Anchovy and red wine butter

Serves 8

Skye Gyngell
Saturday 03 March 2007 20:00 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

This butter is delicious with grilled beef, veal chops, salmon or trout. Green vegetables such as spinach or cavolo nero are the perfect accompaniment.

All these recipes make about 300g (10oz) of butter. I would allow about 35g (11/2oz) per serving, so divide it into portions and place in the freezer.

1 bottle of full-bodied red wine
150g/5oz tin of anchovies in olive oil
3 cloves of garlic
250g/8oz unsalted butter, at room temperature
A little lemon juice to taste
Freshly ground black pepper
Pour the wine in a heavy-based saucepan large enough to hold the wine comfortably. Place over a medium heat and bring to a simmer. Turn down slightly and reduce by half. This should take around 20-30 minutes. Remove from the stove and allow to cool completely.

Drain the anchovies completely of the oil and pat dry with kitchen paper. Place them in a food processor with the garlic and wine and purée. Add the softened butter in 3 batches, allowing each piece to completely combine before adding the next one. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and a generous grind of black pepper. Place on a piece of foil, roll into a sausage shape, cut into portions and put it in the fridge or freezer until ready to use.

This butter is served here with beef. Season the meat really generously on both sides and place in a smoking hot pan. Sear on one side for three minutes, turn and sear on the other side for three minutes, if you want it medium rare. Let it rest and then simply place the butter on top.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in