Japanese people have many ways of cooking food to improve nutrition and make dishes more delicious. One of those methods is the use of chives in their daily cooking.
What are the benefits of frying eggs with chives?
Also known as Chinese chives or garlic chives, chives are rich in medicinal properties and have a distinct aroma. They are not only used in dishes but also in traditional medicine to treat various diseases. According to traditional Chinese medicine, raw chives have a cooling effect, but when cooked, they have a spicy taste that helps to warm the body, dispel toxins, and promote effective detoxification.
Because of these benefits, Japanese people are highly fond of chives. When frying eggs, they rarely use green onions like we do; instead, they use chives to improve their health and ward off diseases. Many Japanese families also stir-fry chives with meat or sprinkle them on tofu. They eat this dish all year round, but especially during the summer.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), chives are a low-calorie food that is rich in beneficial nutrients and antioxidants. Here are some of the benefits of chives, which is why the Japanese use this vegetable a lot:
– Improving cardiovascular health and blood circulation, promoting longevity
As mentioned before, chives are rich in antioxidants such as organosulfur and thiosulfate, which help prevent blood clotting and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The antioxidants in chives also contribute to anti-aging by reducing wrinkles.
– Improving digestive health
Chives have the ability to eliminate harmful bacteria, fungi, and yeast that often hinder the digestion process in the intestines. In addition, the antibacterial properties of chives help eliminate at least 30 strains of salmonella that cause gastrointestinal dysfunction. This vegetable also helps reduce bloating and stimulate digestion.
– Preventing cancer
Chives contain the compound alliums, which can prevent and support the treatment of certain types of cancer. Additionally, other compounds found in chives, such as sulfur, help inhibit the development and spread of cancer cells throughout the body.
Furthermore, in a study of 285 women, experts concluded that consuming vegetables from the Alliaceae family, such as chives, helps reduce the risk of breast cancer.
– Preventing osteoporosis
Chives are rich in vitamin K, an important substance for bone and joint formation. If consumed regularly, this vitamin can be effective in preventing and treating osteoporosis. Additionally, the vitamin A in chives also inhibits the progression of osteoporosis in the elderly.
– Improving memory and cognitive function
Chives contain choline and folate, which are directly related to improving brain function and enhancing memory in older adults. Moreover, they also help limit cognitive and mood disorders, significantly improving memory and preventing memory loss.
How to make Fried Eggs with Chives
Preparation
Crack 4 eggs into a bowl. Peel and slice the shallots. Remove the stems from the chili and chop it.
Pick out fresh and golden chives, wash them thoroughly, and cut them into finger-length pieces.
Prepare the egg mixture
Whisk the 4 eggs until well beaten, then add 1/2 tablespoon of fish sauce and 1 chopped chili, and mix well.
Next, add the cut chives and stir well.
Note: If you don’t like spicy food, you can skip adding the chili!
Frying the eggs
Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a pan, add sliced shallots and sauté until fragrant. When the shallots turn slightly yellow, pour in the entire egg and chives mixture.
Use a fork and a spoon to spread the chives evenly over the surface of the eggs. Fry the eggs over low heat for 3 – 5 minutes until the surface of the eggs is set.
Afterward, turn off the heat temporarily. Place a plate on top of the pan and flip the eggs over, with the remaining side facing down. Then, turn on the heat to low and continue frying for another 2 – 3 minutes until done.
