Primal + Keto Cooking Made Easy: Compound Butter

As Mark has always said, the key to great food is the sauces and seasonings. This simple and versatile compound butter is yet another way you can add more flavor and richness to just about any Primal or keto meal you make. Fresh herbs add a bright taste and butter lends a smooth richness to everything from roasted vegetables to hearty omelettes to varied fish and meat dishes. Use your favorite herbs for the perfect taste you’ll enjoy!

Compound Butter

Ingredients:

  • 1 stick butter (softened at room temperature)
  • 1 Tbsp. fresh parsley
  • 1 Tbsp. fresh basil
  • 1 Tbsp. fresh oregano
  • 1/2-1 Tbsp. fresh thyme
  • Note: If using dried herbs instead of fresh, cut the amount of herbs in half

Instructions:

If using fresh herbs, wash, dry and roll together into a “cigar” shape, and finely slice, gathering up the herb pieces and cutting the pile until the pieces are very small. (If you’re using dried herbs, combine in a small bowl.)

Place the chopped herbs in the same small bowl as a stick of softened butter. Use a fork to mash the butter and combine the herbs with the butter.

When combined, place the compound butter on a small sheet of waxed paper or parchment paper, and roll into a log. Twist the ends to seal. Refrigerate for an hour to harden.

Take a tablespoon or more to add to omelettes, roasted vegetables, meats, or other dishes for added flavor and richness.

Note: To maintain freshness, store in the refrigerator in the rolled paper and a plastic container.

Other flavor options: chipotle powder, chili powder, cumin, fresh garlic, tarragon.

Nutritional Information (1 tablespoon = 1 serving):

  • Calories: 82
  • Total Carbs: 0 grams 
  • Fat: 9.2 grams
  • Protein: 0 grams

About the Author

Lindsay Taylor headshot

Lindsay Taylor, Ph.D., is a senior writer and community manager for Primal Nutrition, a certified Primal Health Coach, and the co-author of three keto cookbooks.

As a writer for Mark’s Daily Apple and the leader of the thriving Keto Reset and Primal Endurance communities, Lindsay’s job is to help people learn the whats, whys, and hows of leading a health-focused life. Before joining the Primal team, she earned her master’s and Ph.D. in Social and Personality Psychology from the University of California, Berkeley, where she also worked as a researcher and instructor.

Lindsay lives in Northern California with her husband and two sports-obsessed sons. In her free time, she enjoys ultra running, triathlon, camping, and game nights. Follow along on Instagram @theusefuldish as Lindsay attempts to juggle work, family, and endurance training, all while maintaining a healthy balance and, most of all, having fun in life.

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