Are you looking for a way to add some extra flavor and visual appeal to your dishes? Look no further than chive blossoms! These delicate, onion-flavored flowers are a delicious addition to many recipes. From savory main courses to sweet treats, we’ve rounded up 20 mouth-watering ideas that showcase the versatility of chive blossoms.
Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy appetizer or a show-stopping centerpiece, our collection of recipes has something for everyone. Try using chive blossoms to add a burst of flavor to your favorite salad dressing, or use them as a topping for deviled eggs. You can even infuse oil with their subtle onion taste for a unique finishing touch.
In this article, we’ll explore the many uses of chive blossoms in cooking and share our top 20 recipes for making the most of this delicious ingredient.
Chive Blossom Vinegar
This recipe captures the delicate flavor of chive blossoms and transforms them into a unique and flavorful vinegar, perfect for adding a touch of springtime to your dishes. With just a few simple steps, you can create this elegant condiment to elevate your cooking.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup chive blossoms
– 2 cups white wine vinegar
– 1 tablespoon sugar
Instructions:
1. Rinse the chive blossoms with cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
2. Combine the chive blossoms, white wine vinegar, and sugar in a clean glass jar or container.
3. Cover the jar and let it sit at room temperature for 4-6 weeks, shaking the mixture every few days to allow the flavors to meld.
4. After the infusion period, strain the vinegar through cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into another container. Discard the solids.
Cooking Time:
– Infusion time: 4-6 weeks
– Straining and discarding solids: 15 minutes
Chive Blossom Butter
This recipe brings together the sweetness of chives and the richness of butter, creating a unique and delicious spread perfect for topping toast, using as a dip, or adding to sauces. With minimal ingredients and simple preparation, you can enjoy this flavorful butter in no time.
Ingredients:
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons chive blossoms (or 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives)
• Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whip the softened butter until light and fluffy.
2. Add the chive blossoms or chopped chives to the butter and mix until well combined.
3. Season with salt to taste.
4. Transfer the butter mixture to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a prepared spread.
Chive Blossom Pesto
This recipe celebrates the delicate flavor of chive blossoms, adding a burst of springtime freshness to your pasta dishes. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll be enjoying this delicious pesto in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh chive blossoms
– 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a food processor or blender, combine chive blossoms, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and garlic.
2. Process until the mixture is smooth and well combined, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Season with salt to taste.
4. Transfer the pesto to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready when you are.
Chive Blossom Salad Dressing
Brighten up your salad game with this refreshing and flavorful Chive Blossom Salad Dressing! Made with the sweet and oniony flavor of chives, this dressing is perfect for springtime salads.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons buttermilk or sour cream
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and buttermilk/sour cream until smooth.
2. Add the chopped chives, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None! This dressing is ready in just a few minutes.
Use this delicious Chive Blossom Salad Dressing on your favorite springtime greens, or get creative with it as a dip for veggies or crackers. Enjoy!
Chive Blossom Frittata
This recipe celebrates the fleeting beauty of chive blossoms, adding a delicate floral flavor to a traditional frittata. Perfect for brunch or a light dinner.
Ingredients:
– 6 eggs
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh chives with blossoms
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. In a bowl, whisk together eggs and a pinch of salt. Pour the egg mixture over the onion in the skillet.
4. Sprinkle the chopped chives with blossoms evenly across the eggs.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the edges start to set.
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the frittata is cooked through and golden brown.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Chive Blossom and Goat Cheese Tart
This elegant tart combines the delicate flavor of chive blossoms with the creaminess of goat cheese, perfect for a springtime gathering or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh chive blossoms
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
2. In a small bowl, mix together goat cheese and chive blossoms. Spread the mixture evenly over the center of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
3. Fold the edges of the pastry up over the filling, pressing gently to seal.
4. Brush the top with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chive Blossom Infused Oil
Elevate your culinary creations with the delicate flavor of chives. This infused oil is perfect for adding a subtle oniony taste to various dishes, from soups and sauces to salad dressings.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup neutral-tasting oil (such as canola or grapeseed)
– 2 cups fresh chive blossoms
– Cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer
Instructions:
1. Rinse the chive blossoms with cold water, then gently pat them dry to remove excess moisture.
2. In a clean glass jar, combine the oil and chive blossoms. Stir well to ensure the blossoms are fully submerged in oil.
3. Store the mixture at room temperature for 2-4 weeks, shaking the jar every few days to allow the flavors to meld.
4. After the infusion period, strain the oil through cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer into a clean container. Discard the solids and use the infused oil immediately or store it in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time: None
Chive Blossom and Potato Soup
This creamy soup combines the subtle onion flavor of chive blossoms with the comforting warmth of potatoes, perfect for a cozy evening meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups chopped fresh chive blossoms (or 1 tablespoon dried)
– 3 large potatoes, peeled and diced
– 4 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the diced potatoes, chicken broth, and chive blossoms (or dried chives). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chive Blossom Deviled Eggs
These deviled eggs get a burst of flavor and color from the addition of chive blossoms, adding an elegant touch to your next gathering. This simple recipe is perfect for springtime entertaining.
Ingredients:
– 6 large egg yolks
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Chopped chive blossoms (about 1 tablespoon)
– Paprika, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cut the egg whites in half lengthwise and carefully remove the yolks.
2. In a bowl, mix together the yolks, mayonnaise, mustard, horseradish, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Stir in the chopped chive blossoms.
