beurre composé

Definition

Compound butter mixed with herbs, aromatics, or other flavorings, then chilled and sliced to melt over hot foods. French cuisine's acknowledgment that everything improves with flavored butter melting on top.

Example Usage

The steak was topped with beurre composé made with shallots and tarragon, because plain butter is apparently for peasants.

Origin

French, meaning 'compound butter'

Fun Fact

Compound butters can be made weeks in advance and frozen, making them the meal-prep hero of fine dining—preparing luxury in advance for when you need to look effortlessly sophisticated.

Source: French butter preparation terminology

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