Chive flowers are often celebrated for their beauty and vibrant color, but few know that they can also be an asset in cooking. These little spicy purple flowers not only add an elegant visual touch to your dishes, but also a delicate onion flavor that can enhance various meals. We will explore together how to harness this natural culinary treasure.
The benefits of chive flowers in cooking
Chive flowers do more than just provide an aesthetic touch; they also enhance dishes with their aromatic properties. In addition to being visually attractive, the flowers offer a slight flavor of garlic and onion. Using chive flowers allows you to benefit from their nutritional richness, including vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and iron.
Harvesting and preparing chive flowers
It is advisable to harvest chive flowers as soon as they fully open, generally in the spring and early summer. To do this, carefully cut them to avoid damaging the surrounding grass. Before use, it is appropriate to wash the flowers in cold water to remove any impurities. Then, gently dry them with a paper towel.
Using chive flowers in salad
A simple and effective way to incorporate chive flowers into your cooking is to add them to salads. Their slight spicy flavor contrasts beautifully with crunchy vegetables such as lettuce, cucumber, and tomatoes. Simply sprinkle a few chive flowers over your salad before serving. The flowers can also be used to flavor homemade vinegar.
Chive Flower Vinegar Recipe
Creating a flavored vinegar with chive flowers is very simple. Start by filling a clean jar with fresh chive flowers. Heat the vinegar gently (without boiling it) and pour it over the flowers. Seal the jar tightly and let it infuse for two weeks, then strain the vinegar before using it. This vinegar will bring a unique and fragrant touch to your salads and marinades.
Ingredients
- A handful of fresh chive flowers
- 500 ml of white vinegar or cider
Step 1: Prepare the chive flowers
- Rinse gently a handful of fresh chive flowers under cold water to remove any dirt.
- Let them dry completely.
Step 2: Infuse the vinegar
- Place the chive flowers in a clean jar.
- Gently heat 500 ml of vinegar (without bringing it to a boil).
- Pour the hot vinegar over the chive flowers in the jar.
- Seal the jar tightly and let it steep at room temperature for two weeks.
Step 3: Filter and Preserve
- After two weeks, strain the vinegar to remove the chive flowers.
- Transfer the flavored vinegar into a clean bottle and store it in a cool and dark place.
Chive flowers in cooked dishes
Chive flowers are not limited to salads. They can also be incorporated into hot dishes. For example, you can use them in an omelette for a burst of flavors. Beat your eggs with a little salt and pepper, add chopped chive flowers and cook over medium heat. This simple recipe is a great way to start the day with a gourmet touch.
Ingredients for the omelette
- 3 eggs
- A pinch of salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons of chopped chive flowers
- 1 tablespoon of butter
Step 1: Prepare the omelette
- Beat 3 eggs in a bowl with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Add 2 tablespoons of chopped chive flowers and mix.
Step 2: Cook the Omelette
- Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a pan over medium heat.
- Pour the egg mixture into the pan and let it cook until the edges begin to firm up.
- Fold the omelette in half and let it cook for another minute before serving.
Preparing a chive flower butter
Another delightful use for chive flowers is in the preparation of flavored butter. Soften some unsalted butter at room temperature and mix in finely chopped chive flowers. Add a bit of salt to enhance the taste. This butter is perfect for topping fresh bread, baked potatoes, or even steaks.
Ingredients for chive flower butter
- 100 g of unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons of finely chopped chive flowers
- A pinch of salt
Step 1: Prepare the flavored butter
- In a bowl, mix 100 g of unsalted softened butter with 2 tablespoons of finely chopped chive flowers.
- Add a pinch of salt and mix well.
Step 2: Shape and Preserve
- Shape the butter into a roll or put it in a small container.
- Refrigerate the butter for at least one hour before using it.
These simple and tasty preparations will allow you to incorporate chive flowers creatively and deliciously into your cooking. Enjoy your meal!
Tip: incorporate chive flowers into a refreshing drink
If you’re looking to surprise your guests during a summer evening, consider incorporating chive flowers into a refreshing drink. Fill a pitcher with cool water, add some chive flowers, slices of lemon, and let it infuse for a few hours. You will thus obtain subtly flavored water, ideal to accompany your light meals.
Preservation of Chive Flowers
To prolong the life of chive flowers, consider storing them properly. A common method is to prepare salt flavored with chive flowers. Simply mix coarse sea salt with crushed chive flowers and store it in an airtight jar. This scented salt can be used to season various dishes throughout the year.