4. Spoon the yolk mixture into the egg white halves.
5. Sprinkle paprika on top of each deviled egg for added color and flavor.
6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: None (assembly only)
Chive Blossom and Cream Cheese Spread
Elevate your snack game with this refreshing and flavorful spread, perfect for topping crackers, veggies, or using as a dip.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup chive blossoms (fresh or dried)
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add the chive blossoms and mix until well combined.
3. Add the softened butter and mix until fully incorporated.
4. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Chive Blossom Risotto
Elevate your risotto game with the subtle onion flavor and delicate charm of chive blossoms, perfect for a springtime dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
– 2 tablespoons chive blossoms, chopped
– 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the chicken broth in a separate pot and keep warm.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the Arborio rice and stir to coat with oil and mix with the onion. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
4. If using wine, add it to the skillet and cook until absorbed, stirring constantly.
5. Add 1/2 cup of warmed broth to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until absorbed. Repeat this process, adding the broth in 1/2 cup increments, until the rice is cooked and creamy (about 20-25 minutes).
6. Stir in chopped chive blossoms and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chive Blossom and Lemon Pasta
This light and flavorful pasta dish celebrates the sweetness of chive blossoms and the brightness of lemon, perfect for a springtime dinner party or a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice
– 1/4 cup chive blossoms (or 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives)
– 2 lemons, zested and juiced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
3. Add chive blossoms (or chopped chives) and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently.
4. Stir in lemon zest and juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Toss cooked pasta with the chive-lemon mixture. Top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chive Blossom and Cucumber Salad
A refreshing summer salad that combines the delicate flavor of chive blossoms with the cool crunch of cucumbers, perfect for a light and satisfying side dish or main course.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup chive blossoms (fresh or dried)
– 2 large cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine chive blossoms and cucumber slices.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, and olive oil until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the chive blossom mixture and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley leaves if desired.
6. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: None (prepare just before serving)
Chive Blossom and Smoked Salmon Canapés
Elevate your gathering with these delicate and flavorful canapés, perfect for showcasing the beauty of chive blossoms and smoked salmon. With just a few ingredients, you’ll be enjoying an impressive and easy-to-make hors d’oeuvre in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup chive blossoms
– 6 ounces smoked salmon, flaked
– 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Arrange chive blossoms on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each flower.
4. In a small bowl, mix together cream cheese and lemon juice until smooth.
5. Place a dollop of the cheese mixture onto each chive blossom, followed by a spoonful of flaked smoked salmon.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is lightly browned.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley leaves before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Chive Blossom and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Elevate your pasta game with this creative take on classic stuffed shells, featuring the sweet flavor of chive blossoms and the creaminess of ricotta cheese.
Ingredients:
– 12 jumbo pasta shells
– 1 cup fresh chive blossoms, chopped
– 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, lightly beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper; mix until smooth.
4. Stir in chopped chive blossoms.
5. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the ricotta mixture, placing them in a baking dish as you go.
6. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
7. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until shells are lightly browned.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Chive Blossom and Garlic Bread
Elevate your bread game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the sweetness of chive blossoms with the pungency of garlic. Perfect as a side dish or used to mop up sauces from your favorite pasta dishes.
Ingredients:
– 1 baguette, sliced into 1-inch pieces
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup fresh chive blossoms (or scallions)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together minced garlic and olive oil.
3. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet.
4. Brush the garlic-olive oil mixture evenly over the bread pieces.
5. Sprinkle chive blossoms over the bread, making sure each piece has some of the delicate flowers.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Chive Blossom and Herb Roasted Chicken
Elevate your roasted chicken game with this flavorful recipe, where the subtle sweetness of chive blossoms pairs perfectly with a medley of fresh herbs. This aromatic dish is sure to become a new favorite!
Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 tsp black pepper
– 1 lemon, quartered
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse and pat dry the chicken.
3. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, chopped chives, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
5. Stuff the cavity with the quartered lemon.
6. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and roast for 45-50 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: Approximately 45-50 minutes
Chive Blossom and Avocado Toast
Elevate your breakfast game with this flavorful toast, featuring the subtle oniony notes of chive blossoms paired with creamy avocado.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices whole grain bread (toasted)
– 1 ripe avocado, mashed
– 2 tablespoons chive blossoms, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. Toast the bread until lightly browned.
2. Spread a layer of mashed avocado on each slice.
3. Sprinkle chopped chive blossoms over the avocado.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately, with lemon wedges on the side if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Chive Blossom and Corn Fritters
These crispy fritters are the perfect way to enjoy the sweetness of summer, with the added bonus of edible chive blossoms. A delightful twist on traditional corn fritters, this recipe is sure to impress your friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cups cornmeal
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives (including blossoms)
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, cheese, chives, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg and buttermilk.
3. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Drop tablespoonfuls of batter into the oil and fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
6. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Chive Blossom and Honey Glazed Carrots
Elevate your side dish game with this sweet and savory recipe, where the subtle onion flavor of chive blossoms pairs perfectly with the richness of honey.
Ingredients:
– 4 large carrots, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh chive blossoms (or 1 tablespoon dried chives)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine carrots, butter, honey, chive blossoms, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss until the carrots are evenly coated with the glaze.
4. Spread the carrot mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until the carrots are tender and caramelized.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get ready to elevate your cooking with these 20 delectable recipes that feature chive blossoms as the star ingredient. From savory sauces and spreads to elegant entrees and side dishes, there’s something for every occasion in this collection. Discover how to make flavorful vinegars, butters, and pestos, or get creative with frittatas, tarts, and soups. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary newbie, these chive blossom recipes are sure to inspire your next meal.