Cafe de Paris Butter

If you are a foodie, you must have heard about Cafe de Paris butter. This famous butter is known for its unique flavor, and it is used in many classic French dishes. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about Cafe de Paris butter.

What is Cafe de Paris Butter?

Cafe de Paris butter is a compound butter that originated in the famous Cafe de Paris restaurant in Geneva, Switzerland. The original recipe is a secret, but it is believed to include butter, herbs, spices, and a few other ingredients. This butter is known for its unique taste, which is a combination of umami, sour, and salty flavors.

History of Cafe de Paris Butter

The origin of Cafe de Paris butter can be traced back to the 1940s when a French chef named Rene Lasserre opened the Cafe de Paris restaurant in Geneva, Switzerland. The restaurant became famous for its signature dish, which was a grilled entrecote steak served with a secret butter sauce. The sauce was so popular that it was later sold in jars, and people started referring to it as Cafe de Paris butter.

Ingredients in Cafe de Paris Butter

As mentioned earlier, the original recipe for Cafe de Paris butter is a secret. However, many chefs have tried to replicate it over the years. The most common ingredients used in Cafe de Paris butter include butter, herbs (such as tarragon, chives, and parsley), garlic, mustard, anchovy paste, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and cayenne pepper.

How to Make Cafe de Paris Butter

Making Cafe de Paris butter is a simple process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Soften one pound of unsalted butter and set it aside.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine two tablespoons of Dijon mustard, two tablespoons of anchovy paste, one tablespoon of tomato paste, one tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, one tablespoon of chopped shallot, two cloves of minced garlic, one tablespoon of chopped tarragon, one tablespoon of chopped parsley, one tablespoon of chopped chives, one tablespoon of lemon juice, half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and half a teaspoon of paprika.
3. Mix all the ingredients until well combined.
4. Add the softened butter to the mixture and mix until smooth.
5. Transfer the mixture to a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap and form it into a log shape.
6. Refrigerate the butter for at least an hour to allow it to firm up.
7. Slice and serve with your favorite dish.

Uses of Cafe de Paris Butter

Cafe de Paris butter is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many dishes. Here are some popular uses of Cafe de Paris butter:

1. Grilled steak: The original dish that made Cafe de Paris butter famous was a grilled entrecote steak served with a dollop of the butter sauce.
2. Roasted vegetables: Cafe de Paris butter can be brushed on roasted vegetables to add a rich, buttery flavor.
3. Seafood: Cafe de Paris butter can be used as a topping for seafood dishes such as grilled shrimp or pan-seared scallops.
4. Bread: Cafe de Paris butter can be spread on bread for a quick and delicious snack.
5. Pasta: Cafe de Paris butter can be used as a sauce for pasta dishes.

Where to Buy Cafe de Paris Butter

Cafe de Paris butter is not widely available in grocery stores, but you can find it in specialty stores or online. Some famous brands that sell Cafe de Paris butter include Beurre de Paris, Bordier, and Le Roux.

Tips for Using Cafe de Paris Butter

Here are some tips for using Cafe de Paris butter:

1. Let the butter come to room temperature before using it to make it easier to spread.
2. When using Cafe de Paris butter as a topping for steak, let it melt on the steak before cutting it to fully enjoy the flavor.
3. Use high-quality butter to make the butter sauce for the best taste.
4. Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own variation of Cafe de Paris butter.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Cafe de Paris butter vegan? No, Cafe de Paris butter contains dairy and is not vegan.
2. Can I freeze Cafe de Paris butter? Yes, you can freeze Cafe de Paris butter for up to three months.
3. Can I use Cafe de Paris butter for baking? Yes, Cafe de Paris butter can be used for baking, but it is typically used as a topping or sauce.
4. Is Cafe de Paris butter gluten-free? Yes, Cafe de Paris butter is gluten-free.
5. What other dishes can I use Cafe de Paris butter in? Cafe de Paris butter can be used in many dishes, such as grilled vegetables, seafood, and pasta.

In conclusion, Cafe de Paris butter is a versatile ingredient that can add a unique and delicious flavor to many dishes. While the original recipe may be a secret, you can create your own version with the ingredients you have on hand. Whether you are grilling a steak or making a pasta dish, Cafe de Paris butter is sure to elevate your culinary creations. So why not try it out and see how it can enhance your favorite dishes?