Flavorful Citrusy Compound Butter

As a kid, butter was the answer to everything that my taste buds wouldn’t approve. Drop a spoonful here, spread a little more there and I would eat like a happy bunny. Sometimes, Mom would make butter at home and other times, we would depend on India’s favorite brand ‘Amul – utterly butterly delicious’ 🙂 I loved butter with anything and since my metabolism was pretty good back then, I had to never worry about the fats.

However, the story is little different now, but I still believe in what a wise man once said ‘butter makes everything better’.

Compound butter is very popular and works as a perfect tool to add extra flavor or depth to any dish. All you need is room temperature softened butter and flavoring components like herbs, garlic, citrus or whatever spices you prefer. Mix it up, roll it in a plastic wrap and let it set in the freezer. Once you made you flavored butter, it can stay in the fridge for up-to three months.

It’s a quick and easy way to give a gourmet touch to any dish!

This flavorful compound butter is adapted from this very informative book on spices by Ana Sortun. What caught my attention was the usage of saffron in the butter. Saffron, as we all know, is one of the most expensive and exotic spices in the world. A little bit of saffron can go a long way. Always be very careful not to add too much of saffron in any dish otherwise, it will taste bitter.

The zest from the citrus, the sweetness from the saffron and the refreshing flavor from the parsley blended beautifully and gave a gorgeous sunny color to the compound butter. You can have it with soup, grilled meat and fish or just spread it on plain toast.

Give it a try and you will definitely fall in love with it.

Flavorful Citrusy Compound Butter

Flavorful Citrusy Compound Butter

Ingredients

  • 2 sticks of butter, softened at room temperature
  • 1-1/2 tablespoon marsala wine
  • 1 teaspoon saffron
  • zest of one medium blood orange
  • juice of 1/2 medium blood orange
  • zest of one lemon
  • juice of 1/2 lemon
  • 2 cloves garlic, grated
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parley, finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • salt to taste

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, add marsala wine, place the saffron and let it sit for about 5 minutes.
  2. Add rest of the ingredients except butter to the bowl and give it a mix.
  3. Now, add butter and using a wooden spoon or a small whisk, combine everything properly.
  4. Layer a plastic wrap and pour half of the butter mix on it.
  5. Roll it and fold it tight at the edges with some thread.
  6. Repeat it with the rest of the butter in another plastic wrap and let both the logs chill in the fridge.
© Playful Cooking

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April 8, 2012
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Comments are closed.

  • s
    April 8, 2012 at 11:20 AM

    what a lovely idea- so many delicious flavours all wrapped into one creamy roll of butter. pretty pics, too. x s

  • [email protected]
    April 8, 2012 at 11:27 AM

    Love Love the use of saffron in here. Reminds me that my stock is out & I need to rush to Trader Joes to get one.The citrus notes are definitely something I would love to get up to to spread on my morning toast!

  • Grishma @ZaikaZabardast
    April 8, 2012 at 11:28 AM

    oh boy!!! What a lovely flavorful idea 🙂 That’s that’s where all saffron went..hmm??

    • Kankana
      April 8, 2012 at 1:04 PM

      Thanks 🙂 well, yeah some of it went there!

  • Krithi
    April 8, 2012 at 12:02 PM

    Love flavored butter if any kind.. especially citrus-y one.. awesome

  • the Sublime Palate
    April 8, 2012 at 12:27 PM

    it’s pretty late in the night here and i am kinda hungry. these pictures make me wanna go grab a toast with some spread – right now! nice recipe idea & beautiful pictures!

  • Rosa
    April 8, 2012 at 1:53 PM

    Very aromatic! I love the ingredients you used to flavor that butter.

    Cheers,

    Rosa

  • Kaitlin
    April 8, 2012 at 5:42 PM

    That’s exactly how I feel about cheese, it makes everything better! I’ve never worked with compound butter but I seem to be missing out! I need to try this!

  • nags
    April 8, 2012 at 7:35 PM

    that does look lovely!

  • Sayantani
    April 8, 2012 at 8:19 PM

    and my metabolism has always been so bad….I just can look at this gorgeous butter…

  • Vimitha
    April 8, 2012 at 9:52 PM

    Wow looks so flavorful and lovely clicks… Would love to dab them on a toast and gorge on the whole lot

  • sangeeta khanna
    April 8, 2012 at 10:56 PM

    That’s a lovely buttery treat. Lemon zest and saffron is unusual for me. Just till now as it looks perfect here 🙂

  • jeyashrisuresh
    April 8, 2012 at 10:59 PM

    This is very interesting

  • Eha
    April 8, 2012 at 11:12 PM

    Looked at the recipe and can taste that mixture now: or, at least, want to! Am a pretty good nutritionist: huh! Am not a bad psychologist either and the latter’s wants say ‘yes, do try’!

