Skip to main content

Calf Fry Pâté (Bull Butter)

4.2

(3)

Adapted from Dead Horse Ranch

This unusual pâté is made with calves' testicles, also called calf fries. Despite the unique ingredient, bull butter has a milder flavor and more mousselike texture than traditional chicken liver pâté.

Cooks' note:

Bull butter may be chilled up to 4 days.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes about 5 cups

Ingredients

1 pound calf fries, trimmed and peeled (see how to clean calf fries )
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1 medium Granny Smith apple, peeled and chopped
1 garlic clove, chopped
4 hard-boiled large eggs, coarsely chopped
1 cup chicken stock or low-sodium chicken broth
1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup shelled natural pistachios, toasted
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
Pinch of cayenne
2 tablespoons Cognac
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Accompaniment: sliced baguette or crackers

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Halve calf fries lengthwise with a sharp knife, then pat dry with paper towels. Season flour with salt and pepper and dredge fries to lightly coat, shaking off excess.

    Step 2

    Heat oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat until hot but not smoking, then sauté fries in 2 batches until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain.

    Step 3

    Purée fries in a food processor with remaining ingredients until smooth and transfer to a serving bowl. Chill, covered, until firm, at least 4 hours. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Read More
Khao niaow ma muang, or steamed coconut sticky rice with ripe mango, is a classic in Thai cuisine—and you can make it at home.
With just a handful of ingredients, this old-fashioned egg custard is the little black dress of dinner party desserts—simple and effortlessly chic.
With rich chocolate flavor and easy customization, this hot cocoa recipe is just the one you want to get you through winter.
Upgrade any cookout—or keep the cooking on the stovetop—with these smashed cast-iron bison burgers, then stack with lemon mayo and a crisp cucumber-onion slaw.
This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.
Hawai‘i's beloved fried chicken is crispy, sweet, and savory.
Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.
Summer’s best produce cooked into one vibrant, silky, flavor-packed dish.