We’ve always been captivated by the rich flavors of Cafe De Paris Butter, a classic compound butter that hails from Swiss-French cuisine. It’s that secret weapon in steakhouses, blending herbs, spices and a touch of magic to transform simple dishes into gourmet delights.
In our kitchen, we’ve simplified this recipe so you can whip it up effortlessly at home. Whether you’re grilling steaks or adding zest to roasted veggies, our take on Cafe De Paris Butter promises to impress with its bold, buttery goodness. Let’s dive into this easy staple that elevates everyday meals.
Ingredients
To craft our delicious Cafe De Paris Butter, a flavorful compound butter that elevates steaks and vegetables with its rich, herbaceous notes, we start by gathering these essential ingredients. We’ve ordered them as they would be used in the preparation process, with specific measurements and prep notes for accuracy and ease.
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup (2 sticks, softened to room temperature) – This forms the creamy base of our Cafe De Paris Butter, ensuring a smooth texture for easy mixing.
- Garlic cloves: 4 cloves (minced) – Freshly minced for a pungent, aromatic punch that infuses the butter with depth.
- Shallots: 2 medium (finely chopped) – These add a subtle sweetness and onion-like flavor; chop them just before use to maintain crispness.
- Fresh parsley: ¼ cup (finely chopped) – We use this vibrant herb for its bright, earthy taste, which should be chopped right before adding to preserve its fresh essence.
- Fresh chives: 2 tablespoons (chopped) – Snip these for a mild, oniony note that complements the overall herb profile of Cafe De Paris Butter.
- Capers: 1 tablespoon (drained and rinsed) – These briny gems provide a tangy contrast; rinse them to remove excess salt.
- Anchovy fillets: 4 fillets (finely chopped) – Mashed into the mix for a savory umami boost without overpowering the butter’s richness.
- Dijon mustard: 1 tablespoon – This adds a sharp, spicy kick; opt for a high-quality brand to enhance the compound butter’s complexity.
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed) – Zest and juice from one lemon for a bright, citrusy acidity that balances the flavors.
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon (smoked variety preferred) – This spice lends a subtle smokiness and color to our Cafe De Paris Butter.
- Curry powder: ½ teaspoon – A touch for warm, exotic undertones that make this butter uniquely versatile.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste (start with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper) – Season at the end to fine-tune the blend based on your palate.
Instructions
We make crafting Cafe De Paris Butter straightforward and enjoyable, turning simple ingredients into a luxurious, herb-infused compound butter that adds depth and savor to your steaks and vegetables.
Prepare the Ingredients
First, we gather and prep our ingredients for optimal flavor integration. Start by softening 1 cup of unsalted butter at room temperature until it’s creamy and pliable—this ensures even mixing without melting. Next, finely mince 2 cloves of garlic and 1 shallot to release their pungent, aromatic essence that forms the butter’s base. Chop ¼ cup of fresh parsley and 2 tablespoons of chives into fine pieces, capturing their vibrant, green freshness for a burst of herbal notes.
We then rinse and drain 1 tablespoon of capers, chopping them coarsely for a tangy pop, and mash 2 anchovy fillets into a smooth paste to add a subtle, umami depth without overpowering the mix. Measure out 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard for its sharp, tangy kick, squeeze 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice for bright acidity, and combine ½ teaspoon of paprika and ¼ teaspoon of curry powder for warm, spicy undertones. Finally, season with ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper to balance the flavors, creating a harmonious blend that’s ready for mixing.
Mix the Butter
We blend everything into a cohesive, flavorful mixture that embodies the rich, buttery essence of Cafe De Paris Butter. In a large bowl, add the softened butter and incorporate the minced garlic, shallot, chopped herbs, capers, mashed anchovies, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, paprika, curry powder, salt, and pepper.
Using a fork or spatula, we mash and stir vigorously until the ingredients form a uniform, speckled paste—the herbs and spices should distribute evenly, releasing an irresistible, fragrant aroma that hints at the butter’s complex taste. For a smoother texture, we transfer the mixture to a food processor and pulse for 30-60 seconds until it’s silky and well-emulsified, ensuring every bite delivers a symphony of savory, tangy, and herbaceous flavors.
Shape and Chill
Finally, we shape and chill the butter to achieve a firm, sliceable consistency that makes it easy to use in your cooking. Scoop the mixed butter onto a sheet of parchment paper and form it into a log about 6 inches long, using the paper to roll and tighten it into a neat cylinder—this step helps the flavors meld while creating convenient portions.
We wrap the log securely and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, or until firm; this chilling process intensifies the butter’s rich, creamy texture and allows the flavors to mature, resulting in a golden, herb-flecked delight that’s ready to enhance your favorite dishes with its bold, buttery profile.
Equipment Needed
To prepare our Cafe De Paris Butter smoothly and efficiently, we recommend having the right tools on hand. These essentials help streamline the process from chopping fresh herbs to mixing and chilling the compound butter.
