韭菜炒鸭蛋 Chinese Chives and Scrambled Duck Eggs

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Pinyin: jiǔ cài chǎo yā dàn

Chinese chives are just one of the over 700 species of Alium. They are also commonly referred to as Chinese leek, garlic chives, or Oriental garlic chives while biologists typically refer to them as Allium Ramosum. They have been common throughout Chinese kitchens for over 2,000 years but only recently have made their way to Western markets. Chives are common throughout Europe, North America, and Asia but are much more mild than their Asian cousins.

Preferring to grow in cool weather Chinese chives make an ideal Spring or Autumn vegetable. The leaves are used to flavor dishes with their mild garlic flavor, while the tall white flowers can be eaten or used as an ornamental decoration. Chinese chives can be used in many of the same ways that scallions might be used.

Containing Vitamins A, B, C, iron and calcium Chinese chives are nutritious vegetables and they are also a valuable tool in Chinese medicine. They contain many of the same compounds as garlic and their oils help to aid in healing bruises, and easing mild food poisoning.

The Chinese chives and scrambled duck eggs dish above is an excellent example of what can be done with a rather ordinary vegetable. This is also a great example of a simple dish that can be considered part of Chinese home style cooking. The slight garlic flavors of the chives come through and mingle with the salty flavors of the scrambled eggs. The duck eggs provide a rich full bodied taste that feels thicker than chicken eggs. Of course chicken eggs could have easily been substituted without a substantial difference. The chives wilt upon cooking, but are often stringy, though not in an displeasing manner.

Trying this dish at home is quite simple. Mix the eggs together with a bit of salt pour them into a heated oiled wok and scramble till they are cooking but still runny, then add the Chinese chives and mix them until the eggs are cooked and the vegetables are wilted. Use a medium heat and be careful to not overcook the eggs.

This is a simple dish that uses ingredients not so unusual from what might be found in any Western kitchen, but they are put together in an unexpected way that delivers a fresh perspective on what could otherwise be a dull meal. Get out there and try this dish, cook it, eat it, enjoy it.