  • Kulsum
    April 8, 2012 at 11:25 PM

    saffron compound butter?! yes please 🙂

  • Reem | Simply Reem
    April 9, 2012 at 12:46 AM

    Beautiful!!!!
    I love how you have added saffron….
    This looks divine, I am thinking of my hot pancakes with this goodness..
    Yum!!

  • Marsha @ The Harried Cook
    April 9, 2012 at 2:12 AM

    I heart butter and I totally agree with whoever said butter makes everything better! 🙂 Beautiful pictures, Kankana! I make compound butter often but have never thought of adding in saffron! Sounds so interesting 🙂 Thanks for sharing! 🙂

  • Baker Street
    April 9, 2012 at 3:01 AM

    I am still all about butter. Lol. I LOVE LOVE LOVE flavored butter and making it home makes it even more special.

  • Asmita
    April 9, 2012 at 6:41 AM

    Love the idea of flavoring the butter with all these wonderful things. Yummy!!!

  • Tiffany
    April 9, 2012 at 7:52 AM

    I heart compound butters! Citrus and saffron is such a winning combo!

  • Conny
    April 9, 2012 at 10:06 AM

    That all looks very tasty – the images too 🙂

  • erin @ yummy supper
    April 9, 2012 at 12:33 PM

    Oh my Kankana, this is gorgeous! I am dying over that saffron photo. Yep, butter does make everything better;)
    -Erin

  • nipponnin
    April 9, 2012 at 1:01 PM

    Citrus and saffron? Who ever thought! Saffron is expensive spice but give the dish nice color. I think I will use the butter in salmon dish. Awesome!

  • Kiri W.
    April 9, 2012 at 2:04 PM

    Mmmmm, this looks like such a perfect way to spice up almost any dish! Beautiful recipe.

  • peachkins
    April 9, 2012 at 4:15 PM

    Oh WOW! This is my kind of butter!

  • Aldy @ Al Dente Gourmet
    April 9, 2012 at 4:50 PM

    Ooooh…So cute, Kankana! What a beautiful and flavorful buttery recipe 🙂 I just love the flavors of saffron, orange and lemon. Must try!

    HUGS <3

  • Sara{OneTribeGourmet}
    April 9, 2012 at 6:48 PM

    Love your idea of this flavorful butter…Butter makes everything better! 🙂

  • kyleen
    April 9, 2012 at 7:17 PM

    Butter is definitely the answer. Almost anything can taste good when it’s doused with butter. This compound butter looks amazing!

  • tigerfish
    April 9, 2012 at 7:53 PM

    The furthest I have gone with compound butter is with garlic and herbs. Looks like I should get more adventurous.

  • Yadsia @ShopCookMake
    April 9, 2012 at 8:01 PM

    It looks so easy, but I’ve never attempted to prepare compound butter. I bet cooking fish with it will be amazing!

  • Kim Bee
    April 9, 2012 at 9:07 PM

    Oh my gosh this is fantastic. I love compound butters. This one is incredible with the saffron.

  • Sanjeeta kk
    April 9, 2012 at 9:18 PM

    Oh..this is such a wonderful idea to enjoy my bread! So flavorful and yum looking spread.

  • Nami | Just One Cookbook
    April 10, 2012 at 6:41 AM

    Kankana, this is very cool recipe! Butter with saffron and citrus flavor – it’s my very first time to see compound butter like this. Very complex flavor and regular bread becomes a lot fancier! I need a good bread for this special butter. 🙂

  • Ansh
    April 10, 2012 at 7:04 AM

    Congratulations on food buzz top 9!

    Love those gorgeous pictures. I had to break away my gaze from them to read the post. I never thought of adding saffron to my butters before!! Creamy, buttery deliciousness!!

    Great Post!

  • Ira Rodrigues
    April 10, 2012 at 7:23 AM

    oh, i really want to give it a try! really cant wait to go to traditional fish market as it must be bashing on the grilled fish.

  • mjskit
    April 10, 2012 at 7:27 AM

    This is the most decadent compound butter I’ve ever seen and it’s got me wanting to jump up and make it. Wish I had some Marsala! Awesome recipe!!! Congrats on the Top 9!

  • Corina
    April 10, 2012 at 7:34 AM

    This is definitely something I’d like to try. The only other butter I’ve ever made has been garlic butter but this looks much more inventive and interesting.

  • Cinnamon and Thyme
    April 10, 2012 at 7:59 AM

    Wow, this looks so delicious! What a wonderful recipe, thank you for sharing. Photos are georgeus!
    Greetings,
    C&T

  • ceecee
    April 10, 2012 at 8:24 AM

    I love making compund butter, especially when I make butter from scratch! Congrats on Top 9 today! Love the recipe and photos.

