Garlic Gazpacho Butter

Garlic Gazpacho Butter Recipe - A Spanish Delight

Region / culture: Spain | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 5 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Garlic Gazpacho Butter is a flavorful and spicy condiment that can be used to enhance the taste of various dishes. This recipe combines the bold flavors of garlic, jalapeno, cilantro, and hot sauce with the richness of butter to create a versatile and delicious spread.

History

The origins of Garlic Gazpacho Butter can be traced back to traditional gazpacho recipes, which are cold Spanish soups made with tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and other vegetables. This recipe takes inspiration from the flavors of gazpacho and transforms them into a savory butter that can be used in a variety of ways.

Ingredients

1 large clove of garlic
1 fresh jalapeno, seeded
a handful of cilantro leaves
1 tsp of coarse salt
0.5 cup of vegetable juice (recommended: v-8 or bloody mary mix)
2 tsp of hot sauce
0.5 stick of butter, softened

How to prepare

Finely chop the garlic, jalapeno, and cilantro. Mash them with the salt to create a paste.
Transfer the paste to a small pot. Add the vegetable juice or bloody mary mix, hot sauce, and butter.
Heat the mixture over low heat until the butter melts. Transfer it to a small bowl for basting or a squirt bottle.
Serve the mixture warm with grilled corn.

Variations

Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a citrusy twist.
Mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes for added depth of flavor.
Substitute the jalapeno with a milder pepper for a less spicy version.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to finely chop the garlic, jalapeno, and cilantro to ensure that they blend well together to create a smooth paste.

- Adjust the amount of hot sauce to suit your personal preference for spiciness.

- Use a squirt bottle to easily drizzle the Garlic Gazpacho Butter over grilled corn or other dishes.

Serving Suggestions

Garlic Gazpacho Butter can be served warm with grilled corn, spread on bread or crackers, or used as a topping for grilled meats or vegetables.

Cooking Techniques

Use a mortar and pestle to mash the garlic, jalapeno, and cilantro into a paste.

- Heat the mixture over low heat to ensure that the butter melts evenly.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use olive oil or coconut oil as a dairy-free alternative to butter.

- Substitute the hot sauce with cayenne pepper or paprika for a different level of spiciness.

Make Ahead Tips

Garlic Gazpacho Butter can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Simply reheat it before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Garlic Gazpacho Butter in a small bowl or a squirt bottle for easy drizzling. Garnish with a sprig of cilantro for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Garlic Gazpacho Butter with grilled meats, seafood, or vegetables for a flavorful and spicy kick. It also pairs well with crusty bread or crackers.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Garlic Gazpacho Butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat it gently in a saucepan or microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 120 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 2g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 12g per serving

Saturated Fat: 7g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 0g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 5% of the daily recommended intake per serving

Alergens

Contains dairy (butter)

Summary

Garlic Gazpacho Butter is a rich and flavorful condiment that is high in fat and calories. It is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Garlic Gazpacho Butter is a versatile and flavorful condiment that adds a spicy kick to any dish. With a blend of garlic, jalapeno, cilantro, and hot sauce, this butter is perfect for drizzling over grilled corn, spreading on bread, or topping grilled meats and vegetables. Enjoy the bold flavors of this delicious condiment in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Garlic Gazpacho Butter. It was handed down to me by my dear friend Maria, who learned it from her grandmother who hailed from the beautiful region of Andalusia in Spain. Maria and I were in our early 20s at the time, both eager to learn new recipes and expand our culinary skills.

I had never heard of Gazpacho Butter before, let alone one infused with garlic. But as Maria described the rich flavors and creamy texture, I knew I had to try making it myself. She explained that the secret to this delectable spread was in the combination of fresh ingredients and the careful blending process.

Maria invited me over to her cozy kitchen one sunny afternoon to show me how to make the Garlic Gazpacho Butter. As we gathered the necessary ingredients – ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, garlic, olive oil, and bread – I could already smell the fragrant aromas that would soon fill the room.

We started by chopping the vegetables and garlic, then sautéing them in a generous amount of olive oil until they were soft and fragrant. The smell of garlic and tomatoes mingling together was intoxicating, making my stomach growl in anticipation.

Next, we added in the bread, which would act as a thickening agent for the butter. Maria explained that this was a traditional technique used in Spanish cuisine to create a creamy texture without the need for dairy products. As the bread soaked up the flavorful juices, we transferred the mixture to a blender and pureed it until smooth.

The final step was to strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove any chunks or pieces of skin, resulting in a silky smooth butter that was bursting with flavor. Maria scooped a generous dollop of the Garlic Gazpacho Butter onto a slice of crusty bread and handed it to me with a smile.

I took a bite and was instantly transported to the sun-drenched streets of Andalusia. The flavors of ripe tomatoes, tangy bell peppers, and pungent garlic danced on my taste buds, leaving me craving more. I could see why this recipe had been passed down through generations – it was a true taste of Spain in every bite.

As I savored the Garlic Gazpacho Butter, Maria shared with me the story of how her grandmother had learned to make it from her own mother, who had learned it from hers. The recipe had been in their family for generations, each cook adding their own twist and variation to make it their own.

I left Maria's kitchen that day with a full stomach and a heart filled with gratitude. Not only had I learned how to make a delicious new recipe, but I had also gained a deeper appreciation for the rich culinary traditions that connected us all.

Since that day, I have made Garlic Gazpacho Butter countless times, each batch a little different from the last as I experiment with new flavors and techniques. But no matter how many variations I try, the essence of the recipe remains the same – a tribute to the past and a celebration of the present.

And every time I take a bite of that creamy, garlicky spread, I am reminded of the friendship that brought me this recipe, the heritage that inspired it, and the joy that cooking and sharing food can bring. In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, it is these simple moments of connection and creativity that keep me grounded and grateful for the gift of good food and good friends.