Chives | The Seasonal Gourmet

Sour Cream and Chive Noodles

11 04 2011

Chives are easy to grow in a pot and require little maintenance

The first green item of spring has arrived: Chives! The oniony herb is usually the first thing to appear in my herb garden each spring after a very long winter so I think it’s worth celebrating with a new recipe.

This simple pasta dish only takes minutes to put together and makes a great side dish for chicken or beef. Think of this dish as an alternative to a baked potato with sour cream and chives.

Sour Cream and Chive Noodles

Serves 4 to 6 as a side dish

(VEGETARIAN)

8 oz. (227 grams) dry egg noodles (equals about 4 cups of dry noodles)
2 teaspoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup chicken or vegetable stock or milk
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
1/2 cup chopped chives, plus extra for garnish
Salt and pepper, to taste

Cook the noodles according to package directions (usually 5 to 6 minutes for al dente noodles). Drain the water once cooked and return the noodles to the pot.
Add the butter and stir until melted. Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock (or milk) and add the sour cream and dijon. Add the chives and stir until the noodles are thoroughly coated.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with additional chopped chives and serve immediately.

Bon Appétit and Enjoy!

For more great ideas using chives, check out the Chive Archives.

Sour Cream and Chive Noodles make an easy and delicious side dish

Get updates from The Seasonal Gourmet on Facebook and Twitter. Join the conversation today!

Copyright Trish Coleman. Please contact the author to obtain permission for republication.

Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: Chives, Cooking, Food, Recipes, Spring
Categories : Chives, Recipes, Spring

Tempura Chive Blossoms

26 05 2010

Chives are easy to grow and very versatile.

Chives are one of my favourite herbs and they couldn’t be easier to grow. Stick some in a pot or garden and they will reappear each spring without any tending, spreading and becoming more robust each year. The green chive stems can be used in a number of dishes and make a great garnish but their pretty purple blossoms are edible as well.

Chive blossoms: pretty decoration or delicious snack? They're both!

Chive blossoms can be dipped in a simple tempura batter and fried to make a delicious appetizer with a delicate oniony flavour. Tempura is a method of battering and frying seafood and vegetables that is popular in Japanese restaurants. It sounds exotic but requires nothing more than some pantry basics. Serve with cold beer, sake or sparkling wine.

Tempura Chive Blossoms

(VEGETARIAN)

Makes 30 to 35 blossoms

30 to 35 large chive blossoms with about 1″ of chive stem still attached
1 cup ice cold water (in a 2 cup measuring cup, add one cup of ice cubes and one cup of water – measure out 1 cup of water when ready to use)
1 large egg
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of salt plus extra for finishing
Oil for frying (preferably a neutral oil such as safflower)
Chopped chives for garnish
Lemon wedges (optional)

In a large bowl, add ice water and egg. Beat until smooth and thoroughly combined.
Add flour, baking powder and a pinch of salt. Whisk batter until completely smooth and combined.
Carefully place chive blossoms in batter and gently stir until blossoms are coated.
Heat enough oil in a large, heavy bottomed saucepan to measure about 1″ deep. Heat on high heat until it reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit or a small piece of bread can be fried to golden brown in about 10 seconds.
Carefully place about 10 of the blossoms in the oil, wiping off any excess batter against the edge of the bowl as you lift them out. You can use the stems to handle them.
Reduce the heat slightly to medium-high and fry the blossoms until golden brown, about two minutes. Use a slotted spoon or spider to remove the blossoms and place on a paper towel-lined plate.
Repeat with remaining blossoms, working in batches.
Sprinkle cooked blossoms generously with salt and serve immediately. Garnish with chopped chives and serve with lemon wedges if desired.

Bon Appétit and Enjoy!