When my neighbor knocked on my door last weekend with a basket full of vibrant nasturtium flowers and leaves, I couldn’t wait to get creative in the kitchen. I had heard of using nasturtiums in cooking, but I’ll admit I was a bit intimidated at first. Little did I know that the delightful peppery flavor of these blooms would completely transform my go-to brunch recipes – and become a new household staple.
As soon as I laid eyes on that lush green basket, the wheels started turning. I knew I had to make a special nasturtium-infused butter that could elevate everything from toast and scones to steamed veggies and grilled fish. Let me tell you, this Nasturtium Herb Butter is about to change your life (and your brunch game) in the most delicious way.
Why This Nasturtium Herb Butter Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Nasturtium Herb Butter
There’s something truly magical about the way the peppery notes of fresh nasturtium leaves marry with the richness of creamy butter. This Nasturtium Herb Butter recipe is special because it captures that perfect balance – the bright, herbaceous flavors complement the buttery backdrop without overpowering it.
The secret is in the simplicity of the ingredients and the technique. By gently folding the finely chopped nasturtium leaves, parsley, chives, and lemon zest into softened butter, you create a vibrant, flavorful spread that enhances any dish. It takes just 5 minutes of hands-on prep, and the result is a versatile condiment that’ll have you dreaming up new ways to use it.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The foundation of this recipe, providing a rich, creamy base for the herbs and spices.
- 1/2 cup fresh nasturtium leaves, finely chopped: These peppery, vibrant leaves are the star of the show, lending their unique flavor and color.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped: Adding a fresh, herbaceous note to balance the heat of the nasturtiums.
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped: Bringing a subtle onion-like flavor and delicate texture.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest: Brightening up the other ingredients with a citrusy zing.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just enough to enhance all the flavors and bring everything into perfect harmony.
Step-by-Step Nasturtium Herb Butter Instructions
Preparing Your Nasturtium Herb Butter
With just 5 minutes of prep time and no cooking required, this Nasturtium Herb Butter comes together in a flash. You’ll need a medium bowl, a sharp knife, and a spoon or spatula to mix everything together.
1- Start by rinsing the nasturtium leaves and patting them dry with paper towels. Finely chop the leaves until you have 1/2 cup.
2- In the bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped nasturtium leaves, parsley, chives, lemon zest, and salt. Use a spoon or spatula to gently fold and mix the ingredients until they’re evenly distributed.
3- Once the Nasturtium Herb Butter is well-combined, transfer it to an airtight container or roll it into a log and wrap in parchment paper.
4- Allow the butter to chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, which will help the flavors meld and the texture firm up slightly.
5- For serving, you can either scoop the Nasturtium Herb Butter directly onto dishes or slice off rounds from the chilled log.
6- Enjoy this vibrant, flavorful butter on everything from warm bread and scones to grilled meats and roasted veggies!
Pro Tips for Success
- Make sure to use softened, room temperature butter for the smoothest, most spreadable consistency.
- Chop the herbs very finely – this will help them distribute evenly throughout the butter and prevent any large, uneven chunks.
- Adjust the amount of salt to your personal taste preferences. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and add more if desired.
- For an even prettier presentation, roll the Nasturtium Herb Butter into a log and slice off rounds to top dishes.
Serving and Storing Your Nasturtium Herb Butter
Perfect Pairings for Nasturtium Herb Butter
This Nasturtium Herb Butter is a true multi-tasker, with 12 servings that can elevate all sorts of dishes. It’s a natural fit for brunch, perfectly complementing warm, buttery baked goods like scones, biscuits, and crusty bread. But don’t stop there – it also makes a wonderful topping for grilled or roasted proteins, from salmon and chicken to steak and pork. And let’s not forget the veggies – a pat of this flavorful butter can transform simply steamed or roasted vegetables into something truly special.
As for beverages, I love pairing Nasturtium Herb Butter with a refreshing mimosa or bloody mary for brunch. But it’s equally at home alongside a crisp white wine or a robust red for a more formal meal.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
The best part about this Nasturtium Herb Butter recipe is that it keeps beautifully, so you can make it in advance and always have some on hand. Once the butter is mixed and shaped, simply transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
For longer-term storage, you can also freeze the Nasturtium Herb Butter. Roll it into a log, wrap tightly in parchment paper or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, just transfer the frozen log to the fridge to thaw overnight.
