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Basil butter is especially delicious made with sweet basil. I keep it on hand for adding a touch of basil flavor to just about anything. Try stirring it into hot pasta, polenta, or mashed potatoes; tossing it with cooked vegetables; melting it over grilled meats; or serving it softened, with bread. This recipe can easily be doubled.Yields 1/2 cup seasoned butter.
ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
1/2 cup finely chopped sweet basil
1 tsp. minced garlic
1/2 tsp. freshly grated lemon zest
1/2 tsp. ground white pepper
Kosher salt
how to make
In a bowl, combine the butter, basil, garlic, lemon zest, white pepper, and 1/2 tsp. kosher salt and mash with a spoon until well combined.
Use immediately as a spread for corn on the cob, grilled vegetables, or dinner rolls. Or use plastic wrap to shape the basil butter into a log, tightening the ends as if it were a sausage. Refrigerate until very firm. Slice into 1/4-inch-thick coins and melt over just-off-the-grill chicken or pork cutlets, fish fillets, or vegetables.
Make Ahead Tips
The butter will keep in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or in the freezer for a month.
From Fine Cooking 79, pp. 51
July 1, 2006
photo: Scott Phillips