Essential Tools
Here’s a curated list of equipment, organized by their role in the recipe. We’ve bolded key items for emphasis and used italics to highlight their primary function:
- Mixing Bowl: A medium-sized sturdy bowl for combining ingredients like softened butter, herbs, and spices into a cohesive mixture.
- Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: Use a stable cutting board paired with a sharp knife to finely mince garlic, shallots, and chop fresh herbs like parsley and chives accurately.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for precise measurements of ingredients such as lemon juice and curry powder, ensuring balanced flavors every time.
- Food Processor (Optional): If you prefer a smoother texture, a high-speed food processor can blend the mixture quickly—though a fork or whisk works for manual blending.
- Parchment Paper or Plastic Wrap: Flexible wrapping material to shape the butter into a log, making it easy to slice and store.
- Refrigerator: A standard chilling appliance to firm up the butter mixture, allowing flavors to meld perfectly.
With these tools ready, we’re set to move forward and create a batch of our flavorful Cafe De Paris Butter that elevates any meal.
Make-Ahead and Storage
As we perfect our Cafe De Paris Butter recipe, planning ahead can enhance flavors and simplify meal prep. This versatile compound butter benefits from time to meld its herbaceous notes, making it ideal for busy cooks. Let’s explore how we make it in advance and store it to maintain its rich, buttery texture and vibrant taste.
Making Ahead
We often prepare Cafe De Paris Butter a day or two before serving to let the ingredients fully integrate. Start by following our preparation steps up to mixing the ingredients into a cohesive paste. Once mixed, shape the butter into a log or portion it into smaller molds as described. At this stage, wrap it tightly in parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours. This allows the garlic, herbs, and spices to infuse the butter with deeper, more complex flavors, transforming it from good to exceptional.
For longer make-ahead options, we suggest preparing the butter mixture and freezing it immediately after shaping. This method preserves the fresh, zesty notes of parsley, chives, and lemon juice, ensuring you have a ready-to-use staple for impromptu meals like grilled steaks or roasted vegetables.
Storage Tips
Proper storage is key to preserving the butter’s smooth consistency and preventing spoilage. We recommend these methods based on your needs:
- Refrigeration: After chilling the butter log, store it in an airtight container or wrapped securely in the refrigerator. This keeps the butter firm and flavorful for up to 2 weeks. Always use clean utensils to avoid contamination, as the anchovy fillets and capers can make it more perishable.
- Freezing: For extended storage, freeze the shaped butter log. Wrap it in an extra layer of plastic wrap or place it in a freezer-safe bag to protect against freezer burn. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before use to retain its creamy texture.
To help you track storage durations effectively, here’s a quick reference table:
| Storage Method | Duration | Best Practices |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Up to 2 weeks | Keep in the coldest part of the fridge; check for off odors before use. |
| Freezing | Up to 3 months | Label with the date; thaw slowly to avoid softening the butter too quickly. |
By following these guidelines, we ensure our Cafe De Paris Butter remains a reliable, flavorful addition to your kitchen arsenal. Always taste a small amount after storage to confirm quality before serving.
Conclusion
We’ve loved exploring how Cafe De Paris Butter brings a touch of elegance to your kitchen. It’s our go-to for turning simple meals into standout dishes with minimal effort.
By making this butter yourself, you’ll unlock endless flavor possibilities that enhance everything from steaks to veggies. Let’s make it a staple in our cooking routines and enjoy the difference it makes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cafe De Paris Butter?
Cafe De Paris Butter is a flavorful compound butter from Swiss-French cuisine, often used to enhance steaks and vegetables. It combines herbs, spices, and other ingredients for a rich, herbaceous taste that elevates everyday meals. This easy homemade version lets you recreate the classic without fuss.
What ingredients are needed for Cafe De Paris Butter?
Key ingredients include unsalted butter, garlic, shallots, fresh herbs like parsley and chives, capers, anchovy fillets, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, paprika, curry powder, and seasoning. Each adds unique flavors for a balanced, herbaceous profile, making it simple to prepare at home.
How do you prepare Cafe De Paris Butter?
Start by softening butter and prepping ingredients like mincing garlic and chopping herbs. Mix everything in a bowl to form a paste, optionally using a food processor for smoothness. Shape into a log with parchment paper and chill in the refrigerator until firm. The process takes about 15-20 minutes of active prep.
What equipment is required to make Cafe De Paris Butter?
You’ll need a mixing bowl, cutting board, sharp knife, measuring cups and spoons, a food processor (optional for smoother texture), parchment paper or plastic wrap, and a refrigerator. These tools ensure efficient prep and help achieve the perfect consistency for this versatile butter.
How should I store Cafe De Paris Butter?
Store in an airtight container or wrapped log in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks to maintain freshness. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge before use to preserve texture and flavor, allowing flavors to meld over time.
Can I make Cafe De Paris Butter ahead of time?
Yes, prepare it 1-2 days in advance to let flavors develop fully. Follow the recipe, then refrigerate or freeze as needed. This makes it ideal for meal prep, ensuring you have a ready-to-use enhancer for steaks, veggies, or other dishes.