Chili & Chinese Chive Delight

Eggs: Beyond Breakfast & Baking

While often pigeonholed as merely breakfast or baking essentials, eggs deserve broader culinary acclaim. When spotlighted, they ascend to dinner or lunch highlights. The chili & Chinese chive delight, for instance, is a testament to the egg’s aptitude to shine brilliantly.

Harvesting the Garden’s Gift: Chinese Chives

As the summer sun bids farewell, the remnants of my garden’s garlic chives beckon. During those mid-summer moments when chive growth is in full force, a trip outdoors gifts us a lush green feast. Almost magically, within a fortnight, they spring back as if echoing nature’s resilience, much like our evergreen lawn.

Our family staple, the Chinese Chives & Eggs, is a testament to the beauty of simplicity. But this recipe takes that staple to new heights by introducing the enticing flavors of salted Hunan chili peppers, aptly named duo jiao. Synonymous with a burst of umami flavor, these chilies are renowned for their use in delectable dishes like Hunan Steamed Fish with Salted Chilies and Tofu (Duo Jiao Yu).

The unique melding of flavors in this Revitalized Chili & Chinese Chive Delight, whether as a frittata or a scramble for those rushed days, has nestled its way into my heart. Pair it with a hearty bowl of rice, and it’s nothing short of a culinary triumph.

Ingredients

• 6 radiant eggs
• ⅛ teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon Shaoxing wine
• ¼ teaspoon ground white pepper
• ¼ teaspoon aromatic sesame oil
• 5 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1½ cups Chinese chives (lovingly chopped)
• ¼ cup hunan chili peppers (adjust according to your flavor adventure—remember, they’re rich in saltiness!)

Creating Your Eggstravaganza

1. In a cozy bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, Shaoxing wine, white pepper, and sesame oil. Bring a skillet to life over medium-high heat, gracing it with the 5 tablespoons of oil.
2. Introduce the chives to the skillet, stirring until they’ve embraced the heat. Follow up with the Hunan chilies, ensuring a harmonious spread.
3. Gently pour the egg mixture over, letting it cascade across the vibrant greens and reds. For those who crave a quick scramble, mingle them with love, ensuring the egg retains its soft texture.
4. Crafting a frittata? Dial down the heat to medium, allowing the egg to solidify in poetic grace. When the moment feels right, guide your frittata onto a plate, cloak it with the pan, and with a deep breath and daring spirit, flip it into perfection. Continue its journey on the flame till no runny tales remain. Ready, set, and indulge in the masterpiece you’ve just crafted!

A Heartfelt Tip

The joy in this dish lies not just in its flavors but in the shared memories and laughter around the table. Let it not just be a dish, but a bridge to cherished moments.