Hatch Green Chile Garlic Butter

How to make Hatch Green Chile Garlic Butter

Ingredients:

1 pound unsalted butter (allow to soften at room temp; you may use salted butter if you wish)

4 tablespoons pureed hot roasted Hatch chile peppers

4 cloves roasted garlic

1 teaspoon spicy salt

½ teaspoon salt (if using salted butter, add this to your personal taste)

1 teaspoon Hatch Chile Powder (I use Melissa’s Hatch Chile Powder)

1/4 teaspoon turmeric (used for color; can omit)

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon fresh lime juice (plus some zest)

Instructions:

Beat softened butter with other ingredients until well incorporated. Scrape into a lidded container, chill in refrigerator and let flavors meld.

Makes about 1 pound.

Can be stored for 4 weeks in refrigerator or 3 months in freezer.

Notes:

Flavor Profile: This homemade compound butter combines the rich, creamy base of butter with the bold, smoky flavors of roasted Hatch chile peppers and garlic. The addition of spicy salt, Hatch Chile Powder, turmeric, cayenne pepper, lemon juice, and lime juice adds depth and complexity to the butter, creating a versatile and flavorful condiment.

Butter: Use unsalted butter that has been softened at room temperature for easy mixing. If you prefer salted butter, adjust the added salt accordingly to your taste.

Hatch Chile Peppers: Opt for hot roasted Hatch chile peppers for a robust and spicy flavor. Puree the peppers to ensure even distribution throughout the butter.

Roasted Garlic: Roasted garlic adds a sweet and mellow garlic flavor compared to raw garlic.

Spices and Seasonings: Adjust the amount of spicy salt, Hatch Chile Powder, turmeric, and cayenne pepper based on your preference for heat and flavor intensity.

Citrus Juice and Zest: Fresh lemon juice, lime juice, and zest provide a bright and tangy element that complements the richness of the butter and spices.

Mixing: Beat the softened butter together with the other ingredients until well incorporated. Ensure that all components are evenly distributed throughout the butter.

Chilling: Scrape the butter mixture into a lidded container and chill it in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld together. This resting period enhances the overall flavor profile of the butter.

Storage: The Hatch Green Chile Garlic Butter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Use it as needed to enhance dishes like grilled meats, seafood, vegetables, pasta, or as a flavorful spread for bread and rolls.

Cooking: Use this compound butter to sauté vegetables, sear meats, or spread over cooked corn on the cob.

Finishing Touch: Add a pat of Hatch Green Chile Garlic Butter to finish off grilled steaks, chicken, or fish for an added burst of flavor.

Enhanced Spreads: Elevate simple dishes like mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables by incorporating this flavorful butter.

Freezing Tip: Portion the butter into smaller containers or use ice cube trays for convenient portioning and quick defrosting when needed.

Additional Flavors: Experiment with adding other herbs or spices such as cilantro, cumin, or smoked paprika to customize the flavor profile of the butter.

Dietary Considerations: This butter can be adapted to be gluten-free and keto-friendly depending on the choice of ingredients used.

Nutrition Information:

Serving size: 1 tablespoon

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can use salted butter if you prefer.

Adjust the amount of additional salt accordingly based on your taste preference.

How spicy is this butter with the Hatch chile peppers and cayenne pepper?

The spiciness level can vary based on the type of Hatch chile peppers and amount of cayenne pepper used.

Adjust these ingredients to achieve your desired level of heat.

Can I substitute other types of chili peppers for Hatch chile peppers?

While Hatch chile peppers are traditional for this recipe, you can experiment with other hot peppers for different flavor profiles.

Adjust the quantity based on the heat level of the peppers used.

What can I use Hatch Green Chile Garlic Butter for?

This butter is versatile and can be used to flavor grilled meats, seafood, vegetables, pasta dishes, or as a delicious spread for bread and rolls.

How do I roast garlic for this recipe?

To roast garlic, cut the top off a bulb of garlic, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 30-35 minutes until soft and caramelized.

Squeeze out the cloves once cooled.

Can I omit the turmeric if I don’t have it on hand?

Yes, turmeric is primarily used for color and can be omitted without significantly affecting the flavor of the butter.

How do I puree the roasted Hatch chile peppers?

Roast the Hatch chile peppers until charred, then remove the skins, seeds, and stems.

Blend the flesh of the peppers in a food processor or blender until smooth.

Can I freeze this butter in smaller portions for later use?

Yes, portion the butter into smaller containers or use ice cube trays for convenient portioning.

Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw as needed.

How long should I let the butter chill in the refrigerator before using it?

Let the butter chill in the refrigerator for at least a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together.

Overnight chilling is ideal for maximum flavor development.

Is this butter suitable for special diets like keto or gluten-free?

This butter can be suitable for keto diets depending on individual preferences.

For a gluten-free version, ensure all ingredients used are gluten-free, including the spices and flavorings.