Among all the gourmet foods you can find on the market today, the black truffle (Tuber melanosporum Vitt) undoubtedly stands out. This exquisite fungus, highly coveted in haute cuisine, grows underground, in symbiosis with the roots of some truffle trees, such as oaks and holm oaks, and its value lies not only in its scarcity, but also in its enveloping aroma and unmistakable flavour.
The black truffle is capable of transforming even the simplest dishes into true masterpieces of haute cuisine. Simply grate or slice it on toast, on pasta dishes or even on eggs to take it to the next level. Here’s how to make one of the most elegant and versatile ways to enjoy this jewel of gourmet gastronomy: black truffle butter, ideal for adding a luxurious touch to your everyday recipes.
What is truffle butter?
Truffle butter – also known as “truffle butter” – is a highly prized product in elite gastronomy. It is a very creamy butter, with a silky texture and sophisticated taste, tending towards the milky sweetness of traditional butter combined with the aromatic intensity of Tuber melanosporum Vitt. The result is a versatile and elegant ingredient, perfect with rustic bread, canapés, fresh pasta, risottos or even grilled meats.
Besides being delicious, black truffle butter is rich in antioxidants, which translates into benefits for the immune system and the health of the human body at the cellular level. In essence, we can say that this food comes from mixing good quality butter with fresh grated black truffle or, failing that, with a few drops of good quality truffle oil. To find out more ways to incorporate this ingredient into your dishes, you can consult this article on the culinary uses of black truffle.
How to prepare truffled butter?
If you’re wondering how to make truffled butter at home, you’ll be surprised how simple it is to prepare. With just a few ingredients and a little TLC, you can prepare a food that can elevate any recipe to gourmet status. To make black truffle butter you only need 150 grams of high quality butter (preferably unsalted) 15 grams of fresh black truffle (Tuber melanosporum Vitt), ideally from the area of Sarrión, in the region of Gúdar-Javalambre, known as the black truffle capital of the world, which you can buy on our website.
To work the butter, it is essential that it is at an ointment point, i.e. soft, but not liquid. You can leave it at room temperature for a few hours or use a bain-marie if you need to speed up the process. When the butter is ready, grate the fresh black truffle with a fine grater directly over it and mix both ingredients well with the help of a fork. It is essential that the truffle is evenly integrated to ensure a consistent flavour throughout the mixture.
Next, spread the mixture on a bamboo mat – like those used for making sushi – form a cylinder and wrap it in cling film or wrap it in plastic wrap. Afterwards, you should close the ends tightly and let the truffle butter cool in the fridge for at least 3 hours before using or storing it. For more information on how to enjoy this gourmet fungus in your culinary preparations, we recommend reading this article on how to truffle food.
How long can truffle butter be preserved?
Truffle butter can be kept in perfect condition for up to seven days if kept in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It is important to protect it well from the air to preserve both its texture and its persistent and characteristic aroma. If you are not going to consume it within this period, there is an excellent alternative to extend its shelf life without losing its qualities, which we are going to talk about below:
Can truffled butter be frozen?
Yes, truffled butter can be frozen without any problems. In fact, this is the best option if you make a generous amount and do not plan to consume it immediately. You can keep the cylinder of black truffle butter in the freezer and cut slices according to the amount you need at any given time, whether you want to use it to accompany a steak, enrich a vegetable cream or prepare special toasts for breakfast.
However, we recommend that you make sure you use a completely airtight container or a freezer bag with a seal to prevent the butter from absorbing the odours of other foods you may have in the freezer. This way, you will keep its aromatic essence intact.
How can you tell if truffle butter is spoiled?
Unlike other foods, truffle butter gives quite clear signs when it starts to deteriorate. The first sign is the smell: if instead of the characteristic deep, earthy aroma of the truffle you notice a musty, sour or musty smell, it is most likely no longer in optimal condition.
It is also important to observe the texture, as a truffle butter that is too soft, spongy, liquid or oily indicates that a process of decomposition has begun. Another obvious symptom is the colour, if it becomes darker in colour or stains appear, it would be better to discard it. Remember that this type of product should retain a firm consistency, a strong but pleasant aroma and a uniform appearance. If in doubt, it is preferable not to consume it.
In short, now that you know how to make truffle butter at home, you have discovered a simple and luxurious way to bring the world of haute cuisine into your own kitchen. Whether you want to serve it as a starter with crusty bread, to accompany grilled meat or to add depth to a pasta sauce, this truffle butter is a sure-fire way to transform any dish into a gourmet experience.
From Trufalia, as a company specialised in fresh and preserved black truffles, located in Sarrión and with international distribution, we encourage you to experiment with this type of truffled delicacies and to discover everything they can contribute to your gastronomic preparations.
