How to Make Garlic Butter with Roasted Garlic: Elevate Your Cooking Game
Are you tired of the same old garlic butter? Look no further! Today, we’re going to take garlic butter to the next level by using roasted garlic as the foundation. Roasted garlic adds a deep, caramel-like flavor to our butter, making it the perfect accompaniment to a wide range of dishes.
What is Roasted Garlic?
Roasted garlic is simply garlic that’s been roasted in the oven until it’s soft and caramelized. This process brings out a sweeter, nuttier flavor that’s perfect for cooking and baking. If you’ve never tried roasted garlic before, you owe it to yourself to give it a shot!
How to Make Garlic Butter with Roasted Garlic: The Ultimate Guide
Now that you know what roasted garlic is, let’s dive into the process of making garlic butter with this delicious ingredient.
Ingredients:
- 4-6 cloves of roasted garlic (see note)
- 1/2 cup of (unsalted) butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- Optional: parsley, chives, or other herbs of your choice
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Remove the roasted garlic from its skin. You should be left with a sticky, gooey mess – this is normal!
- Place the roasted garlic in a blender or food processor along with the softened butter.
- Process until smooth. Stop and scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
- Add the salt and process until combined.
- Taste and adjust. You can add more salt to taste, or add herbs like parsley or chives for added flavor.
- Transfer the mixture to an airtight container. You can store garlic butter in the fridge for up to one week, or freeze it for up to three months.
Tips and Variations:
- Use a variety of roasted garlic. Different types of garlic can add unique flavors to your garlic butter. For example, Silva or Elephant garlic can add a stronger, more pungent flavor.
- Add other ingredients. Garlic butter is a versatile ingredient – try adding dried herbs like thyme or rosemary, or spices like cumin or smoked paprika.
- Make it ahead. You can make garlic butter ahead of time and freeze it until you’re ready to use it.
- Use it as a spread. Garlic butter makes a great spread for bread, crackers, or vegetables.
- Cook with it. Add garlic butter to sautéed vegetables, steaks, or roasted chicken for an added layer of flavor.
Garlic Butter Applications:
| Recipe | Description | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Garlic Butter Naan | A classic Indian-inspired flatbread filled with melted butter and spices. | Spread garlic butter on naan dough before baking, or brush during cooking for added flavor. |
| Roasted Asparagus with Garlic Butter | A simple, yet impressive side dish perfect for any occasion. | Toss asparagus spears with olive oil, salt, and garlic butter, and roast in the oven until tender. |
| Garlic Butter Scallops | Pan-seared scallops smothered in garlic butter – a decadent and delicious treat. | Add garlic butter to sautéed scallops along with lemon juice, white wine, and capers for a flavorful seafood dish. |
Conclusion:
Making garlic butter with roasted garlic is a simple, yet game-changing process. By adding depth and complexity to your traditional garlic butter, you can elevate a wide range of dishes to new heights. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be making like a pro in no time!
Note:
- To roast garlic, simply place 2-3 cloves on a sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil, and roast in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 30-45 minutes, or until caramelized. Let cool, then remove from skin before using in the recipe.
By following these steps and experimenting with different ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to creating garlic butter like a pro. Happy cooking!