Chili Butter

Chili Butter Recipe - Authentic Mexican Vegetarian Food

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Servings: 8 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Chili butter is a delicious and versatile condiment that adds a spicy kick to a variety of dishes. This simple recipe combines the heat of chili powder and ground red pepper with the earthy flavor of cumin, all mixed into creamy butter.

History

Chili butter is a popular condiment in many cuisines around the world, adding flavor and heat to dishes ranging from Mexican to Indian. The combination of chili powder, cumin, and red pepper creates a unique and bold flavor profile that can elevate any dish.

Ingredients

1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
0.5 tsp ground red pepper
0.5 cup softened butter

How to prepare

Stir the ingredients into softened butter.
Cover and chill for at least 8 hours.
Serve on warm tortillas, poultry, or meat, or stir into refried beans or rice. Keep the spiced butter in the refrigerator.

Variations

You can customize this recipe by adding additional spices such as garlic powder, smoked paprika, or dried herbs like oregano or thyme.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use softened butter for this recipe to ensure that the spices are evenly distributed. You can adjust the amount of chili powder and red pepper to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve chili butter on warm tortillas, grilled poultry or meat, or stir into refried beans or rice for a flavorful twist.

Cooking Techniques

Mixing the spices into softened butter and chilling the mixture allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and flavorful condiment.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use margarine or a dairy-free butter alternative for a vegan version of this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

Chili butter can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Simply bring it to room temperature before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve chili butter in a small dish or mold it into a log and slice it for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Chili butter pairs well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even spread on crusty bread for a spicy appetizer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store chili butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Allow it to come to room temperature before using.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories per serving: 120

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 0g

Fats

Total Fat: 12g

Saturated Fat: 7g

Proteins

Protein: 0g

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe does not contain significant amounts of vitamins or minerals.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter) and may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies.

Summary

Chili butter is a high-fat condiment with a spicy kick, perfect for adding flavor to a variety of dishes.

Summary

Chili butter is a simple yet flavorful condiment that can add a spicy kick to a variety of dishes. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a versatile and delicious topping that will elevate your meals.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the first time I saw the recipe for Chili Butter. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small town in the countryside. My grandmother, who was known for her incredible cooking skills, had a friend who traveled the world and brought back unique recipes from every corner of the globe.

One day, my grandmother's friend came over for a visit and brought with her a recipe for Chili Butter that she had picked up during her travels in Mexico. As soon as my grandmother saw the recipe, her eyes lit up with excitement. She told me and my siblings to gather around and watch as she recreated the dish.

The ingredients were simple - butter, chili powder, garlic, and a few other spices. But the way my grandmother mixed them together and cooked them over the stove was pure magic. The aroma that filled the kitchen was like nothing I had ever smelled before. It was spicy, savory, and incredibly enticing.

As we sat down to taste the Chili Butter for the first time, I was blown away by the complexity of flavors. The heat from the chili powder was balanced perfectly by the richness of the butter, and the garlic added a delicious depth to the dish. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself.

From that day on, I begged my grandmother to teach me how to make Chili Butter. She was more than happy to pass on her knowledge, and we spent many hours in the kitchen together perfecting the recipe. Over time, I learned the subtle art of balancing the flavors, adjusting the heat level to suit my taste, and experimenting with different spices to make the dish truly my own.

As I grew older, I continued to make Chili Butter for my friends and family, and it became a signature dish that I was known for. I even started to experiment with using it in other recipes, like spreading it on toast, melting it over grilled vegetables, or using it as a marinade for meat.

But no matter how many variations I tried, the original recipe that my grandmother's friend had brought back from Mexico remained my favorite. There was something special about the way it connected me to my past, to my grandmother, and to the world of flavors and spices that she had introduced me to.

Today, whenever I make Chili Butter, I think back to that day in my grandmother's kitchen, watching her recreate a dish that had traveled across oceans and continents to land on our table. It reminds me of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to tell stories that transcend time and place.

And so, as I mix together the butter, chili powder, garlic, and spices, I do it with love and gratitude for all the people and places that have influenced my culinary journey. And I know that with each bite of that spicy, savory, and incredibly enticing Chili Butter, I am honoring the legacy of my grandmother and her friend who introduced me to this delicious recipe.