    Ceecee

  • wok with ray
    April 10, 2012 at 9:47 AM

    I love compound butter and it’s very handy. Love all your ingredients in it. Congrats on the Top 9, Kankana! 🙂

  • Thyme (Sarah)
    April 10, 2012 at 3:02 PM

    I love the idea of a spiced/flavored butter. When I was little, I would only eat crackers and butter at restaurants. I really thought I was eating something so indulgent! I love your photo of the saffron. Every time I see saffron here it is so expensive so I have never bought it…but I would love to try it.

  • Liz
    April 10, 2012 at 3:45 PM

    I love compound butters and your garlicky citrus butter would be fabulous on so many foods 🙂 Congrats on the Top 9!!!!

  • sally
    April 10, 2012 at 6:46 PM

    I’ve never made compound butter before. It looks fantastic! So much flavor.

  • Jennifer (Delicieux)
    April 10, 2012 at 7:05 PM

    Kankana I love the sound of this. I’ve never made compound butter before, but you’ve inspired me. I especially adore that photo of the saffron, simply stunning!

  • Sandra's Easy Cookin
    April 11, 2012 at 7:30 AM

    Kankana, this looks wonderful and flavor combination is a winner in my book! Very creative and wonderful idea!

  • sonia
    April 11, 2012 at 7:40 AM

    Hi Kankana
    The flavoured butter is looking so delightful and appetizing. A very well made post with beautiful pictures. Loved the presentation. I’ve bookmarked this special recipe of urs and wud love to give it a shot. Have a wonderful week ahead. Thanks & Regards, Sonia !!!

  • Namitha
    April 11, 2012 at 10:03 AM

    Never thought about using saffron here ! Cool ! And loved all the pictures, first one my hero :)And I use the same trick to make my kids eat something that they don’t want, but I use cheese though 😉

  • Rekha
    April 11, 2012 at 10:49 AM

    Yes that wise man was absolutely wise… butter like this in breakfast can make any day bright day 🙂

  • Kitchen Belleicious
    April 11, 2012 at 2:53 PM

    you could put this on anything, everything! Muffins, bread, waffles, you name it! love it- so pretty and flavorful! Genius!

  • Kiran @ KiranTarun.com
    April 11, 2012 at 4:04 PM

    Saffron in compound butter?!? I bet it’s DELICIOUS 😀

  • [email protected]
    April 11, 2012 at 4:39 PM

    who doesn’t love butter? Yum yum!

  • San
    April 11, 2012 at 8:21 PM

    Yummylicious compound butter kankana. The addition of saffron is interesting. You have played around with the ingredients 🙂

  • easyfoodsmith
    April 11, 2012 at 11:44 PM

    I love saffron like there is no tomorrow! And this butter with the citrus and saffron flavours is sounding incredibly delicious.

  • Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen
    April 12, 2012 at 12:29 AM

    Butter does indeed make everything better and this one is filled with such amazing flavors.

  • Sawsan
    April 12, 2012 at 1:21 AM

    I love compound butter! It takes something wonderful like butter to the next level and makes it even more amazing

  • Naomi
    April 12, 2012 at 8:05 AM

    I agree compound butter is a great and simple way to dress up food. Love the flavored you have infused into yours.

  • Katie {Epicurean Mom
    April 12, 2012 at 6:09 PM

    Thanks for the nice comment! Love compound butter! Your’s sounds so refreshing! I made a pecan and maple butter that was awesome! 🙂

  • Jean (Lemons and Anchovies)
    April 12, 2012 at 6:10 PM

    I love compound butter already but your version takes it up several notches. Yours is a winner, for sure!

  • Mark
    April 14, 2012 at 5:14 PM

    It’s funny how lunch and dinner are always changing, but breakfast remains the same. I’m eating breakfast right now of butter on toast, and even though I’m bored of it, I still haven’t bothered to change it. You’ve just convinced me to try a new flavor in the morning. Thanks Kankana!

  • Poornima
    April 16, 2012 at 7:23 AM

    Love the flavors in the butter! Sounds and looks amazing!

  • Magic of Spice
    April 16, 2012 at 5:55 PM

    What a beautiful way to flavor butter…looks amazing!

  • Shinta
    April 20, 2012 at 12:39 AM

    Nice idea, simple to execute but goes a long way in adding the extra special touch to bread.

  • Kajal
    April 23, 2012 at 8:29 PM

    Hello Kankana, this is my first time here and amongst other things, LOVE your pics! wanted to single out one recpe so i could say hi, and found the compund butter! are u kidding me, everything tastes awesome with butter! 😀 This is really neat, citrusy with its fair share of spices and parsley. love it!

    • Kankana
      April 23, 2012 at 11:17 PM

      Thanks Kajal 🙂 I am really glad that you liked my blog and thanks for dropping by!

  • Anshu
    April 27, 2012 at 1:03 AM

    wow i really love every bit of food photography by you…they are simply awesome…thanks for stopping by…