon juice, and white pepper.
Can I use margarine or butter substitutes?
No, the recipe specifically states that there are no substitutes for the salted and unsalted butter.
How much fresh basil do I need?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of loosely packed fresh basil leaves.
Why does the recipe use both salted and unsalted butter?
Using a mix of 3/4 lb each of salted and unsalted butter provides a balanced flavor profile that isn't overly salty.
Should the butter be cold or softened?
The butter must be softened to ensure it blends properly with the basil and other ingredients in the food processor.
How do I prepare the basil leaves?
Thoroughly wash the fresh basil leaves and pat them dry before pulsing them in the food processor.
What equipment is needed to make this butter?
A food processor is needed to finely chop the basil and blend the mixture until smooth and creamy.
How do I form the butter balls?
Use a tablespoon measure to scoop the mixture and drop it onto a lined cookie sheet to form evenly sized mounds.
How long should the butter freeze?
The butter should be placed in the freezer for approximately 2 hours until it is completely frozen.
How should I store the basil butter?
Once frozen, transfer the butter balls into airtight freezer bags for long-term storage.
How many calories are in a serving of basil butter?
Each serving contains approximately 60 calories.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, it is tagged as low carb and contains only 0.15g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving of this basil butter contains 6.75g of fat.
Can I use black pepper instead of white pepper?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 teaspoons of white pepper, which is typically used to maintain the color and provide a specific mild heat.
What is the purpose of the lemon juice?
Lemon juice adds a bright acidity that complements the herbaceous basil and rich butter.
What can I serve with this basil butter?
It is excellent on chicken, fish, vegetables, or simply spread over warm bread.
Can I make this recipe if basil is out of season?
It is best made when basil is fresh and abundant, but because it is freezer-friendly, you can make it in advance to enjoy year-round.
Is this recipe difficult to make?
No, it is categorized as an easy recipe with straightforward instructions.
Does this recipe contain any protein?
Yes, it contains a trace amount of protein, approximately 0.075g per serving.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 primary ingredients: basil, salted butter, unsalted butter, lemon juice, and white pepper.
Can I skip the freezing step?
Freezing is necessary if you want to form and store individual butter balls for an elegant presentation.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients used in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.
Can I use a blender instead of a food processor?
A food processor is preferred for pulsing and blending thick mixtures like butter, but a high-powered blender may work if you scrape the sides frequently.
How much butter is used in total?
The recipe uses a total of 1.5 lbs of butter (3/4 lb salted and 3/4 lb unsalted).
Can I add other herbs to this butter?
While this recipe focuses on basil, you could experiment with other herbs, though it would change the flavor profile of the 'Basil Butter Delights'.
How do I prevent the basil from turning brown?
The lemon juice helps preserve the color, and keeping the butter frozen prevents oxidation.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, due to its high fat content and negligible carbohydrate count, it is very keto-friendly.
Can I use this for sautéing?
Yes, it can be used to sauté proteins or vegetables to add an immediate herbaceous flavor to the dish.
Is this recipe suitable for entertaining guests?
Yes, the elegant butter balls make a stunning presentation for gourmet spreads at dinner parties.