| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 10 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 271 | 23g | 14g | 17g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 17g | 1g | 0g | 0.02g |
What do you get when the zesty tang of lemon meets the subtly earthy notes of thyme and the richness of butter? The Lemon Thyme Infused Butter, that’s what – a recipe I hold very dear. Deceptively simple but brimming with complexity, I believe that taste and health should never be mutually exclusive. And this, my friends, is where they shake hands.
The Taste of Summer
Every time I prepare this Lemon Thyme Infused Butter, it takes me back to the warm summers of my childhood, spent in Seattle and Japan. Being around nature and the citrus orchards fostered a deep appreciation for the delicate and aromatic nature of fruits. The lemon zest used in this recipe is not just about the tartness but also a hint of sweetness, a flavor reminiscent of my homeland’s yuzu, a citrus fruit often used in Japanese cuisine. Lending its unique aroma and taste, thyme intertwines with the lemon zest giving this butter a nuanced depth, making it even more delightful. Adaptable to any dish, this lemon thyme butter can enhance the taste of a simple piece of toast or transform a plain grilled fish into something extraordinary.
Unleashing The Health Factor
On to the health benefits, both lemon and thyme are power-packed with goodness. Lemon is high in vitamin C, known to boost immunity and skin health, and can act as a digestive aid. Thyme has potent antibacterial properties and is also rich in vitamin A, known for promoting good vision. Moreover, butter – especially when unsalted as in this recipe – is a great source of healthy fats necessary for our cognitive and hormonal health. Don’t be fooled by its decadence, this Lemon Thyme Infused Butter definitely has a lot more to offer!
Value in Versatility
The beauty of this Lemon Thyme Infused Butter lies in its versatility that it adds to my culinary repertoire. It’s similar to a compound butter, which is essentially butter that’s been infused with herbs or spices. You can experiment, adding it to different recipes such as drizzling over steamed vegetables, or whisking into a pasta. Try it on homemade biscuits, or pair it with a nice slice of salmon, reminiscent of a Seattle favorite.
In closing, I love this Lemon Thyme Infused Butter, not just for its taste or health benefits, but for the memories it evokes and the conversations it starts. It speaks of my heritage, my journey, and the endless possibilities of flavor, all in one delicious spread.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup Unsalted butter
- Zest of 3 large Lemons
- 4 sprigs Fresh thyme
- 1/4 cup Granulated sugar
Method
Step One
Place 1 cup of unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat and allow it to melt completely.
Step Two
While the butter is melting, wash and grate 3 large lemons to extract their zest. Try to get as much of the outer yellow skin as possible, avoiding the white pith underneath that can be bitter.
Step Three
Wash 4 sprigs of fresh thyme under cold water and gently pat them dry.
Step Four
Once the butter has melted, add the lemon zest, fresh thyme sprigs, and a 1/4 cup of granulated sugar to the saucepan.
Step Five
Stir everything together and reduce the heat slightly, allowing the butter to simmer softly. Let it infuse with the lemon zest and thyme for about 20 minutes.
Step Six
Strain the butter into a container, pressing on the solids to extract as much butter as possible. Discard the solids.
Step Seven
Allow the butter to cool, after which it can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week. Use this lemon thyme infused butter in your recipes to bring a zesty and aromatic flavour.