Whether you keep it in the fridge or freezer, the Nasturtium Herb Butter can be used straight from cold storage. Simply slice or scoop it onto your dishes as needed. The cool temperature will help the butter maintain its firm, spreadable texture.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Nasturtium Herb Butter
Creative Nasturtium Herb Butter Variations
While the classic version of this recipe is truly hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to get creative with Nasturtium Herb Butter. For a seasonal twist, try swapping in fresh dill or rosemary instead of the parsley and chives. You could also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick of heat.
Another delicious variation is to stir in a tablespoon or two of crumbled feta or goat cheese. The creamy, tangy dairy notes pair beautifully with the peppery nasturtiums. And for a touch of sweetness, try mixing in a teaspoon of honey or a sprinkle of brown sugar.
Making Nasturtium Herb Butter Diet-Friendly
For those following a gluten-free diet, this Nasturtium Herb Butter recipe is a natural fit. Simply serve it on gluten-free bread, crackers, or alongside roasted veggies.
If you’re looking for a dairy-free or vegan version, you can easily swap the butter for an equal amount of high-quality olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative. The flavor profile may be a bit different, but the bright, herbal notes of the nasturtiums will still shine.
And for a low-carb or keto-friendly option, skip the bread or crackers and enjoy the Nasturtium Herb Butter as a topping for grilled or roasted meats and fish. It also makes a delicious spread for celery sticks or cucumber slices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I substitute dried nasturtium leaves for the fresh ones?
A: While you can certainly use dried nasturtium leaves in a pinch, I highly recommend sticking with fresh if possible. The dried leaves won’t have the same vibrant flavor and color as the fresh ones. If you do use dried, start with just 2-3 tablespoons and adjust to taste.
Q: How long does it take to make this Nasturtium Herb Butter recipe?
A: This Nasturtium Herb Butter comes together in just 5 minutes of hands-on prep time. With the 30-minute chill time, the total time is 35 minutes – perfect for a quick and easy brunch or side dish.
Q: Can I store the Nasturtium Herb Butter in the freezer?
A: Absolutely! This butter freezes beautifully. Simply roll it into a log, wrap tightly in parchment or plastic, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, just transfer the frozen log to the fridge to thaw overnight.
Q: How much Nasturtium Herb Butter does this recipe make?
A: This recipe yields 12 servings of Nasturtium Herb Butter. Depending on how you plan to use it, the serving size can vary – a generous tablespoon or two is perfect for topping toast or scones, while a smaller pat works well on grilled proteins or roasted veggies.
Q: What if I don’t like the peppery flavor of nasturtiums?
A: If the natural heat of the nasturtiums is a bit too much for your taste, you can try reducing the amount used in the recipe or substituting in another fresh herb like dill or tarragon. You can also balance the peppery notes by adding a bit more butter, lemon zest, or even a touch of honey.
Nasturtium Herb Butter
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
Elevate your meals with the vibrant, herbaceous flavors of Nasturtium Herb Butter. This quick and easy homemade spread adds a delightful peppery kick to breads, vegetables, meats, and more. Whip up a batch in just 5 minutes for a versatile condiment that will transform your cooking.
Ingredients
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup fresh nasturtium leaves, finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
– 1 teaspoon lemon zest
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped nasturtium leaves, parsley, chives, lemon zest, and salt. Mix well until fully incorporated.
2. Scoop the nasturtium herb butter onto a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap. Shape into a log, then roll up tightly.
3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the butter to firm up.
4. Slice the chilled nasturtium herb butter and use as a spread, topping, or ingredient in your favorite dishes.
Notes
– For a spicier flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
– Nasturtium flowers can also be used in place of or in addition to the leaves.
– Store the leftover butter in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 5
- Category: Dips & Spreads
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This Nasturtium Herb Butter is about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen. It’s incredibly easy to make, with just 5 minutes of prep and no cooking required. But the flavor – oh, the flavor! The peppery punch of the nasturtiums, the herbaceous notes of parsley and chives, the bright zing of lemon zest… it all comes together in the most delightful way.
Whether you’re dressing up your favorite brunch dishes, adding a burst of freshness to roasted veggies, or simply slathering it on a crusty piece of bread, this Nasturtium Herb Butter is guaranteed to impress. So grab those vibrant nasturtium leaves and get ready to elevate your cooking game. I can’t wait to hear how you end up using this versatile, flavorful butter!
