Spring Herbs Compound Butter

Herbs are true nutritional powerhouses, packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall health. One delicious and simple way to incorporate these benefits into your daily meals is by making herb-infused compound butter.

To create this flavourful kitchen addition, start by softening your butter, ensuring it is not completely melted and mixing in finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, rosemary, or basil. Not only do these herbs add a burst of zesty flavour to any meal, but they also bring with them a host of nutritional benefits.

Basil: Rich in antioxidants, basil has anti-inflammatory properties and is known to support cardiovascular health and reduce stress.

Oregano: Packed with antioxidants and antibacterial compounds, oregano is excellent for boosting the immune system and fighting off infections.

Rosemary: Enhances memory and concentration, and is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, as well as supporting digestion.

Coriander: Aids in detoxification by binding to heavy metals in the body, and is also rich in vitamins A, C, and K, promoting skin and bone health.

Sage: Known for its cognitive benefits, sage can improve memory and focus, and is also helpful for soothing sore throats and reducing inflammation.

Thyme: A powerful antimicrobial herb, thyme is often used to relieve coughs, respiratory issues, and support overall immune health.

Parsley: Rich in vitamins C and K, which support immune function and bone health, and its natural diuretic properties help with detoxification. 

These herbs not only enhance the flavour of your meals but also provide a range of health benefits that make them essential additions to your diet.

Once your herbs are thoroughly blended with the butter, roll the mixture into a log using baking paper and chill it in the fridge. This versatile butter can be sliced and slathered over warm bread or porridge, melted over grilled or roasted vegetables, or used to finish steaks, fish, and pretty much in any way you can imagine, infusing your dishes with both unbeatable flavour and a slew of nutrients.

Here's some of our favourite combinations. But really, you can be as creative as you wish, using whatever you have on hand.

All recipes start with 1/2 cup softened butter

Calendula and Orange

This blend is delightful on pancakes, waffles, fruit toast or a steaming bowl of oats.

Large handful of calendula flowers, petals removed, finely chopped - nasturtiums are also good in this one!

Zest of one orange

1 Tablespoon fresh squeezed orange juice

1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon

1 Tablespoon fresh honey

Garlic and Herb

A classic, elevates anything it touches. Try on top of a bowl of beef stew, generously dolloped on roast veg, or spread across a piece of crusty sourdough.

1/4 Cup finely chopped mixed herbs you have at hand - We will generally use parsley as the main choice and smaller amounts of oregano, basil, and thyme.

1-3 cloves freshly minced garlic. 

Sprinkle of salt and fresh black pepper

Spicy Cowboy Butter

This one makes every steak better. Also great on chicken, fish, tofu, pasta and rice.

1 finely diced long red cayenne (remove seeds if you prefer less heat)

1 finely diced jalapeno (remove seeds if you prefer less heat)

1 Tablespoon fresh chopped chives or garlic chives

1-2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1-2 Tablespoon fresh lime or lemon juice

Sprinkle of salt

Butters can be stored in the fridge for several weeks, or several months if frozen. I guarantee they won't last that long!