Name: Spiced Butter
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 1/4 hr
Yield: Makes 2 servings
Ingredients: 1/4 teaspoon coriander seeds; 1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds; 1/4 teaspoon caraway seeds; 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 1/2 teaspoon dried hot red-pepper flakes; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon finely grated fresh lemon zest; 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice; an electric coffee/spice grinder

The labor is minimal: Soften the butter and mix in herbs and spices, then chill. But it pays off in so many ways — the butter provides a richness to the pan sauce for the filet mignon and an exotic finishing for the accompanying artichokes and haricots verts.

Cooks' note:

Butter can be chilled, wrapped well, up to 1 day.

Recipe notes

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