Anchovy-Garlic Butter With Lemon and Parsley

🍋🌿🧀🐟 Anchovy-Garlic Butter With Lemon and Parsley 🍋🌿🧀🐟

Anchovy-Garlic Butter with Lemon and Parsley is a delightful and flavorful compound butter that can elevate a wide range of dishes, from grilled seafood to roasted vegetables. Here’s a breakdown of what it is, its history, components, preparation steps, and the time needed to make it:

What is it?
Anchovy-Garlic Butter with Lemon and Parsley is a savory butter spread infused with the umami of anchovies, the richness of butter, the zing of fresh lemon, and the freshness of parsley. It’s used to enhance the taste of various dishes and add a burst of complex flavors.

History:
The origins of this buttery concoction can be traced back to French cuisine, where compound butters have a long-standing tradition. Compound butters are essentially butter infused with various flavorings, and this particular variant likely emerged as part of the broader development of such culinary creations.

Components:

• Anchovies: Anchovies provide a deep, salty, and umami-rich flavor. You’ll typically need canned or jarred anchovies for this recipe.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves or minced garlic are used for their pungent and aromatic qualities.
• Butter: Unsalted butter serves as the base of this compound butter. It should be at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest provide a bright, citrusy note.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a burst of green color and a fresh herbal flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: These seasonings are added to taste, but go easy on the salt since anchovies are already quite salty.

Steps to Prepare:

1. Prepare Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients – anchovies, garlic, butter, lemon, parsley, salt, and pepper.

2. Mince Anchovies and Garlic: Finely mince the anchovies and garlic. You can use a knife or a food processor for this step.

3. Mix Anchovies and Garlic with Butter: In a mixing bowl, combine the minced anchovies and garlic with the room-temperature butter. Use a fork or spatula to thoroughly incorporate the ingredients.

4. Add Lemon Zest and Juice: Grate the lemon zest and squeeze the juice from the lemon. Add both the zest and juice to the butter mixture. Mix well to distribute the lemony flavors.

5. Chop Parsley: Finely chop fresh parsley leaves and add them to the mixture. Stir until the parsley is evenly distributed throughout the butter.

6. Season to Taste: Taste the anchovy-garlic butter and season with salt and pepper as needed. Remember, anchovies are already salty, so you may not need much extra salt.

7. Shape and Store: Spoon the butter onto a piece of plastic wrap, parchment paper, or wax paper. Shape it into a log or another desired form. Wrap it tightly and refrigerate. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

Time Needed:
The preparation time for Anchovy-Garlic Butter with Lemon and Parsley typically takes around 15-20 minutes, including prep and mixing. However, it’s recommended to let the butter rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together. This resting time is optional but enhances the taste.

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Anchovy-Garlic Butter with Lemon and Parsley:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate values per 1 tablespoon serving):

• Calories: 100-120 kcal
• Total Fat: 11-12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7-8g
• Cholesterol: 30-35mg
• Sodium: 180-220mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 0-1g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 1-2g

Health Information:

1. Moderate in Calories: A serving of this compound butter contains approximately 100-120 calories, primarily from fat. It’s essential to consume it in moderation if you’re watching your calorie intake.

2. High in Saturated Fat: The butter used in this recipe is a significant source of saturated fat, which, when consumed in excess, can contribute to heart health concerns. Limit your consumption if you have dietary restrictions related to saturated fats.

3. Rich in Flavor: The umami-rich anchovies and garlic provide a burst of flavor without the need for excessive salt or added sugars, making it a flavorful choice for seasoning dishes.

4. Good Source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Anchovies, a key ingredient, are a source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health and can help reduce inflammation.

5. Low in Carbohydrates: This butter is very low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for low-carb or ketogenic diets.

6. Nutrient Variation: The exact nutrient content may vary based on the specific brand of ingredients used and the proportions in the recipe. Adjustments in portion sizes can also impact the nutritional values.

7. Serving Size Matters: Be mindful of the portion size you use, as the nutritional content can add up quickly, particularly in terms of calories and saturated fat.

In summary, Anchovy-Garlic Butter with Lemon and Parsley is a flavorful addition to dishes, but it should be used in moderation, especially if you’re concerned about saturated fat intake. It provides some nutritional benefits from omega-3 fatty acids but is primarily a source of calories and fat.